How to Get an Apprenticeship and Avoid Student Loan Debt

Student loan debt across the nation has been a growing concern 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 thinking about your educational journey or giving advice to someone who is, it’s crucial to weigh the alternatives to traditional college that could significantly lower your financial burden.

One of the easiest ways to go about this is registering in an apprenticeship program. Not only do apprentice programs offer a viable path to a satisfying career, but they also relieve the financial burden commonly linked with higher education.

The Apprenticeship Advantage: Hands-On Learning

Apprenticeships merge hands-on learning with a theoretical foundation. In contrast to traditional higher education that may leave you smothered in student loan debt, apprenticeships let you to “earn while you learn.” These programs haven’t been used as much as they could have in the past but are getting renewed interest from employers and academic institutions as they recognize the value of practical experience in career development.

Why the Renewed Interest in Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeship programs aren’t only about debt avoidance; they’re also about employability and skill mastery. Traditional degree programs often target 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 outfitting you with the tools needed to shine in your chosen field right off the hop.

Apprenticeship Paths: Trade and Academic

Learning the kinds of apprenticeships available is a good first step and will help you make a more informed decision. Here’s some of the key details of the two major options.

Trade Apprenticeships

These programs prepare you for careers where a college degree is frequently not required. While society’s focus on higher education has caused a decline in these kinds of apprenticeships, the lack of skilled tradespeople has caused a surge in demand and, as a result, higher salaries.

The Department of Labor estimates that apprentices in trade fields earn around $15 per hour while training, or $31,200 yearly if training full time. When the program is over, the average apprentice can 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 frequently incorporating apprenticeships in their degree programs, particularly for fields like engineering, health care and information technology (IT). The pros are two-fold: students receive real-world experience while fulfilling academic requirements, and they earn a wage, reducing the need for loans.

How to Apply For an Apprenticeship

A couple of different resources are available to help you get an apprenticeship. Here’s places that may have more details:

• Trade organizations and unions: Start by reaching out to specific institutions related to your field of interest to see if they have any contacts.
• US Department of Labor: The DOL website has a searchable database of apprenticeship positions that you can filter by geographic region, which is an excellent resource for career seekers across 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 incorporate apprenticeships as part of the degree program include computer and IT, engineering, nursing, business management or consumer science.
• Trade company websites: Numerous companies post apprenticeship opportunities on their career pages.
• Networking: Occasionally, the traditional way is the best approach. Talking to people in the business can provide you with insider information on possible opportunities.

Selecting the Perfect Apprenticeship for You

When you go the traditional higher education route, you choose a major based on your interests. Then, you look for job opportunities connected with that major. But, pursuing an apprenticeship requires you to think in reverse.

Start by choosing the majors and career paths that incorporate or require apprenticeships. Next, pick one of the available apprenticeships from your narrowed-down list that sparks your interest, meets your skill set or offers the most lucrative income, depending on your priorities. This strategy helps you align 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.

Earn While You Learn at Service Experts Career Academy

Are you looking to avoid the student loan trap while developing a fulfilling career? Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing offers a standout apprenticeship program called Service Experts Career Academy (SECA). SECA offers modern HVAC training and on-the-job learning facilitated by knowledgeable industry professionals. The curriculum is created to equip you with critical 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 & Plumbing, please contact us to learn more about Service Experts Career Academy. Contact us at 866-397-3787 today to learn more!