Finding an apprenticeship opens doors to a rewarding career where you earn while you learn. Whether you're interested in construction, healthcare, manufacturing, or IT, there are multiple pathways to discovering opportunities in your area.
Start with Official Apprenticeship Databases
The most comprehensive starting point is Apprenticeship.gov, the federal government's official resource for apprenticeship opportunities. The site features an Apprenticeship Job Finder that allows you to search by occupation, location, or company. Job postings include tags indicating whether they're tied to a Registered Occupation or Registered Partner following Office of Apprenticeship guidelines.
Can't find open positions immediately? Use the Partner Finder tool to locate apprenticeship sponsors in your area, so you can learn about future application cycles. Many states also maintain their own apprenticeship websites; for example, Minnesota offers the Minnesota Registered Apprenticeship Application Directory, Missouri has Apprentice Connect, and New York maintains Recruitment Announcements for active openings.
Explore Apprenticeship-Specific Job Boards
Several websites specialize in listing apprenticeship opportunities. In the UK, Success at School offers apprenticeships across various industries, providing detailed information and hosting networking events. The government's Find An Apprenticeship site contains nearly every program in England. In the United States, state-specific equivalents provide comprehensive listings.
Rate My Apprenticeship stands out by offering reviews and ratings from current and former apprentices, enabling you to evaluate programs based on real-life experiences. Traditional job boards, such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter, also list apprenticeship positions, which are often searchable by location and trade.
Contact Local Unions and Trade Associations
Union apprenticeship programs represent some of the most established pathways into skilled trades. Major unions offering apprenticeships include the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the United Association of Plumbers, Ironworkers, Carpenters, and Bricklayers—all of which maintain robust training programs with local chapters and dedicated training centers.
To find your local union, search for "[trade name] union apprenticeship [your city/state]" or visit national union websites that provide local contact information. Trade associations, such as the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), offer merit shop apprenticeships with 67 chapters nationwide, providing training in more than 20 construction crafts.
Partner with Community Colleges and Technical Schools
Community colleges increasingly serve as education partners for apprenticeship programs, offering "earn while you learn" opportunities where you work full-time while completing coursework. Many institutions offer programs in manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and skilled trades where employers cover tuition, fees, and books.
Contact the workforce development or continuing education department at a community college near you to inquire about apprenticeship partnerships. These institutions often have established relationships with local employers actively seeking apprentices.
Consider Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
If you're not quite ready for a full apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship programs can help you build foundational skills and meet eligibility requirements. These programs typically last 8-16 weeks and include hands-on training, safety certification, tool familiarization, and trade-specific math instruction.
Quality pre-apprenticeship programs often have direct entry agreements with registered apprenticeship sponsors, giving graduates priority placement. Many are free for participants, and some even offer stipends, along with supportive services such as transportation and childcare assistance.
Meet Basic Requirements
Most apprenticeship programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old (some accept applicants who are 17 with parental consent), possess a high school diploma or GED, complete algebra or pass math assessments, demonstrate the physical capability to perform the trade, have reliable transportation, and maintain legal work authorization.
Application timelines vary widely by trade and location. Popular programs may fill by July, so starting your search in March or April is advisable. Review specific program requirements carefully and gather necessary documentation before applying.
How Apprenticeship Sponsors Can Streamline Program Management
For employers, unions, and training providers managing apprenticeship programs, efficient data management is critical. Craft, the best apprenticeship data management platform, helps sponsors track OJT hours, RTI completions, and competency development in one system. As a free platform for educational users, Craft automates compliance tracking for USDOL and WIOA requirements, provides role-based dashboards, and enables secure data sharing across partners. With AI-assisted reporting for natural language requests and AutoReg for Form 671 and Appendix A completion, Craft eliminates spreadsheets and keeps programs audit-ready.
Schedule a demo to see how Craft supports apprenticeship programs across industries.
.png)