Why Now is the Perfect Time for an Apprenticeship in Minnesota

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Apprenticeships are an excellent way to advance your career and get paid to learn. They help employers create a strong talent pool for finding new employees and help workers gain experience in highly skilled work. It’s no surprise that apprenticeships are on the rise, especially in Minnesota.

According to the Minnesota Institute of Economic Policy, apprenticeships are up 27 percent in the state from 2014 to 2017. In 2017, more than 11,500 people were enrolled in an apprenticeship. The rise in apprenticeships is a big boost for the Minnesota economy.

Apprenticeships are available in a wide variety of career fields, including:

  • • Construction
  • • Skilled manufacturing
  • • Automotive repair
  • • Healthcare
  • • Hospitality

In Minnesota, construction is by far the most popular field for apprenticeships, with construction accounting for 96 percent of state enrollment. The construction industry has embraced the idea and eagerly encourages apprenticeships. The state is currently experiencing a labor shortage for skilled craft workers and wants to attract more people to the industry.

What makes apprenticeships so attractive to employers and workers? There are many benefits you can gain from enrolling in an apprenticeship.

Hands-on training

The best way to learn how to do something isn’t necessarily from reading a book and taking a test – it’s from doing the thing yourself. With apprenticeships, you’re placed in a real, working business. You perform many hours of work doing the kind of work you’d perform when your program is complete, all under the supervision of an expert.

Learn from the best

While you can certainly pick up new skills at any job, the great thing about an apprenticeship is it’s designed to connect you with an expert or experts who will share their wisdom. You can be sure you’re learning what you’ll need in order to do the job on your own. You’ll have access to people who have been through the process you’re currently in and can offer career advice on advancing in the field.

Earn while you learn

Unlike paying for a class or getting an internship with the reward of “course credit,” you get paid for the work you do during your apprenticeship. Apprenticeships require about the same amount of hours as a bachelor’s degree, without all the student loan debt. Employers recognize the skill level of their apprentices and appreciate the work they’re completing. While finishing your apprenticeship will open up your earning potential, you will still be rewarded for your work while you’re learning.

Increase your job potential

Apprenticeships are for highly skilled jobs, meaning once you’ve mastered the techniques you’ll be in high demand because not many people can do what you do. You’ll have a higher salary and better job security thanks to your newfound expertise. The company where you complete your apprenticeship may offer you a full-time position, or you can see where else your new skills will take you.

If you’re considering an apprenticeship, are currently completing one or have recently finished, Award Staffing is here to help you find your future. Learn more about the exciting opportunities we share daily for highly skilled jobs in the Twin Cities.