Apprenticeship is gaining more importance these days and the value and requirement of apprentices is increasing steadily in the job market. Apprenticeship programs offer on-the-job training for the individuals and help them acquire expertise in their work. These programs are more focused on giving practical knowledge to the candidates than mere theoretical knowledge. Apprenticeship training in provided in almost all traits such as agriculture, construction, arts, teaching, nursing, travel, tourism, etc. individuals who are involved in apprentice work are more skilled as compared to others engaged in the same filed. Hence, working as an apprentice, you may have more scope of growth in career.
Work Profile
The work profile of an apprentice completely depends upon his area of expertise and the field in which he underwent training. Apprentice programs are different from the internship programs as they are long-term programs which may last for 4 to 5 years until an individual is skilled at handling his work independently. Here are some of the general job responsibilities of an apprentice work.
Job Responsibilities of an Apprentice Work:
Career Scope of Apprentice Work
Earlier apprentice jobs were available only in a handful of fields such as crafts, tailoring, housekeeping, etc. But, due to the increasing demand of skilled professionals in all the areas, apprenticeship programs in fields such as engineering, construction, nursing, agriculture, carpentry, etc., have been introduced by government institutions within Office of Apprenticeship. They offer licensure and job opportunities in various traits such as:
Construction Apprentice: These apprentices perform the construction work they are specialized in under the guidance of a senior. They may specialize in plumbing work, brick laying, cementing, handling heavy construction equipments, etc.
Carpentry Apprentice: These apprentices perform carpentry work such as cutting and furnishing wooden furniture and making furniture as per the guidance of the furniture designers. Some of these apprentices may also take small furniture making contracts and work individually.
Electrical Work Apprentice: These apprentices perform all kinds of electrical work such as studying the designed circuits and connecting and implementing electrical switches and connections. They also perform repair work of electrical equipments and gadgets.
Agriculture Apprentice: These are mainly trained to work in farms as farm workers, animal breeders, nursery workers, etc. They also handle heavy equipments used in agriculture and handle the customers if need be.
Work Environment
Apprentices do not work in offices but they are most of the times seen working on-filed. Their work is physically challenging and may have to work for more than 9 hours a day. They deal with risks and heavy duty work on an everyday basis. They may suffer from physical stress at work and may have to work in adverse conditions at times. Mostly construction apprentice work is challenging and involves more stress.
Current Industry Trends and Employer Requirements
An apprentice should undergo a training lasting for more than 4-5 years and should be skilled at his work. Most of the employers look for government certified apprentices who have licence. These apprentices should also be willing to learn new technologies used by the companies and follow the instructions of their seniors and deliver best outputs from their work.
Career Path and Growth opportunities
Junior apprentices have opportunities to work as senior apprentices or supervisors and trainers. Some of the apprentices also get an opportunity to train the apprentices in apprenticeship colleges and institutions. They can also work on contract basis individually.
Apprentice work can be done even by uncertified individuals but they are less preferred by the employers.