Becoming an
Apprentice
The Registered Apprenticeship program brings career-building opportunities, just like any other job! Help employers find you by building an online profile, connect with your local Michigan Works! Agencies, begin a pre-apprenticeship by connecting with an employer or union. Apprenticeship begins with a job & employment.
Jumpstart Your Future
Build a career for life. Learn high-demand skills that will increase your value in fast-growing, emerging industries while you work your way into a job.
Earn While You Learn
While others go into debt for expensive degree programs or certifications, you could get paid to learn.
Learn From the Pros
As an apprentice, you can learn from knowledgeable professionals who work in your field every day.
How to
Find an Apprenticeship
With over 14,000 registered apprenticeships, hundreds of which have been created in the last five years, finding an apprenticeship is not yet a straightforward process. Finding or negotiating an apprenticeship with a potential employer requires a bit of ingenuity. However, with a little persistence and hard work, you can experience opportunities that most traditional employment could never offer.
01 Choose Your Industry
High-demand registered apprenticeship occupations include Engineering, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Logistics, Healthcare, Automation, Advanced Manufacturing and more! Need help picking a career path? Contact your local Michigan Works! Agency or visit the job finder at apprenticeship.gov.
02
Build Your Resume With Relevant Technical Coursework
Spending time learning on your own is one of the most important career investments you can make. Start by choosing which industry or trade you’d like to pursue.
Then, keep a log of the coursework you’ve taken and what grades / certifications you received. As you build your skillset, you can begin to approach employers or request more responsibilities at work.
Here’s a few places where you can find relevant technical training…
Community Colleges
Most community colleges offer coursework relevant to the industry you want to pursue, or they can help you find the resources you need. Look for community colleges in your area.
Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Readiness Programs
Michigan Works! American Job Centers can help you find a pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship readiness program through local community colleges or private organizations.
Virtual Online Training
Search online for the industry you’re looking for, and add keywords like, “online course”, “online certification”, “degree”, or “training”. Many online programs exist to help you advance to the next level.
03 Start With a Job and Employment
The reality is that most employers want to invest in someone they already know. Many apprenticeships are formed from entry-level jobs performed by a committed employee. The easiest path to an apprenticeship is to show dedication to a job, then discuss the apprenticeship model with your employer. This may seem overwhelming, but many employers are happy to consider apprenticeship for an employee with a long-term vision for their growth with the company.
American Job Centers through Michigan Works! can help you find a new job with opportunity for advancement and prepare you for the interview process. You’ll learn how to job search, resume writing best practices, tips for conducting a great interview, and test-taking skills. In fact, American Job Centers often provide free education that can set you up for success with your new job.
If you have any questions about getting started with a job, contact your Michigan Works! Agency. Click here for the Directory List.