A skilled trades apprenticeship is a paid, structured training program that lets you earn a full-time wage while you learn a trade — no student loans, no classroom-only instruction, and no guesswork about whether the job exists when you finish. Most apprenticeship programs in the US run 3–5 years, combine on-the-job training with technical classroom hours, and end with a nationally recognized journeyman credential.

As of 2026, there are over 591,000 active apprentices in registered programs across the United States — a record high — and demand from employers is still outpacing supply. With 500,000+ skilled trade jobs currently unfilled (Associated Builders and Contractors, 2026), the pipeline for qualified applicants has never been better.

This guide covers every major question: what apprenticeships actually are, which trades offer them, how to apply, what you’ll earn at each stage, and where to find programs near you.

Quick facts: Skilled trades apprenticeships

Program length: 3–5 years (trade-dependent)
Year 1 wage: Typically 40–50% of journeyman rate (~$18–$24/hr in most trades)
Cost to you: $0–$2,000 for tools and fees; tuition covered by employer/union
Credential earned: Journeyman certificate — nationally recognized
Active US apprentices (2026): 591,000+ (Department of Labor)
Job completion rate: ~70% of apprentices become journey-level workers
Minimum age: 18 for most programs (16–17 for some pre-apprenticeships)

What is a skilled trades apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a formal, employer-driven training model that combines paid on-the-job learning (called OJT) with related technical instruction (RTI) — typically 144 classroom hours per year. You work full-time under a licensed journeyman or master tradesperson, learning real skills on real job sites, while attending trade school classes in the evenings or on scheduled days off.

There are two types of registered apprenticeship programs in the US:

Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) are programs that meet federal or state standards set by the US Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship (or a State Apprenticeship Agency). Completing a registered program earns you a Certificate of Completion — a portable, nationally recognized credential. These are the gold standard and what most people mean when they say “apprenticeship.”

Non-registered apprenticeships are employer-created training pipelines that don’t carry federal certification. They can be excellent — some large contractors run outstanding in-house programs — but the credential isn’t officially portable if you move states or change employers.

When you search, always prioritize registered programs. You can verify any program at apprenticeship.gov.

Good to know

The federal government’s Registered Apprenticeship database at apprenticeship.gov lists every federally registered program in the US. You can search by trade, state, and zip code — and see the sponsor contact info directly. It’s the single most reliable starting point for your search.

Which trades have apprenticeship programs?

Nearly every skilled trade in the US has some form of apprenticeship structure. The following are the major trades with established, widely available registered programs and the typical program length for each.

Trade	Apprenticeship Length	OJT Hours Required	BLS Median Salary (2024)	Primary Sponsor
Electrician	4–5 years	8,000 hrs	$72,950/yr	IBEW / NECA; non-union contractors
Plumber / Pipefitter	4–5 years	8,000–10,000 hrs	$60,090/yr	UA (United Association)
HVAC Technician	3–5 years	6,000–8,000 hrs	$57,300/yr	UA; ACCA; employers
Carpenter	3–4 years	6,000–8,000 hrs	$57,800/yr	UBC (United Brotherhood of Carpenters)
Ironworker	3–4 years	6,000 hrs	$64,650/yr	IABSORIW (Ironworkers union)
Welder	1–3 years	2,000–6,000 hrs	$47,540/yr	Employers; AWS; trade schools
Elevator Installer	4–5 years	8,000 hrs	$97,860/yr	IUEC (Elevator union)
Sheet Metal Worker	4–5 years	8,000–10,000 hrs	$56,520/yr	SMART (Sheet Metal union)
Painter / Drywall	3–4 years	6,000 hrs	$47,580/yr	IUPAT; PDC
Solar PV Installer	1–2 years	2,000–4,000 hrs	$47,000/yr	IBEW; employers

All salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

The highest-paid apprenticeship path in the US is elevator installation and repair. The IUEC (International Union of Elevator Constructors) runs a rigorous 4–5 year program, and journeyman elevator mechanics earn a median of $106,580, with experienced workers in major metro areas routinely clearing $120,000+. If you can get into an IUEC local, it’s one of the best trades apprenticeships in the country.

