Are you considering an apprenticeship and a college degree? You are going to enroll in a program whose end goal is a job. Now the question is whether an apprenticeship increases your chances of getting a job. Will you get more job opportunities as an apprentice? 

If that’s what you are wondering, then it’s time to dig into the answer.

Does Apprenticeship Training Increase Your Chances of Getting a job?

The simple answer is yes. As an apprentice, you are familiar with the work environment. You know what is required in a practical world. This knowledge of yours puts you in a better position than a recent graduate. Know what is designation in a job?

Here are some reasons due to which employers prefer candidates with an apprenticeship.

Better Experience level - When you compare a graduate and apprenticeship on experience level, than latter score more. It’s because an apprentice takes a step into a formal office and work environment from day one. 

He knows how to handle a job. Know when an employer hires an apprentice who knows it all, then he has to spend less time on his training. Besides, he can make the most of this experience in the field.Why Students Prefer College Degree Over Apprenticeship?

Highly Trained - A construction worker like a plumber and steamfitters spends years in training and then gets a job. These years of the training offer him hand-on experience and all the necessary skills.

As he has job skills, therefore he can perform better than a graduate who has little or no idea about the work. A graduate might have academic knowledge in his resume, but he doesn’t have practical information.

An employer doesn’t need to train an apprentice. Therefore he gives him preference over recent graduates when it comes to trade industry and sector jobs. 

Transferable Skills - From the day first, an apprentice starts learning a wide variety of skills that are not limited to just one job. Therefore, they can handle different jobs.

Better Career Path - As an apprentice is working in a workplace, he is already following his career path during three to five years programs. On the other hand, a graduate lacks in skills and has to kickstart his career path after acquiring a degree.

What About the Qualifications?

Although apprenticeship is the best training program for students, it doesn’t undervalue a college degree. The problem with training is that an apprentice is limited to a particular job whose practice he has achieved. Do you know the importance of professional qualifications?

On the other hand, a graduate can apply for a wide variety of jobs as he studies various subjects for acquiring a degree. When it comes to comprehensive research and knowledge, there is no alternative to a degree.

Many professional careers require a professional degree that you can only attain from a university or college. When you join a vocational institute, you get training related to only a few industries and trades. You don’t get a chance to explore diverse job options with an apprenticeship, as they are available with a degree.

What About Wage and Salary of a Job?

Most of the time, when you apply for a college degree, you don’t get a high paid job. Students take a start from entry-level jobs, which are featured with an average low salary rate. However, when you complete a seven or six-year apprenticeship program, you can expect a better salary and wage rate.

The best part about the apprenticeship is that you will get payment from the day first of your training. It is usually a per hour basis where an apprentice can attain $15 per hour; typically, 40 hours of training required in a week. 

Increment in salary and wages is entirely dependent on the experience level. When you move to the next level, you can expect a better salary.

So, when it comes to getting a better salary, no doubt, apprenticeship scores more.

Apprenticeship and Career Pathway

As a student, your whole intention of joining a program, either college degree or apprenticeship, is to build your career path. The best thing about an apprenticeship is that you pave your career path effortlessly. You should know how to announce on linkedIn that you are looking for a job.

You have transferable skills. Your learning has excellent value in the industry. Once your program completes, you can step toward your industry and apply for a job. You will have a great experience to mention in your resume. 

US Government is funding apprenticeship programs through such programs. Communities will have a continual supply of qualified workers for the industry. This investment will help them flourish the economy while at the same time increasing employment opportunities for the people.

Wrap up

You can increase your chances of job opportunities through an apprenticeship. There are certain levels of this training program. The more advanced level you sign up, the better wage rate you can expect in upcoming years.