Become an Apprentice
Are you not sure what career you want to pursue or are you looking for something new? Do you need to work while going to school to pay bills or support a family? Does the cost of college scare you? Are you interested in learning a trade? If the answer to any of these is yes, then an apprenticeship may be your ticket to a high-quality career with focused training and industry-recognized credentials.
Apprenticeships today include the traditional construction trades, as well as non-traditional industries and occupations such as healthcare, recreational boat craftsmanship, truck driving, advanced manufacturing, IT and so much more. Best of all, you can still earn college credit and pursue a degree with many apprentice programs.
What is an Apprenticeship?
Rooted in thousands of years of history, apprenticeships are evolving to include something for everyone. At the heart of any apprenticeship is the combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. It is the essence of the “Earn & Learn” model.
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Services Provided by Entry-level WorkersHelp children and youth learn healthier behaviors (e.g. managing big emotions, dealing with new social situations, etc.) Provide peer support services by drawing on their lived experience and expertise to help others heal and recover from life challenges Provide referrals and linkages to community and public resources (e.g. Medicaid, food banks, housing) Transport and/or accompany clients to appointments or community/public resources
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Services Provided by Graduate Degree-level WorkersProvide clinical mental health evaluations and treatment to those living with mental, emotional, or substance abuse challenges, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs Provide individual and group therapy to assist in overcoming varying personal challenges Guide clients in developing skills or strategies for dealing with their problems Provide mental health promotion and education
Benefits of Apprenticeship
For years, we have heard that a college degree is essential to earn a good living and have a solid career path. While it’s true that college graduates are typically less affected by economic downturns, there are multiple ways to get there. You do have options and the apprenticeship option has many benefits.
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Services Provided by Entry-level WorkersHelp children and youth learn healthier behaviors (e.g. managing big emotions, dealing with new social situations, etc.) Provide peer support services by drawing on their lived experience and expertise to help others heal and recover from life challenges Provide referrals and linkages to community and public resources (e.g. Medicaid, food banks, housing) Transport and/or accompany clients to appointments or community/public resources
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Services Provided by Graduate Degree-level WorkersProvide clinical mental health evaluations and treatment to those living with mental, emotional, or substance abuse challenges, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs Provide individual and group therapy to assist in overcoming varying personal challenges Guide clients in developing skills or strategies for dealing with their problems Provide mental health promotion and education
How to Become an Apprentice
Apprenticeship opportunities are offered through employers or program sponsors such as associations or a construction trade joint apprenticeship committees. There are hundreds of apprentice programs across California and the number and variety increases every month.
If you’re interested in being an apprentice, you must apply with the specific program sponsor (apprenticeship organization) or employer in order to be accepted into their program. Your on-the-job training and classroom instruction are set up through the program and/or employer. Find information and links to our programs here.
Note that many apprenticeship programs require tests or other assessments as part of their initial application process, so be sure to research and understand the prerequisites for any program you decide to pursue. If you are concerned about these prerequisites, see the information below on pre-apprenticeship programs.
Which Career to Choose
The first step is to determine the kind of work you want to do.
We have several apprenticeship programs from which you can receive college credit through either Chabot or Las Positas College.
Click here for a list of our Chabot College and Las Positas College programs and their contact information. We have programs in: