How to Get an Apprenticeship and Avoid Student Loan Debt

Student loan debt across the nation has been a growing problem for years. Today’s total student debt soars over $1.7 trillion, with the average college graduate owing $20,000 to $25,000. If you’re contemplating your academic journey or advising someone who is, it’s crucial to weigh the alternatives to traditional college that could greatly lower your financial burden.

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

The Apprenticeship Advantage: Learning by Doing

Apprenticeships merge hands-on learning with a theoretical foundation. As opposed to traditional higher education that might leave you smothered in student loan debt, apprenticeships enable you to “earn while you learn.” These programs haven’t been used as much as they could have in the past but are gaining renewed interest from employers and academic institutions as they understand 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 desire. Apprenticeships bridge this gap by preparing you to be job-ready and equipping you with the tools needed to excel in your chosen field right off the hop.

Apprenticeship Styles: 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 professions where a college degree is frequently unnecessary. While society’s focus on higher education has led to a decline in these types of apprenticeships, the lack of skilled tradespeople has produced a surge in demand and, therefore, higher salaries.

The Department of Labor states that apprentices in trade fields earn around $15 per hour while training, or $31,200 per year if training full time. Once the program is done, 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 increasingly integrating apprenticeships in their degree programs, particularly for career paths in 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 few good resources are available to support you in finding an apprenticeship. Here’s organizations and individuals who may have more information:

• Trade organizations and unions: Get started by reaching out to specific institutions relevant to your field of interest to see if they have any offerings.
• US Department of Labor: The DOL website has a searchable database of apprenticeship positions that you can narrow down by geographic region, which is an outstanding resource for career seekers nationwide.
• Educational institutions: If you’d like 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: Lots of companies list apprenticeship opportunities on their job pages.
• Networking: Occasionally, the old-school way is the best approach. Talking to people in the business can offer you insider information on upcoming opportunities.

Selecting the Perfect Apprenticeship for You

When you go the traditional college route, you pick a major based on your personal strengths. After that, you search job opportunities affiliated with that major. But, choosing an apprenticeship will require you to think in reverse.

Start by choosing the majors and career paths that utilize or require apprenticeships. Next, pick one of the available apprenticeships from your narrowed-down list that sparks your interest, matches your skill set or offers the most lucrative income, depending on your priorities. This strategy helps you match your educational pathway with real-world opportunities, ensuring a smoother transition into the job market and a satisfying career for years to come.

Learn About 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 a standout apprenticeship program called Service Experts Career Academy (SECA). SECA offers cutting-edge HVAC training and on-the-job learning facilitated by experienced industry professionals. The curriculum is tailored 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 profitable, debt-free profession starts with making informed choices. If you’re prepared 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!