In many fields and industries, employers are becoming more and more concerned about the shortage of job candidates with the necessary skills and abilities. Apprenticeships are a unique program which combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction for an individual willing to learn a trade. By providing employers with the opportunity to train employees to meet their company’s special workforce needs, apprentices provide employers with the fully-trained employees that are the key to a productive and successful business. Productive, successful businesses are the key to a healthy state economy.

A variety of types and sizes of companies have apprenticeship programs. Both industrial and service trades benefit from apprenticeship programs. There are too many types of apprenticeships to list them all. Apprenticeships are common in construction, plumbing, machining, electrical, barber/cosmetology, restaurant, funeral home and tool and die making industries. With few exceptions, any business that requires highly-skilled employees, from the small two-person shop to the large corporation, can benefit from apprenticeships.

Apprentices gain valuable skills and knowledge, which makes them more marketable in the future. An apprenticeship often serves as an entry-point into a career that would otherwise be closed to an individual due to a lack of experience. Apprentices have the opportunity to learn a trade, earn a good wage and have a sense of job security.

Apprenticeships are a method of training where a skilled craftsperson passes on the trade to the apprentice. It is a combination of classroom and hands-on training under the direction of a skilled worker. With apprenticeship training, there is a written contract between the apprentice, the sponsor and the state. The agreement specifies the length of the training, school hours, an outline of the skills of the trade to be learned and the wages the apprentice will receive.

Fully-trained, skilled employees that know the business inside and out, from the bottom up. Apprentices work while they learn. Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, they are ready to contribute to the company’s bottom line. Less turnover because apprenticeship programs attract better job applicants. And, in general, apprentices are more committed to the trade and have higher levels of job satisfaction. Improves employee relations by creating a closer relationship between management and employee. Apprentices often work their way up to assume leadership roles with the company in the future. Allows employers to provide career advancement opportunities for employees who wish to enter the apprenticeship program.

You make more money: On average, union workers make more money than non-union workers. Because of this benefit, you can allocate more time to life outside of work for a healthy work/life balance. Building a stronger community: With good union jobs creating a better future for all community members, you are also uplifting the local economy. All rules apply to everyone: Favoritism and discrimination have no place in union jobs. The same set of rules applies to everyone on all jobs to guarantee no one is treated unfairly. Respect and partnership at work: Here you have a say in the decisions being made. Union jobs want to hear your voice since your views and skills are valued in this environment, which helps facilitate the problem-solving process. More training and advancement opportunities: Apprentices get paid to learn valued skills for their trade and upgrade their talents as they advance throughout their career. Safety hazards are reduced: Because union workers get more safety training combined with access to proper equipment, it helps makes workplaces safer for all employees. Access to the best jobs: You can work high paying union jobs near you, including in other cities and states since you become a member of other affiliated unions. Better retirement security: An average union pension plan is worth twice as much as a non-union one. Fully paid health insurance: Health insurance will be provided by your contract with low deductibles and co-pays. Stable and secure: By joining a union, your benefits and working conditions are guaranteed in your contract. No more worrying about when your next job will be.