Yes! Registered Apprenticeships can begin in high school.

Apprentices:

  • Work towards your career
  • Earn money as you learn skills
  • Explore Pre-apprenticeship

Employers:

  • Train the next generation
  • Motivated students ready to begin their careers
  • Get to know the individual through Pre-apprenticeship

Pathway: Pre-apprenticeship - Registered Apprenticeship

Framework for a high quality Pre-apprenticeship

Approved Curriculum

Training that is based on industry standards and approved by a Registered Apprenticeship partner

Simulated Experience

Hands-on training or volunteer opportunities that do not displace paid employees

Facilitated Entry

Agreements with Registered Apprenticeship sponsors that allow program participants to enter directly into a Registered Apprenticeship

Increased Diversity

Recruit and prepare underrepresented population to be successful in a Registered Apprenticeship

Supportive Services

Wrap around services or referrals to help participants complete the program

Sustainable Partnerships

Collaboratively promote Registered Apprenticeship to other employers

Figure 1

What is Registered Apprenticeship?

Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where individuals receive paid work experience, classroom instruction and a portable, nationally-recognized credential while employers develop their future workforce.

  • Students may enter a Registered Apprenticeship while still in high school or upon graduation
  • The Registered Apprenticeship can be designed to meet an employer and student schedule by focusing on related instruction while a student participates in on-the-job learning during school breaks, after school and even during the school day when the student’s schedule allows
  • Includes five components (Figure 1)

CCSNH and ApprenticeshipNH – High School team help businesses and high schools to:

  • Walk the business through the process of registering their apprenticeship with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
  • Connect the Registered Apprenticeship program to the high school curriculum
  • Provide technical assistance for the development of pre-apprenticeships
  • Work as a partner for the business, DOL and the school to build a training and education model that works for everyone

Check for this badge to see which apprenticeship opportunities are “high school friendly”

Growing industry sectors that offer strong career pathways in skilled, high-demand occupations.

Advanced Manufacturing

Automotive Technology

Business & Finance

Construction & Infrastructure

IT and Cybersecurity

Healthcare

Hospitality

Employers: How can Pre-apprenticeship work for you?

Once you have a registered apprenticeship, you can build a pre-apprenticeship to directly connect to High School and adult candidates. Sample programs include:

  • Education/bootcamp based course with a guaranteed interview for the apprenticeship program at your company
  • Paid internship with your company with a guaranteed interview for the apprenticeship program at your company
  • Combination of both options
  • We help you build a pre-apprenticeship program and connect to existing programs

Frequently asked questions

The minimum age to be an apprentice is 16. However, depending on the occupation and employer you may need to be 18. Please check the opportunities page for employer requirements.
The short answer is yes! The ApprenticeshipNH-High School team is currently working with employers to develop programs with flexible schedules to allow for students to participate while in high school.
A pre-apprenticeship is a program that is designed to prepare you for a registered apprenticeship. This can be in the form of education, work experience, or a combination. The pre-apprenticeship is approved by the employer/sponsor of the registered apprenticeship program. All pre-apprenticeships must be connected to a registered apprenticeship program to be recognized and supported by ApprenticeshipNH-High School.
You are not always guaranteed to be hired into a registered apprenticeship, but the employers who currently offer pre-apprenticeships will guarantee you an interview.
ApprenticeshipNH-High School offers tuition support and supportive services such as mileage reimbursement and help with purchasing equipment and uniforms needed for the pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship.
Not really. The registered apprenticeship has all the same components and requirements. The main difference is the age of the apprentice. Another difference is the number of on-the-job training hours a high school student can complete in a year may be limited by their availability which means it may take a bit longer for a high school student to finish the apprenticeship program.
Child labor laws vary according to occupations. Some hazardous task restrictions may be waived, with proper documentation, when a student is hired into a registered apprenticeship program. It is best to consult with the NH Department of Labor and your insurance company for guidance.

Why try the ApprenticeshipNH High School program?

For Students:

  • Begin your career with little to no student debt
  • Learn the top skills industries are looking for
  • Potential to earn college credit before leaving high school
  • Align your part-time job with future career goals

For Employers:

  • Train the next generation of employees
  • Access seniors with open schedules and grads without college or career plans
  • Introduce and promote career paths in your industry
  • Employer-driven, designed around your needs
  • Develop a pipeline of qualified employees

For Schools:

  • New pathways for students
  • Enhanced local business relationships
  • Expanded work-based learning opportunities and resources
  • Increased community awareness of educational programming

Request info on the ApprenticeshipNH High School program.