Jobs You Can Learn By Being an Apprentice
An apprentice prepares for a career by receiving a combination of classroom and on-the-job training. Apprenticeships were originally designed to develop a workforce in the skilled trades, for example construction and manufacturing. Apprentices can now receive job training in a variety of fields including technology and healthcare.
Should you become an apprentice? If you want to enter a highly skilled occupation that doesn't have a bachelor's or more advanced degree among its educational requirements, an apprenticeship may be the best way to receive your training.
As an apprentice, you will get paid while you learn. You may earn college credits as well.
Here are some apprenticeable occupations:
- Glazier: Glaziers install, repair and remove windows, mirrors, skylights and other products that are made of glass.
- Boilermaker: Boilermakers install and maintain boilers and containers used to store chemicals, oil and other liquids.
- Elevator Mechanic: Elevator mechanics install and repair elevators and escalators.
- Electrician: Electricians install wiring and other electrical components in homes and businesses.
- Carpenter: Carpenters assemble and install wooden fixtures, as well as those made of other materials including fiberglass, plastic and drywall.
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Worker: Reinforcing iron and rebar workers use wire mesh, steel bars (rebar) and cables to reinforce concrete.
- HVAC Technician: HVAC technicians install and repair heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
- Mason: Masons use bricks, concrete blocks and natural stones to build structures.
- Construction Equipment Operator: Construction equipment operators move materials around construction sites.
- Construction Helper: Construction helpers assist construction tradespeople like electricians and carpenters.
- Dental Assistant: Dental assistants tend to office and laboratory duties in dentists' offices. Some states allow them to also provide patient care.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic: EMTs and paramedics provide onsite emergency care to ill or injured people.
- Medical Assistant: Medical assistants perform clerical and clinical tasks in physicians' offices.
- Biomedical Equipment Technician: Biomedical equipment technicians fix equipment found in medical facilities.
- Home Health Aide: Home health aides provide basic medical services to patients with disabilities, chronic illnesses, cognitive impairments or age-related problems.
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): LPNs take care of patients under the supervision of registered nurses.
- Surgical Technologist: Surgical technologists assist surgeons and registered nurses in operating rooms.
- Radiologic Technologist: Radiologic technologists use x ray equipment, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and mammography to help medical doctors diagnose diseases and injuries.
- Pharmacy Technician: Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists prepare prescription medications for customers.
- Laboratory Technician: Laboratory technicians perform tests and procedures that help doctors and other medical professionals diagnose diseases, plan treatments and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.
- Medical Secretary: Medical secretaries take telephone calls, make appointments, greet patients and perform other clerical duties in medical offices.
- Medical Transcriptionist: Medical transcriptionists translate doctors' dictated recordings into written reports and correspondence.
Office and Administrative Support
- Paralegal: Paralegals help attorneys prepare for trials and hearings, do research and draft legal documents.
- Human Resources Assistant: Human resources assistants help human resources specialists by tending to clerical duties including answering telephone calls, scheduling appointments and writing correspondence.
- Engineering Technician: Engineering technicians help engineers and scientists solve problems in research and development, manufacturing and construction.
- Broadcast Technician: Broadcast technicians use special electrical equipment to regulate the clarity and strength of broadcast signals.
- Computer Support Specialist: Computer support specialists assist computer users with computer software, hardware and peripherals.
- Computer Programmer: Computer programmers write code for software and operating systems.
- Chef or Cook: Chefs and cooks prepare food in dining establishments. Some also supervise other workers.
- Cosmetologist or Hairdresser: Cosmetologists, hairdressers and those working in related occupations provide beauty services.
- Photographer: Photographers takes pictures in order to record events and tell stories.
Do you want more information about apprenticeships? Read What is an Apprenticeship? to get more facts about this type of training and find out how you can find an apprenticeship.