“But I Don’t Want to go to College!!!”

Some students may not fit into the four year or college transfer mold of college where you sit and listen, sit and read, sit and research, sit and write. The key word is obviously the word sit. Some people are more active in their makeup and thinking of sitting in classes for four years does not appeal to them. With 68% of Iowa jobs projected to require post-high school education, what are students like this to do? The answer is to consider apprenticeship as an alternative to a four year college education.

So what is an apprenticeship program? Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training working beside a fully trained and licensed tradesman combined with classroom learning. Here are the major characteristics and advantages that distinguish apprenticeship training.

• You earn as you learn. You are paid to learn as you work a job and learn the trade. You are also paid to be in a classroom, usually two or three nights a week, learning the basics of the trade and technology.
• No cost to the student. The learning is usually paid by a company, a trade association, or a union. No tuition paid by the student and no student loans taken for the student.
• After three to four years of training and passing a licensing test, most programs guarantee the student a job.
• Examples of trade jobs are but not limited to: plumbing, electrician, dry walling, carpentry or building trades, and many others.
• Many apprenticeship program classes and training can be applied to an associate or bachelor degree.

Trade jobs make up about 54% of the labor market in the U.S. and 40% of the job growth in 2017. Trade jobs are in high demand and pay well.

Go to the ICAN website for a ton of information on apprenticeship programs and information: https://www.icansucceed.org/career-planning/career-training

Post-high school education is a growing necessity, but a four year degree is not the answer for everyone. Check out how apprenticeship training may work for you!

Steve - ICAN Council Bluffs Center