For electricians, the IBEW-NECA Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) is the dominant path. With 9.5% job growth projected through 2034 — roughly three times the national average for all occupations (BLS) — demand for electricians trained through these programs is substantial and growing.

How to find and apply for the trade apprenticeship programs

The application process varies by trade and sponsor, but the steps below apply to the vast majority of registered programs in the US. Most programs open applications once or twice per year, so timing matters.

1
Search apprenticeship.gov for registered programs in your area Go to apprenticeship.gov and use the “Find an Apprenticeship” search tool. Filter by occupation and your state or zip code. The results show every federally registered program with sponsor contact information. Write down the contact for each program in your trade — you’ll reach out directly. Most union-sponsored programs are listed here alongside employer-sponsored ones.
2
Contact the local union hall or JATC directly For trades like electrical, plumbing, and carpentry, the union’s Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) runs the program — not the employer. Find your local IBEW chapter at ibew.org, your plumbers/pipefitters local at ua.org, or your carpenters local at carpenters.org. Call or visit in person and ask when the next application period opens. Many programs fill from waiting lists, so getting on the list early is the entire game.
3
Meet the minimum eligibility requirements Most programs require: age 18+, high school diploma or GED, valid driver’s license, and proof of ability to do physically demanding work. Some programs (especially electrical) also require proof of Algebra 1 completion or a passing score on the NJATC math aptitude test. Get your paperwork together before the application window opens — missing one document can push you to the next cycle.
4
Submit your application during the open enrollment window Most JATC and union programs open applications once a year — often in the winter or spring. Non-union and employer-sponsored programs may accept applications on a rolling basis. Submit everything required on the first possible day. Late or incomplete applications are routinely rejected, even when spots are available. Application fees range from $0 to $35 for most programs.
5
Pass the aptitude test and interview Electrical apprenticeships typically require a NJATC aptitude test (math and reading comprehension). Plumbing and pipefitter programs often have their own tests. Interviews are scored, and your ranking determines placement order. Prepare by brushing up on basic algebra and fractions — the math section is where most applicants fall short. Free practice tests are available through NJATC and various union training sites.
6
Accept your placement and report to work Once accepted, you’ll sign an apprenticeship agreement — a legal contract between you, the sponsor, and (in union programs) the local. You’ll be dispatched to an employer and begin earning immediately. Your first paycheck typically arrives within two weeks. Related technical instruction (classroom time) usually runs one evening per week or in block sessions. Expect to buy work boots, safety glasses, and a basic tool set in the first month — budget $200–$600 for this.

Pro tip

If the JATC waiting list in your area is 12–18 months long (common in high-cost metros), look at non-union contractor apprenticeships in the same trade. ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) chapters sponsor employer-based programs that often have shorter wait times and can place you in 30–60 days. The credential is federally registered and carries the same weight. Find ABC chapters at abc.org.

What you’ll earn: apprentice wages by trade

Apprentice wages are structured as a percentage of the local journeyman rate, increasing every 6–12 months as you advance through your training period. A first-year apprentice in a union electrical program in a major metro area typically earns $18–$24/hour. By year 4 or 5, you’re at 90–95% of journeyman rate before you even graduate.

The exact percentage scale is set by each program’s collective bargaining agreement (union) or sponsor agreement (non-union). Below is a representative wage progression for a union electrician apprenticeship based on typical IBEW JATC scales:

