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 thinking about your academic journey or advising someone who is, it’s important to weigh the alternatives to traditional college that could considerably 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 practical path to a rewarding career, but they also reduce the financial burden commonly linked with higher education.

The Apprenticeship Advantage: Real-World Learning

Apprenticeships blend hands-on activities with a theoretical foundation. Unlike traditional higher education that might leave you smothered in student loan debt, apprenticeships allow you to “earn while you learn.” These programs haven’t been fully utilized 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 usually concentrate on theoretical knowledge, which is certainly important but lacks the real-world application that employers want. Apprenticeships bridge this gap by helping you get job-ready and supplying you with the tools needed to excel in your chosen field right away.

Apprenticeship Styles: Trade and Academic

Knowing the kinds of apprenticeships available is a good first step and will help you make a more informed decision. Here’s an explanation of the two main options.

Trade Apprenticeships

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

The Department of Labor states that apprentices in trade fields earn around $15 per hour during training, or $31,200 per year if training full time. Once the program is over, the average apprentice could 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 more and more are integrating apprenticeships in their degree programs, in particular for fields like 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 Apply For an Apprenticeship

A few good resources are at your disposal to assist you in securing an apprenticeship. Here’s places that may have more details:

• Trade organizations and unions: Get started by calling specific institutions associated with 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 search by geographic region, which is an excellent resource for career seekers nationwide.
• Educational institutions: If you want to work while seeking a degree, colleges and universities are a good point of contact. The programs most likely to incorporate apprenticeships as part of the degree program are in computer and IT, engineering, nursing, business management or consumer science.
• Trade company websites: Many companies post apprenticeship opportunities on their help wanted pages.
• Networking: Occasionally, the conventional way is the best approach. Talking to people in the industry can supply you with insider information on future opportunities.

Finding the Perfect Apprenticeship for You

When you take the traditional higher education route, you select a major based on your personal strengths. Then, you discover job opportunities aligned with that major. On the other hand, choosing an apprenticeship requires you to think in reverse.

Begin by pinpointing the majors and career paths that incorporate or require apprenticeships. And then, pick one of the available apprenticeships from your narrowed-down list that sparks your interest, meets your skill set or offers the highest annual income, depending on your priorities. This method helps you match your educational pathway with real-world opportunities, providing a smoother transition into the job market and a satisfying career for years to come.

Apply For the Service Experts Career Academy

Are you looking to avoid racking up student loan debt while building a fulfilling 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 Expert industry professionals. The curriculum is created to equip you with valuable skills and make you a master in your field—all while averting your own student debt crisis.

The path to a fulfilling, debt-free career begins with making informed choices. If you’re ready to take control of your future with help from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, please get a hold of us to learn more about Service Experts Career Academy. Call us at 866-397-3787 today to learn more!