Why Choose a Registered Apprenticeship?
- High Employment Success: 93% of apprentices who complete their program stay employed, with an average annual salary of $77,000.
- Earn While You Learn: Get paid from day one, with guaranteed wage increases as your skills grow.
- Industry-Recognized Credentials: Receive a nationally-portable credential that’s valued across the country.
- Career Jumpstart: Transition smoothly from school to work by gaining hands-on experience while you learn.
- Relevant Skills: Build workplace-ready skills in the field of your choice through real-world training.
- Potential College Credit: Earn credits toward a degree without the burden of student debt.
- Mentorship: Work alongside experienced professionals who guide you toward career growth.
Finding an Registered Apprenticeship Program
The Division of Apprentice Standards, recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as the State Apprenticeship Agency, oversees Massachusetts Registered Apprenticeship Programs on behalf of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. While we don’t offer job placement services, we can connect you with resources to help you find an apprenticeship program that aligns with your interests.
MassHire Career Centers:
Visit your local career center and ask to speak with a career coach about apprenticeship training opportunities in your area. Click here to learn more.
MassHire JobQuest:
Employers, or "sponsors," post their apprenticeship programs on MassHire JobQuest. Create a free account today to explore apprenticeship opportunities in your area. Sponsors may also post their apprenticeship positions on their own website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do apprenticeships last?
Depending on the industry or career you choose, apprenticeships can take between 12 months to six years to complete. Like many other kinds of training, apprenticeships require a specific number of work and training hours each year to advance to the next level.
Some people call apprenticeships the "other four‐year degree" because some programs last as long as a college education, but without the student loans! At the end of the apprenticeship period, you get a nationally-recognized Certificate of Completion as proof of your training and skills.
How much will I earn as an apprentice?
People who complete apprenticeships earn an average wage of $70,000 per year, which is higher than the annual mean wages for many Massachusetts residents.
Apprentices usually start at a rate of 50% of a fully-certified worker's wages. Like any other employee in the business, your hourly pay increases as you complete the necessary work hours each year, usually by 10 to 15% each year. For many, an apprenticeship is a convenient, money-making way to a lucrative career without the debt of student loans.
This hands-on earn-while-you-learn experience results in 94 percent employment retention when the apprenticeship ends.
Are all apprenticeships the same?
No. Each apprenticeship program is designed to meet the needs of that specific trade and role. For this reason, apprenticeship programs all have different application processes, lengths, schedules, and policies.
Despite the differences, most apprenticeship programs follow a shared set of practices.
What's the difference between apprenticeships and internships?
There isn't an official definition of an internship by the U.S. Department of Labor. However, apprenticeships and internships differ by length of time, program structure, pay, and college credits.
In Massachusetts, many trade apprenticeship programs also have agreements with local colleges, allowing apprentices in certain fields to earn college credit in addition to being a paid apprentice.
Can I do an apprenticeship if I don't have a high school diploma or HiSET?
It depends on the program. Some apprenticeships require a high school diploma or high school equivalency (e.g., HiSET), while others do not.
When applying for an apprenticeship, be sure to ask the employer about any educational or other requirements for the position.
I'm disabled. Can I be an apprentice?
Absolutely. Apprenticeships vary in industries and abilities. Some apprenticeships, such as the trades, are more physically demanding and may require specific physical skills. Other apprenticeships may have a wide variety of skills that fit anyone who's interested.
If you need help with job opportunities and placement, reach out to the Mass Ability (Formerly known as the Mass Rehabilitation Commission. Their team can help you find and place you in jobs and apprenticeship programs.
Can I get college credits for an apprenticeship?
Yes. Some apprenticeship programs allow apprentices to earn college credits while in training, which can make it easier for them to obtain additional post-secondary credentials on top of their apprenticeship completion certificates.
This approach, known as the Registered Apprenticeship College Consortium (RACC), partners colleges with unions to share credits across apprenticeships. Participating schools include but may not be limited to:
- Bunker Hill Community College
- Cape Cod Community College
- Greenfield Community College
- Holyoke Community College
- Middlesex Community College
- Mount Wachusett Community College
- North Shore Community College
- Northern Essex Community College
- Roxbury Community College
- Springfield Technical Community College
- Wentworth Institute of Technology
Ask your local community college if they offer credits for apprenticeships.
Unions participating include:
- Carpenters
- Electricians
- Elevator constructors
- Pipefitters
- Heat and frost insulators
- Plumbers
- Sheet metal workers
- Sprinklerfitters
I'm a military Veteran or National Guard member: Can I be an apprentice?
Yes. For Veterans, National Guard, and Reserves, apprenticeship opportunities can help you with the next step in your career path.
G.I. Bill payments for apprenticeship programs can vary in award amounts depending upon benefit eligibility. Everyone wins when apprentices collect their military benefits:
- Employers possess a powerful recruiting and retention tool
- Employees can offset their living expenses while working toward journeyman status
- The local economy benefits from the influx of federal military dollars
There are over 800 occupations approved for education benefits. Learn more about becoming an apprentice as a military Veteran, National Guard, or Reserves member.
If enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program, eligible Veterans or their dependents may receive a monthly allowance for learning on the job and completing 150 hours of schooling per year.