What Occupations Are Open For Apprenticeship?
People often call the Office of Apprenticeship to inquire as to, "What apprenticeships are open?" The question itself indicates a lack of knowledge about apprenticeship on the part of the person asking it. To begin with, the Office of Apprenticeship has no job openings and does not hire anybody. The Office of Apprenticeship validates the training programs that employers manage for their own employees.

Those that are novices, one doing the jobs for the first time, are considered apprentices. If an employer wants to formalize an apprenticeship training program he/she registers it with the Office of Apprenticeship , which validates the completeness and appropriateness of that training program, ensuring that it meets or exceeds national standards for the particular occupation.

So, in reality, as far as the Office of Apprenticeship is concerned, all 875 apprenticeable occupations are open for any employer to sponsor his/her apprentices in a particular occupation. The Office of Apprenticeship never knows what specific jobs are open in the labor market at any given time. It is up to the person who wants to be hired in an apprenticeship to find that employer and apply for a job, so that he/she can serve an apprentice in

What Should I Consider Before Looking For A Job?
It is important to note that a potential worker will do better if instead of asking around for "What jobs are available?" ask for the precise in which he/she has interest. The potential worker must know more about his/her own personality, vocation, abilities, inclinations, preferences, interests, etc. to determine what kind of work will give him/her the most joy. Workers tend to be more productive and happy doing what they like best.

If you do not know what kind work interests you, invest some time finding that answer first. Don’t hit the job market looking for whatever is there. Whatever might just be something you may not be good at or enjoy. When looking for employment, “go hunting for a job with a rifle and a scope and not with a shotgun." Target the job you prefer. You will waste less time and likely find a career that fits your interests and abilities.

Where Do I Go For Job Referral Services?
Each state receives funds from the Department of Labor every year, so they can operate an employment service. In the state of Utah, the Department of Workforce Services renders such services. Their offices are located all over the state. Job searches should be directed to those offices. Other than informing the public as to where to apply for opportunities for jobs with Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees in the building trades, the Office of Apprenticeship is not a job referral agency.

Now That I Know My Interests and Abilities, How Long Does An Apprenticeship Program Last?
Typically, apprenticeships last two to four years depending on industry requirements. Wide ranges of occupations are available, from baker to licensed practical nurse to heavy equipment operator.

What Apprenticeship Programs Are Available In My Area?
Not all programs are available in every part of the state. The variety of available occupations depends on local industry needs. Click link for a list of current apprenticeable occupations.

If your chosen field of study is not on the list, is there anything that you can do? Consider this…an apprenticeable occupation is a skilled trade, which possesses all of the following characteristics:

• Has skills learned in a practical way through a structured, systematic program of on-the-job supervised training
• Has job standards that are clearly identified and commonly recognized throughout the industry
• Involves manual, mechanical or technical skills and knowledge, which require a minimum of 2000 hours of on-the-job work experience
• Requires related instruction to supplement the on-the-job-training

New apprenticeable occupations emerge all the time. If you have an occupation in mind, which meets these four criteria but is not on the list contact a DWS counselor in your area. This counselor, working with the Office of Apprenticeship , will help you write a set of standards and submit them for approval by the US Department of Labor and by industry leaders. This approval process can take several months.