How to Get an Apprenticeship and Avoid Student Loan Debt
Student loan debt in the United States has been a growing issue for a very long time. Today’s total student debt soars over $1.7 trillion, with the average college graduate owing $20,000 to $25,000. If you’re considering your academic journey or giving advice to someone who is, it’s important to weigh the alternatives to traditional college that could significantly lower your financial burden.
One of the most desirable non-traditional career paths is registering in an apprenticeship program. Not only do apprentice programs offer a viable path to a rewarding career, but they also relieve the financial burden commonly associated with higher education.
The Apprenticeship Advantage: Hands-On Learning
Apprenticeships blend hands-on activities with a theoretical foundation. As opposed to traditional higher education that could leave you mired in student loan debt, apprenticeships let you to “earn while you learn.” These programs have been underutilized in the past but are getting renewed attention from employers and academic institutions as they recognize the value of practical experience in career development.
Why the Resurgence in Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeship programs aren’t only about debt avoidance; they’re also about employability and skill mastery. Traditional degree programs usually focus on theoretical knowledge, which is definitely important but lacks the real-world application that employers want. Apprenticeships bridge this gap by making you job-ready and equipping you with the tools needed to stand out in your preferred field right away.
Apprenticeship Paths: Trade and Academic
Learning the styles of apprenticeships available will help you make a more informed decision. Here’s some of the key details of the two primary options.
Trade Apprenticeships
These programs prepare you for jobs where a college degree is typically unnecessary. While society’s concentration on higher education has led to a decline in these types of apprenticeships, the lack of skilled tradespeople has created a surge in demand and, therefore, higher salaries.
The Department of Labor estimates that apprentices in trade fields earn around $15 per hour while training, or $31,200 annually if training full time. When the program is over, the average apprentice could earn the following salaries upon joining the workforce:
- Electrician: $49,840
- Plumber and pipe-fitter: $49,140
- HVAC technician: $43,640
- Solar panel installer: $37,900
- Auto mechanic: $36,610
- Construction worker: $30,000 to $45,000
Academic Apprenticeships
Academic institutions are increasingly incorporating apprenticeships in their degree programs, in particular for fields like engineering, health care and information technology (IT). The pros are two-fold: students obtain real-world experience while fulfilling academic requirements, and they earn a wage, limiting the need for loans.
How to Apply For an Apprenticeship
A number of resources are able to support you in finding an apprenticeship. Here’s where to look:
- Trade organizations and unions: Begin by contacting specific institutions relevant to your field of interest to see if they have any available apprenticeships.
- US Department of Labor: The DOL website has a searchable database of apprenticeship programs that you can filter by geographic region, which is an outstanding resource for career seekers all over the country.
- Educational institutions: If you’re looking to work while obtaining a degree, colleges and universities are a helpful initial point of contact. The programs most likely to offer apprenticeships as part of the degree program include computer and IT, engineering, nursing, business management or consumer science.
- Trade company websites: Many companies post apprenticeship opportunities on their job pages.
- Networking: In some cases, the old-school way is the best strategy. Talking to people in the industry can offer you insider information on upcoming opportunities.
Selecting the Perfect Apprenticeship for You
When you follow the traditional college route, you select a major based on your interests. Next, you look for job opportunities affiliated with that major. But, pursuing an apprenticeship demands you to think in reverse.
Begin by choosing the majors and career paths that incorporate or require apprenticeships. Then, pick one of the available apprenticeships from your narrowed-down list that sparks your interest, matches your skill set or offers the best income, depending on your priorities. This approach helps you match your educational pathway with real-world opportunities, which makes for a smoother transition into the job market and a satisfying career for years to come.
Apply For the Service Experts Career Academy
Are you looking to avoid racking up student loan debt while pursuing a rewarding career? Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning offers a top-of-the-line apprenticeship program called Service Experts Career Academy (SECA). SECA offers advanced HVAC training and on-the-job learning facilitated by knowledgeable industry professionals. The curriculum is tailored to equip you with vital skills and make you a master in your field—all while preventing your own student debt crisis.
The path to a satisfying, debt-free career starts with making informed choices. If you’re ready to take control of your future with help from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, please get in touch with us to learn more about Service Experts Career Academy. Reach out at 954-736-4314 today to learn more!
