Why College Is the Best Route to Apprenticeships

Industry and business in the Middle Ages was dominated by a system of specialized craft guilds. A master craftsman would take on a young apprentice in a mutually-agreed upon contract where the apprentice would get formal training in a craft, as well as food and lodging, in exchange for helping the master craftsman with his business. Eventually, the apprentice would become their own master craftsman and pass on their knowledge and skill to future apprentices.

Today, the apprenticeship system has evolved, but the foundations are still the same. By becoming an apprentice with a company that can provide the environment and situations necessary for a complete training, the apprentice gets the best 'hands-on' work experience there is. But while one can pursue work as an apprentice on their own, there are certain definite advantages to enrolling in a college with an attached apprenticeship program.

Working From the Ground Up - Apprenticeships in Plumbing and Roofing

For centuries, buildings have stood as the collective homes of the people. So it is no surprise that constructing a building requires the team effort of so many skilled tradespeople. In order to ensure that these structures endure all kinds of outside weather, while being clean and sanitary on the inside, it is crucial that those we entrust to build and maintain our buildings have the best possible training. Two of these important team players are the plumber and the roofer, and both professions benefit greatly from apprenticeship programs.

If you are interested in a career as a plumber or roofer, more is involved than just sending out a bill. Entering the plumbing or roofing trades means entering the world of providing a valuable service that keeps people safe from the elements and maintains a level of health and sanitation.

No Shortage of Options With Apprenticeship Programs

When one thinks about apprenticeship programs, certainly there are several obvious industries that come to mind. For example, automotive mechanics, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and welders are some of the few categories of employment associated with apprenticeship-style training. What most of these have in common is their obvious hands-on technical skill-set.

But today, not all apprenticeship positions are reserved for just these kinds of industries. Many new areas of expertise are taking advantage of the combination of theoretical and practical education given through colleges with apprenticeship programs. Here are some examples of programs and how they utilize the apprentice system to best prepare aspiring career professionals.

Child and Youth Workers