Apprentice Year	% of Journeyman Rate	Example: Low-cost market ($30/hr JW)	Example: High-cost market ($55/hr JW)
Year 1	40–50%	$12–$15/hr (~$25,000–$31,000/yr)	$22–$28/hr (~$46,000–$58,000/yr)
Year 2	55–65%	$16–$19/hr (~$34,000–$40,000/yr)	$30–$36/hr (~$62,000–$75,000/yr)
Year 3	70–75%	$21–$22/hr (~$44,000–$46,000/yr)	$38–$41/hr (~$80,000–$85,000/yr)
Year 4	80–85%	$24–$25/hr (~$50,000–$52,000/yr)	$44–$47/hr (~$91,000–$98,000/yr)
Year 5 (final)	90–95%	$27–$28/hr (~$56,000–$58,000/yr)	$50–$52/hr (~$104,000–$108,000/yr)
Journeyman (graduate)	100%	$30/hr (~$62,400/yr)	$55/hr (~$114,400/yr)

These figures are illustrative — actual rates depend on your local JATC agreement, your state, and your trade. Union apprentices also receive health insurance, pension contributions, and annuity benefits that are not reflected in the hourly figures above. In major metro areas (New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle), journeyman wages for IBEW electricians and UA plumbers routinely top $50–$60/hour before overtime. In rural markets and right-to-work states, journeyman rates are lower but so is the cost of living.

For a detailed breakdown by trade and state, see our skilled trades salary estimator tool.

Pro tip

Non-union apprenticeships often start at lower hourly rates but may have more overtime opportunity, especially in booming construction markets like Texas, Florida, and the Carolinas. A union electrician apprentice in rural Ohio at $14/hr and a non-union apprentice in Houston at $16/hr — with 55–60 hour weeks — may end up taking home similar weekly pay. Total annual compensation matters more than hourly rate when comparing offers.

Union vs. non-union apprenticeships

This is the question every aspiring apprentice eventually asks. The honest answer is: it depends on your trade, your market, and your long-term goals.

Union Apprenticeships (IBEW, UA, UBC, etc.)

Highest hourly wages in most markets
Full benefits: health insurance, pension, annuity
Standardized, high-quality training curriculum
Portable credential — recognized across locals
Strong job security via dispatch hall
Union dues required (~1–2% of wages)
Longer wait times to get in (especially in tight markets)
Less geographic flexibility while in the program

Non-Union / Employer Apprenticeships (ABC, NCCER, etc.)

Faster entry — often hiring year-round
More flexibility to move employers
Growing in quality: NCCER credentials widely respected
May include benefits — varies by employer
More overtime opportunity in commercial construction
No union dues
Starting wages typically 10–20% lower than union
Pension/retirement benefits less common

For trades like electrical and plumbing in major metro areas, union apprenticeships win on total compensation, especially when you factor in pensions and benefits. For trades like HVAC and welding — where non-union shops dominate in many regions — the non-union path may actually get you working faster and into a good career just as quickly.

Good to know

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) is the primary credentialing body for non-union trades training. An NCCER certification is recognized by thousands of contractors and is the closest equivalent to a union journeyman card for non-union tradespeople. If you go the non-union route, make sure your program leads to an NCCER credential — not just an employer certificate that carries no weight outside that company. More at nccer.org.

Pre-apprenticeship programs — if you need a bridge

Not everyone is immediately competitive for a full apprenticeship. If you lack the math background, have no trade experience, or want to test your interest before committing to a 4–5 year program, pre-apprenticeships exist exactly for this purpose.

A pre-apprenticeship is a short (typically 6–16 week) program that introduces you to the basics of a trade, prepares you for aptitude tests, and in many cases gives you direct placement priority with a JATC or employer sponsor. They’re often free or low-cost, run by community colleges, workforce development boards, or nonprofits.

Where to find pre-apprenticeship programs

SkillBridge (for veterans): The Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program lets active-duty service members train in civilian skilled trades during their last 180 days of service — while still drawing military pay and benefits. Approved sponsors include IBEW, UA, and multiple construction contractors. Find authorized programs at skillbridge.defense.gov.

CareerOneStop (workforce.gov): Administered by the Department of Labor, CareerOneStop connects job seekers to local workforce training grants, including pre-apprenticeship funding. Many programs are free for income-qualified applicants. Visit careeronestop.org.

Community and technical colleges: Many community colleges offer 8–16 week trade introductory programs — basic electricity, pipefitting fundamentals, HVAC basics — that double as JATC application prep. Tuition typically runs $500–$2,500.

