Student loan debt in the USA has been a growing issue for a long time. 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 academic journey or counseling someone who is, it’s essential to weigh the alternatives to traditional college that could considerably 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 practical path to a satisfying career, but they also reduce the financial burden commonly linked with higher education.
The Apprenticeship Advantage: Hands-On Learning
Apprenticeships combine hands-on learning with a theoretical foundation. In contrast to traditional higher education that might leave you buried in student loan debt, apprenticeships enable you to “earn while you learn.” These programs haven't been used as much as they could have in the past but are getting renewed attention from employers and academic institutions as they realize the value of practical experience in career development.
Why the Renewed Interest in Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeship programs aren't just about debt avoidance; they’re also about employability and skill mastery. Traditional degree programs frequently concentrate on theoretical knowledge, which is undoubtedly important but lacks the real-world application that employers desire. Apprenticeships bridge this gap by preparing you to be job-ready and outfitting you with the tools needed to stand out in your desired field right off the hop.
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’ssome of the key details of the two main options.
Trade Apprenticeships
These programs prepare you for jobs where a college degree is frequently not needed. While society’s emphasis on higher education has caused a decline in these types of apprenticeships, the lack of skilled tradespeople has created a surge in demand and, therefore, higher salaries.
The Department of Labor estimates that apprentices in trade fields earn around $15 per hour throughout training, or $31,200 per year if training full time. When the program is over, 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 integrating apprenticeships in their degree programs, in particular for career paths in engineering, health care and information technology (IT). The benefits are two-fold: students obtain real-world experience while fulfilling academic requirements, and they earn a wage, decreasing the need for loans.
How to Find an Apprenticeship
A number of resources are at your disposal to help you get an apprenticeship. Here’s places that may have more details:
- Trade organizations and unions: Begin by calling specific institutions relevant to your field of interest to see if they have any available apprenticeships.
- US Department of Labor: The DOL website has a searchable database of apprenticeship positions that you can narrow down by geographic region, which is an outstanding resource for career seekers nationwide.
- 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 most often are in computer and IT, engineering, nursing, business management or consumer science.
- Trade company websites: Lots of companies list apprenticeship opportunities on their help wanted pages.
- Networking: Occasionally, the traditional way is the best way. Talking to people in the field can provide you with insider information on possible opportunities.
Selecting the Right Apprenticeship for You
When you go the traditional higher education route, you select a major based on your personal strengths. After that, you search job opportunities affiliated with that major. But, seeking an apprenticeship demands you to think in reverse.
Begin by identifying the majors and career paths that feature or require apprenticeships. Then, pick one of the available apprenticeships from your narrowed-down list that sparks your interest, accommodates your skill set or offers the most lucrative income, depending on your priorities. This strategy helps you match your educational pathway with real-world opportunities, ensuring a smoother transition into the job market and a satisfying career for years to come.
Earn While You Learn at Service Experts Career Academy
Are you looking to avoid racking up student loan debt while pursuing a fulfilling career? Service Experts offers an excellent apprenticeship program called Service Experts Career Academy (SECA). SECA offers cutting-edge HVAC training and on-the-job learning facilitated by experienced industry professionals. The curriculum is designed to equip you with critical skills and make you a master in your field—all while preventing your own student debt crisis.
The path to a profitable, debt-free career starts with making informed choices. If you’re eager to take control of your future with help from Service Experts, please get in touch with us to learn more about Service Experts Career Academy. Reach out at (866) 963-7996 today to learn more!
