How to Get an Apprenticeship and Avoid Student Loan Debt

Student loan debt in the United States has been a growing problem for a very long time. Today’s total student debt has reached some $1.7 trillion, with the average college graduate owing $20,000 to $25,000. If you’re considering your academic journey or advising someone who is, it’s crucial to weigh the alternatives to traditional college that could considerably lower your financial burden.

One of the most popular ways to do this is participating in an apprenticeship program. Not only do apprentice programs offer a good path to a rewarding career, but they also reduce the financial burden commonly connected with higher education.

The Apprenticeship Advantage: Learning by Doing

Apprenticeships blend hands-on activities with a theoretical foundation. Unlike traditional higher education that may leave you mired in student loan debt, apprenticeships allow you to “earn while you learn.” These programs haven’t been fully utilized in the past but are acquiring renewed focus from employers and academic institutions as they realize the value of practical experience in career development.

Why the Focus on Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeship programs are not 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 covet. Apprenticeships bridge this gap by helping you get job-ready and equipping you with the tools needed to shine in your desired field right off the hop.

Apprenticeship Pathways: Trade and Academic

Knowing the styles of apprenticeships available can help you make a more informed decision. Here’s some of the key details of the two main options.

Trade Apprenticeships

These programs prepare you for jobs where a college degree is frequently not needed. While society’s concentration on higher education has caused a decline in these types of apprenticeships, the lack of skilled tradespeople has produced a surge in demand and, consequently, higher salaries.

The Department of Labor reports that apprentices in trade fields earn around $15 per hour while training, or $31,200 annually if training full time. Once the program is over, the average apprentice may 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 integrating apprenticeships in their degree programs, particularly for professions such as 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 Find an Apprenticeship

A number of resources are available to support you in finding an apprenticeship. Here’s organizations and individuals who may have more information:

• Trade organizations and unions: Begin by reaching out to specific institutions relevant 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 programs that you can search by geographic region, which is an outstanding resource for career seekers across the country.
• Educational institutions: If you want 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 most often are in computer and IT, engineering, nursing, business management or consumer science.
• Trade company websites: Many companies post apprenticeship opportunities on their career pages.
• Networking: In some cases, the old-school way is the best strategy. Talking to people in the industry can provide you with insider information on possible opportunities.

Finding the Right Apprenticeship for You

When you go the traditional academic route, you choose a major based on your passion. After that, you discover job opportunities affiliated with that major. But, pursuing an apprenticeship requires you to think in reverse.

Begin by pinpointing 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 best income, depending on your priorities. This strategy helps you coordinate 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 racking up student loan debt while pursuing a satisfying career? Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing offers an excellent apprenticeship program called Service Experts Career Academy (SECA). SECA offers modern HVAC training and on-the-job learning facilitated by Expert industry professionals. The curriculum is created to equip you with critical skills and make you a master in your field—all while averting your own student debt crisis.

The path to a worthwhile, debt-free profession should begin with making informed choices. If you’re eager 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. Call us at 866-397-3787 today to learn more!