Here’s the list of the best trade schools in the US.

Year Up and similar nonprofits: Programs like Year Up, Per Scholas, and local workforce development nonprofits specifically target underrepresented groups (young adults, women, veterans) for pre-apprenticeship pipelines into building trades. These are often fully funded.

Watch out

Some for-profit trade schools advertise “pre-apprenticeship” or “apprenticeship preparation” programs costing $5,000–$15,000. These are not affiliated with union JATCs or registered apprenticeship sponsors, and completing them does not guarantee placement in any actual apprenticeship program. Before paying for any prep program, call your local JATC directly and ask what they recommend. Most will point you to free or low-cost community college options.

Programs by trade: where to apply right now

Here are the direct entry points for the most widely sought-after apprenticeships in the US.

Electrical

IBEW/NJATC: Find your local JATC at ibew.org → “Find a Local” → contact them for application dates
Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC): iecfellowship.org — non-union, federally registered, open enrollment in many chapters
Direct employer: Large electrical contractors like EMCOR, Rosendin, and MYR Group run registered apprenticeship programs; apply via their careers pages

Our comprehensive guide to becoming an electrician.

Plumbing / Pipefitting

UA Local: ua.org → “Find a Local” — the UA runs the most comprehensive plumbing apprenticeship network in the country, covering plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, and HVAC/R mechanics
PHCC Educational Foundation: phccfoundation.org — supports non-union plumbing apprenticeships

Learn how to become a plumber.

HVAC

UA Local: Many UA locals also cover HVAC/R alongside plumbing; check your local’s scope of work
ACCA: acca.org connects HVAC employers with apprenticeship resources
Refrigeration School / UTI / Lincoln Tech: These trade schools offer structured HVAC programs that some employers accept as equivalent OJT credit.

Learn how to become an HVAC Technician.

Carpentry

UBC (United Brotherhood of Carpenters): carpenters.org → “Find a Council” — runs the CTPF (Carpenters Training Fund) in each region
ABC chapters: abc.org — non-union carpentry apprenticeships through local ABC chapters, NCCER-based curriculum

Welding

AWS (American Welding Society): aws.org/education — not an apprenticeship sponsor itself, but its Certified Welder (CW) and Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credentials are the industry standard; many employer apprenticeships build toward AWS certification
Employer programs: Manufacturers (Caterpillar, Lincoln Electric, Miller Electric), shipyards (Huntington Ingalls, General Dynamics), and pipeline contractors (Williams Companies, Energy Transfer) all run registered welding apprenticeships; apply directly through their HR portals

What happens after your apprenticeship?

Completing a registered apprenticeship earns you a Certificate of Completion from the US Department of Labor — the journeyman credential. From there, three paths are common:

Stay at the journeyman level. Many tradespeople spend their entire careers as journeymen and earn well doing it. A journeyman electrician or plumber in a strong union market can earn $85,000–$120,000+ per year with overtime, without ever pursuing a master license.

Pursue a master license. Most states require 1–4 years of journeyman experience before you can sit for a master electrician, master plumber, or equivalent exam. A master license lets you pull permits in your own name — which is required to start a business.

Explore business landscapes of the trades with the following comprehensive guides:

Move into supervision or ownership. Many apprenticeship graduates become foremen within 5–8 years of completing their program. From there, general foreman, superintendent, project manager, and business owner are logical progressions. The trades have more upward mobility than most people assume.

Median wages after completing a 5-year apprenticeship (BLS, 2024)

Journeyman electrician: $62,350/yr nationally; $98,200/yr in New York
Journeyman plumber/pipefitter: $62,970/yr nationally; $89,200/yr in New Jersey
Journeyman carpenter: $59,310/yr nationally; $83,100/yr in New York
Journeyman elevator mechanic: $106,580/yr nationally; $128,600/yr in New York
Journeyman ironworker: $61,9400/yr nationally; varies significantly by specialty

For a detailed breakdown by trade and state, see our skilled trades salary estimator tool.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a skilled trades apprenticeship take?

