How to Get an Apprenticeship and Avoid Student Loan Debt
Student loan debt in the United States has been a growing problem for years. Today’s total student debt is more than $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 significantly lower your financial burden.
One of the most desirable non-traditional career paths is participating in an apprenticeship program. Not only does this offer a good path to a fulfilling career, but they also reduce the financial burden commonly connected with higher education.
The Apprenticeship Advantage: Hands-On Learning
Apprenticeships combine hands-on activities with a theoretical foundation. As opposed to traditional higher education that might leave you smothered in student loan debt, apprenticeships let you to “earn while you learn.” These programs have been underutilized in the past but are acquiring renewed focus from employers and academic institutions as they recognize the value of practical experience in career development.
Why the Resurgence in Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeship programs are not only about debt avoidance; they’re also about employability and skill mastery. Traditional degree programs often concentrate on theoretical knowledge, which is undoubtedly important but lacks the real-world application that employers want. Apprenticeships bridge this gap by preparing you to be job-ready and equipping you with the tools needed to shine in your desired field right off the hop.
Apprenticeship Paths: Trade and Academic
Learning the types of apprenticeships available is a good first step and will help you make a more informed decision. Here’s a breakdown of the two main options.
Trade Apprenticeships
These programs prepare you for fields where a college degree is typically not required. While society’s focus on higher education has led to a decline in these types of apprenticeships, the lack of skilled tradespeople has created a surge in demand and, consequently, higher salaries.
The Department of Labor reports that apprentices in trade fields earn around $15 per hour while training, or $31,200 annually if training full time. As soon as 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 incorporating apprenticeships in their degree programs, in particular for professions such as engineering, health care and information technology (IT). The advantages are two-fold: students get real-world experience while fulfilling academic requirements, and they earn a wage, decreasing the need for loans.
How to Get an Apprenticeship
A number of resources are able to help you get an apprenticeship. Here’s where to look:
- Trade organizations and unions: Start by contacting specific institutions related to your field of interest to see if they have any contacts.
- US Department of Labor: The DOL website has a searchable database of apprenticeship programs that you can filter by geographic region, which is a very good resource for career seekers across the country.
- Educational institutions: If you want to work while pursuing 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 are in computer and IT, engineering, nursing, business management or consumer science.
- Trade company websites: Numerous companies identify apprenticeship opportunities on their career pages.
- Networking: Occasionally, the conventional way is the best approach. Talking to people in the business can supply you with insider information on possible opportunities.
Selecting the Right Apprenticeship for You
When you go the traditional higher education route, you choose a major based on your passion. Then, you discover job opportunities aligned with that major. However, seeking an apprenticeship will require you to think in reverse.
Start by identifying the majors and career paths that incorporate or require apprenticeships. After that, pick one of the available apprenticeships from your narrowed-down list that sparks your interest, meets your skill set or offers the best income, depending on your priorities. This approach helps you match your educational pathway with real-world opportunities, which makes for 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 getting buried in student loans while pursuing a rewarding career? Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning offers a top-of-the-line apprenticeship program called Service Experts Career Academy (SECA). SECA offers advanced HVAC training and on-the-job learning facilitated by Expert 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 fulfilling, debt-free occupation starts with making informed choices. If you’re eager to take control of your future with help from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, please contact us to learn more about Service Experts Career Academy. Call us at 954-736-4314 today to learn more!
