Alternatives to four-year college are on the rise throughout the United States, according to the New York Times. In Want a White-Collar Career without College Debt? Become an Apprentice, author Farah Stockman examines how apprenticeships are opening doors for those who may not want to pursue a traditional four-year degree. For high school graduates facing student loan debt and job insecurity after graduation, committing to college can be a daunting decision — one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. For those looking to pursue educational opportunities where they can earn an income while learning on the job, an apprenticeship in skilled labor is an increasingly attractive path.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is an opportunity to train in a field that interests you while under the guidance of a skilled expert. Recognizing that many people learn by doing, apprenticeships offer the ability to learn first-hand how to solve challenging problems directly applicable in your job role. The structure of an apprenticeship enables you to learn the skills you need to be successful in real time. On a daily basis, apprentices likely find themselves in a classroom setting at a community college or in a multi-week bootcamp or training program in the field where they can explore projects related to their industry.
Once an apprentice completes their training, many programs will help match their skills to a position at a local company or organization looking to hire talented and driven candidates. And while apprenticeships are most known for their connection to manufacturing and trades, they are also becoming widely available in other skilled labor industries, including healthcare and technology.
According to the New York Times, “in the past two years more than 700 programs have been created in white-collar [fields]” throughout the U.S. With roughly a million people across the country participating in apprenticeships in skilled labor, the opportunities to pursue your dreams without a four-year degree are more widely available than ever before.
Skilled Labor Apprenticeships in St. Louis
For those looking to grow their skills with on-the-job training, St. Louis offers a variety of apprenticeships across the skilled labor industries, including as stated above: healthcare, manufacturing, trades, and technology. The need for highly skilled workers is rising, and if you want an affordable option to pursue your interests, an apprenticeship could be for you. From medical assistantships to carpentry training to coding bootcamps, STL.works can connect you with an apprenticeship that aligns with your passions.
Young people in St. Louis are already taking advantage of apprenticeship opportunities. Tyler Holdener was accepted into St. Louis University to study computer science, but the price tag of his education was a roadblock, according to the New York Times. Instead, Tyler is pursuing becoming a software application engineer through LaunchCode, a tech education organization in St. Louis. As part of LaunchCode’s apprenticeship program, Tyler works at Centene, a healthcare company, where he can learn skills in his field with on-the-job training and access to endless resources to help him succeed — all while earning a salary.
Getting Started
If you’re ready to pursue an apprenticeship in skilled labor, STL.works apprenticeship portal can help discover the right career path for you.
Not sure what types of positions suit your interests? Take our quick find your path assessment to see how to turn your passions into a career and start learning skills that are high in demand. For more information, read our blog, What is Skilled Labor?, to learn more about what industries are actively searching for talented problem-solvers and creative thinkers like you.
With STL.works’ expansive network of resources by your side, you can accomplish your dreams.