Most skilled trades apprenticeships run 3–5 years. Electrical and plumbing programs are typically 4–5 years, carpentry and ironwork are 3–4 years, and welding programs can be as short as 1–2 years. Program length is set by the hours required — most registered programs mandate 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 144 hours of related technical instruction per year.

Do you get paid during an apprenticeship?

Yes — Apprentices are paid employees from day one. First-year wages are typically around 40–50% of the local journeyman rate, with scheduled increases every 6–12 months as apprentices complete training milestones and on-the-job hours. In a union electrical apprenticeship in a mid-cost U.S. market, first-year pay is commonly around $18–$25/hour. In major metro areas and strong union markets, starting wages are often $25–$35/hour, especially when fringe benefits are included. Pay rises steadily throughout the apprenticeship, and by the 4th or 5th year many apprentices earn roughly 80–95% of full journeyman pay, depending on the local union agreement and market conditions.

What are the requirements to apply for an apprenticeship?

Standard requirements for most registered apprenticeship programs are: age 18+, a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and physical ability to perform trade work. Electrical apprenticeships additionally require proof of Algebra 1 completion (or equivalent) and a passing score on the NJATC math aptitude test. Some programs also require a drug test and background check.

Is a union apprenticeship better than a non-union one?

It depends on your trade and region. Union apprenticeships (IBEW, UA, UBC) generally offer higher total compensation — including health insurance, pension contributions, and annuity — and produce a federally recognized, portable credential. Non-union programs through ABC and NCCER often have faster entry, more overtime opportunity, and growing credential recognition. In trades where unions are less dominant (welding, solar, HVAC in right-to-work states), non-union programs can be the more practical path.

Can I apply for an apprenticeship with no experience?

Yes — apprenticeships are explicitly designed for people with no prior trade experience. The entire point is to train you from scratch. Prior experience in a related field can help your ranking score in the interview process, but it is not required. If you want to improve your competitiveness before applying, a community college trade introductory course or a pre-apprenticeship program is a good use of 8–12 weeks.

What is the highest-paying apprenticeship in the US?

Elevator installation and repair has the highest median wages among all skilled trades apprenticeship programs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median of $106,580 for elevator installers and repairers (BLS, 2024), and experienced workers in high-cost markets routinely earn $110,000–$130,000 annually. Entry is competitive — IUEC local programs typically have limited openings — but the long-term earnings are unmatched among construction trades.

What is the easiest trade apprenticeship to get into?

Carpentry, painting, and general construction apprenticeships tend to have the most open slots and the shortest wait times, especially through non-union ABC-sponsored programs. Solar PV installer apprenticeships are also growing rapidly — with 42% job growth projected through 2033 (BLS) — and many programs accept applicants on a rolling basis. HVAC employer apprenticeships in sunbelt states (Texas, Florida, Arizona) are also frequently hiring. The “easiest” entry point is really the one where your local market has demand — check apprenticeship.gov for open programs in your zip code.

Can women apply for skilled trades apprenticeships?

Yes, and most programs actively encourage women to apply. Women currently make up under 10% of the skilled trades workforce (McKinsey, 2024), and the industry gap is significant. The Department of Labor’s Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) program funds organizations that specifically support women entering building trades apprenticeships. Many JATC programs have diversity outreach coordinators. Organizations like Tradeswomen Inc. and Hard Hatted Women also provide mentorship and application support for women entering the trades.

Next steps

The best time to start your apprenticeship search is now — programs fill from waiting lists, and getting your name in early is everything. Go to apprenticeship.gov, search for registered programs in your trade and state, and contact the sponsor directly to ask when the next application window opens.

If you’re still deciding which trade to pursue, start with our complete guide to becoming an electrician or browse best trade schools in the US to understand your training options.

If you want to evaluate whether you should choose a trade school or a college, read Trade School vs College: Which Path Pays Off in 2026?

Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Programs: Complete Guide