| If you're one of the millions of unemployed | | | | you can learn a new trade without going back to |
| workers around the country, you may want to | | | | school. Plus, the sponsoring company may |
| consider apprenticeship jobs. Apprenticeship jobs | | | | consider you for full-time work once a position |
| offer a way for you to learn a new skill or trade | | | | becomes available. It's a great opportunity for |
| while still getting paid. And, apprenticeship jobs are | | | | unemployed workers to get their foot in the door. |
| growing more popular. According to the | | | | And, as part of federal standards, apprenticeship |
| Department of Labor, 450,000 Americans take | | | | positions must include on-the-job training and |
| part in the national Registered Apprenticeship | | | | classroom instruction, all of which is paid for by |
| Program every year. | | | | the sponsoring company. That means unemployed |
| What is the Registered Apprenticeship Program? | | | | workers do not have to worry about paying off |
| The program, which is regulated at the state and | | | | student loans or tuition fees. And, some of the |
| federal levels, offers apprenticeship jobs in 1,000 | | | | training can even be applied towards an Associate |
| different industries, like construction, law | | | | or Bachelor's degree. |
| enforcement, electricians, dental assistants, and | | | | How do you qualify? |
| chefs. Companies that sign up for the Registered | | | | To be accepted into the Registered |
| Apprenticeship Program offer apprenticeship jobs | | | | Apprenticeship Program, you must be over the |
| to people who need them; in return, the | | | | age of 16. Any occupations that are considered |
| companies get tax breaks and become eligible for | | | | hazardous require you to be at least 18. |
| certain grants. | | | | Sponsoring companies can set their own |
| How much will you earn? | | | | qualifications, like physical ability to do the job. |
| If you are selected for one of these jobs, you will | | | | They may also look at your grades, previous |
| get paid 40-50% of the skilled employee wage. It | | | | work experience, and make you take a test or |
| may not sound like much, but for unemployed | | | | come in for an interview. |
| workers who need a paycheck, it can be a big | | | | How long do apprenticeship jobs last? |
| financial boost. Plus, as your skills go up, so does | | | | When you are hired for one of these jobs, your |
| your paycheck. | | | | training can last for years. Most apprenticeship |
| What are some other benefits of apprentice ship | | | | jobs take four years to complete, but, depending |
| jobs? | | | | on the occupation and the skills you need to learn, |
| A paycheck isn't the only thing that these | | | | they can range anywhere from 1-6 years. |
| positions offer. By taking an apprenticeship job, | | | | |