Earn a Wage for Getting a Higher Education
It may sound too good to be true, but registered apprentices let you do just that!
By definition, an apprentice is an adult man or woman who is paid to learn a trade while working for their employer. They go to work every day – they get paid 
regularly – and those enrolled in a program at Apprenticeship Institute earn valuable vocational certificates while taking classes in their field. Some certificate programs can even be a stepping stone toward a college degree.
It may sound too good to be true, but businesses of all types are struggling to find and retain high-quality employees and are increasingly turning to apprenticeships to fill the gaps in their employee base.
The Apprenticeship Institute will connect you to an employer as well as to a licensed educational institution for training. You will be registered as a US Department of Labor apprentice and on your way to a new and rewarding career – all while earning a living!
As you gain experience and knowledge, your wage will progressively increase. Upon completion of your apprenticeship program, you will receive a certificate of completion from the U.S. Department of Labor, recognized by employers in your field and become an even more valuable member of your employer’s team.
Job Seekers Ask…
So…I get paid to work while I’m taking classes?
Apprentices are paid employees who are actively working for their employer. They receive on-the-job training as well as ‘related training and instruction,’ or what is typically known as classroom instruction. You are paid for your time on the job. Classroom time is unpaid.
Your wages will increase over time as your value to the company increases due to the additional training and skills you bring to your position.
Some apprenticeships are “front-loaded,” meaning the classroom portion of the program must be completed prior to official placement in an apprenticeship. For example, Certified Nurse Aides must be fully certified before the State will allow them to work in a nursing home or other long-term care facility. The classroom portion of this program is completed in ten weeks. Following certification, apprentices officially begin working for their employer and receiving additional, paid, on-the-job training.
Who pays for my classes?
Tuition is paid by the employer or a workforce development agency.
I get that I’ll be paid for working, but how does the training or education part work?
Apprenticeships have two different training components – on the job training and related training.
On the job training is comprised of skills you’ll learn from your employer mentor while working your normal schedule. You’ll be assigned a mentor who will be responsible for ensuring you receive proper and adequate training for these components, tracking the training you receive, and reporting it to us for compilation.
Related training is training done outside of the job setting and includes classroom education as well as any hands-on skills you’d need to learn that aren’t practical to teach on the job. Related training is taught at a licensed and conveniently located brick and mortar school.
How will I have time to take on a new job and a new training program at the same time?
Classes are scheduled to accommodate your work schedule. Evenings, weekends, lunch periods, vacation time, and seasonal layoff periods are common times used for the educational portion of the program.
I always think of apprenticeships as opportunities for men. What’s available for women?
There are no gender limitations on any of our apprenticeships. Apprenticeship Institute is committed to gender equality in all fields. We encourage everyone to consider any program they find interesting.
Do I have to pay my employer back when I complete my training?
No. By definition, apprenticeships are funded by the employer.
What kinds of professions use apprenticeships?
There are literally hundreds of professions offering apprenticeships ranging from health care to manufacturing. Almost any profession can be taught through this method.
What happens if I can’t finish my apprenticeship?
Your employer may have specific requirements related to the completion of an apprenticeship. Please review these requirements with any prospective employers on an individual basis.
What skills do I need to have to qualify for an apprenticeship?
Skills to qualify for apprenticeships vary widely by field. The basic requirements for a US Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship include being 18 years of age and having a high school diploma. Some may require a specific mathematic or reading competency skill set.
Pre-apprenticeship programs prepare participants to meet the basic qualifications for entry into apprenticeships. More information is available from your admissions representative.
What’s the catch? Is it really FREE?
Yes – Training is free for those who qualify. We work closely with Michigan Works!, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, and other workforce development training 
funding organizations. Each organization has its own qualification criteria.
How long does tuition payment approval take?
First, the length of time it takes to be qualified for free training varies by the workforce development organization. If you have completed an enrollment questionnaire and have not heard from us, please be patient. We sort through many enrollment questionnaires daily.
You are encouraged to visit your local Michigan Rehabilitation Services or Michigan Works! office where you’ll be able to work directly with a caseworker instead of waiting for us to sort enrollment questionnaires and pre-qualify you.
Is free training guaranteed?
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee free funding. We will, however, do what we can to walk you through the process of determining your funding eligibility.
I’m interested in starting an apprenticeship. What’s next?
Contact an admissions representative! We look forward to helping you take the next step toward your professional success.