Yes, high school students can start an apprenticeship. Youth apprenticeship programs serve ages 16 to 24 and combine paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction that leads to an industry-recognized credential. Students usually start through a pre-apprenticeship class at school or a youth apprenticeship agreement signed by the student, the employer, and a parent. Ask your school counselor or career and technical education (CTE) teacher what’s available locally.
I tell my students this every year: college is a great path, and it isn’t the only one. Some of the most successful people I know learned a trade, got paid while they trained, and finished with no student debt. An apprenticeship is one of the best ways to do that, and you can start before you graduate.
What Is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a job that comes with structured training. You work for an employer, learn from experienced workers, take related classes, and earn a credential at the end. Unlike an internship, you’re paid from day one, and your pay usually goes up as your skills grow.
Registered apprenticeships are approved by the U.S. Department of Labor or a state agency, which means the training meets set standards and the credential is recognized across the industry.
How Youth Apprenticeship Works
According to the Department of Labor, youth apprenticeship programs serve young people ages 16 to 24 and include three main parts:
- Paid work experience with an employer
- Related classroom instruction, often through your high school or a community college
- An industry-recognized credential you can take to any employer in that field
The Department of Labor describes two common routes for high school students:
- Pre-apprenticeship: You take courses connected to a field that count toward graduation, can begin on-the-job learning at 16, and apply for a full apprenticeship at or before graduation.
- Apprenticeship that starts in high school: You sign an agreement with an employer (plus a parent or guardian if you’re under 18). Work happens during school breaks or through a work-study schedule. You might finish in high school or keep going after graduation, sometimes through dual enrollment at a community college.
What Fields Offer Apprenticeships?
More than you’d think. Construction and skilled trades are the classic examples: electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, welder, carpenter. But apprenticeships also exist in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, information technology, cybersecurity, automotive repair, and public administration. The Department of Labor reported more than 100,000 registered youth apprentices in 2019, many in healthcare, manufacturing, and public administration.
Is an Apprenticeship Right for You?
It might be a strong fit if you:
- Learn best by doing
- Want to earn money while you train
- Want to avoid or limit student debt
- Already know (or want to find out) whether you like a specific kind of work
- Are responsible enough to show up on time to a real job, every time
That last one matters. An apprenticeship treats you like an adult employee, because that’s what you are. If you’re still deciding between paths, read trade school vs. four-year college: how to decide.
How to Find One
- Talk to your school counselor or CTE teacher. Many districts partner with local employers and know which programs take high school students.
- Search Apprenticeship.gov. The federal site has a job finder where you can search by location and field.
- Check your state’s apprenticeship office. Many states run youth apprenticeship programs with their own requirements.
- Ask local employers and unions directly. Electrical, plumbing, and carpentry unions often run their own programs and info sessions.
- Look at your community college. Many colleges coordinate the classroom part of apprenticeships and can connect you with employers.
How to Get Ready Now
- Take any CTE classes your school offers in a field that interests you.
- Keep your math grades up. Many trades use more math than people expect.
- Build a short resume, even with no experience. (Here’s how to write a resume with no work experience.)
- Get your driver’s license if you can. Many job sites aren’t on a bus line.
- Show up, every day. Attendance is the first thing many employers ask your school about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do apprentices get paid?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from the start, and pay usually increases as they complete training milestones.
How old do you have to be?
Youth apprenticeship programs generally serve ages 16 to 24. Some jobs, especially in construction, have a minimum age of 18 for safety reasons, so the details depend on the field.
Can I still go to college if I do an apprenticeship?
Yes. Many apprenticeships include college credit, and some lead directly into an associate degree. An apprenticeship doesn’t close the college door.
Does an apprenticeship count toward graduation?
Often, yes. Pre-apprenticeship and work-based learning courses can count toward graduation requirements. Ask your counselor how your district handles it.
What’s the difference between an apprenticeship and an internship?
Apprenticeships are paid, longer, and end with a recognized credential. Internships are usually shorter, sometimes unpaid, and focused on exposure rather than full job training.
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About Clay Shumate
Clay Shumate is a certified secondary history teacher with an M.Ed. in Secondary Education and seven years of classroom experience. He writes about helping students take ownership of their learning, and about how families and schools can work together without talking down to young people.