How to Get an Apprenticeship and Avoid Student Loan Debt

Student loan debt in the United States has been a growing problem for many 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 contemplating your higher education journey or counseling someone who is, it’s important to weigh the alternatives to traditional college that could greatly lower your financial burden.

One of the most popular ways to do this is enrolling in an apprenticeship program. Not only does this offer a practical path to a fulfilling career, but they also relieve the financial burden commonly linked with higher education.

The Apprenticeship Advantage: Real-World Learning

Apprenticeships merge hands-on experience with a theoretical foundation. In contrast to traditional higher education that might leave you mired in student loan debt, apprenticeships let you to “earn while you learn.” These programs haven’t been fully utilized in the past but are acquiring renewed interest from employers and academic institutions as they realize 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 focus on theoretical knowledge, which is definitely important but lacks the real-world application that employers desire. Apprenticeships bridge this gap by helping you get job-ready and outfitting you with the tools needed to succeed in your chosen field right from the start.

Apprenticeship Paths: Trade and Academic

Understanding the kinds of apprenticeships available is a good first step and will help you make a more informed decision. Here’s a breakdown of the two major options.

Trade Apprenticeships

These programs prepare you for professions where a college degree is typically unnecessary. While society’s focus on higher education has resulted in a decline in these sort of apprenticeships, the lack of skilled tradespeople has caused a surge in demand and, therefore, 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. When the program is done, the average apprentice may 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 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 Get an Apprenticeship

A number of resources are able to support you in finding an apprenticeship. Here’s where to look:

• Trade organizations and unions: Begin by calling specific institutions related to your field of interest to see if they have any offerings.
• US Department of Labor: The DOL website has a searchable database of apprenticeship programs that you can narrow down by geographic region, which is an outstanding resource for career seekers across the country.
• Educational institutions: If you’re looking to work while seeking a degree, colleges and universities are a good 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: Many companies identify apprenticeship opportunities on their career pages.
• Networking: Occasionally, the old-fashioned way is the best strategy. Talking to people in the field can supply you with insider information on future opportunities.

Choosing the Appropriate Apprenticeship for You

When you go the traditional higher education route, you pick a major based on your interests. After that, you look for job opportunities affiliated with that major. On the other hand, seeking an apprenticeship requires 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, matches your skill set or offers the highest annual income, depending on your priorities. This approach 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 the student loan trap while pursuing a fulfilling career? Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 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 knowledgeable industry professionals. The curriculum is tailored to equip you with valuable skills and make you a master in your field—all while preventing your own student debt crisis.

The path to a satisfying, debt-free occupation should begin with making informed choices. If you’re eager to take control of your future with help from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, please contact us to learn more about Service Experts Career Academy. Contact us at 866-397-3787 today to learn more!