Yes! Registered Apprenticeships can begin in high school.
High school students or recent graduates can participate in a Registered Apprenticeship program. This program can be tailored to fit both the student’s and the employer’s schedule by providing related instruction and on-the-job training during school breaks, after school, and even during the school day, if the student’s schedule permits.
Pathway: Pre-apprenticeship - Registered Apprenticeship
Why try the ApprenticeshipNH High School program?
For Apprentices:
Discover potential career paths by pursuing pre-apprenticeships or kickstart your desired career while still in high school.
- 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:
Get ready to guide the next generation of professionals who are enthusiastic learners and ready to start their careers. Using the Pre-apprenticeship program can make it easier to choose apprentices.
- 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
What is pre-apprenticeship?
Pre-apprenticeship programs set individuals up for success in a Registered Apprenticeship program. Often designed to fill identified skill gaps, ApprenticeshipNH can help employers customize a pre-apprenticeship program or connect them with existing programs like WorkReadyNH, Adult Education programs, and English as a Second Language programs. Pre-apprenticeship provides a pathway to a career for job seekers and a talent pipeline for employers.
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
Robust Workforce
Recruit and prepare a large number of apprentices including underserved populations for a robust workforce
Supportive Services
Wrap-around services or referrals to help participants complete the program
Sustainable Partnerships
Collaboratively promote Registered Apprenticeship to other employers
Framework for a High Quality Pre-apprenticeship
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
What is a Registered Apprenticeship?
Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential.
Industry Led
Programs are industry-vetted and approved to ensure alignment with industry standards and that apprentices are trained for highly skilled, high-demand occupations.
Structured On-the-Job Learning/Mentorship
Programs provide structured on-the-job training to prepare for a successful career, which includes instruction from an experienced mentor.
Credentials
Upon completion, apprentices earn a portable, nationally-recognized credential within their industry.
Paid Job
Apprenticeships are jobs! Apprentices earn progressive wage as their skills and productivity increase.
Supplemental Education
Apprentices are provided supplemental classroom education based on the employers unique training needs to ensure quality and success.
How ApprenticeshipNH can help
ApprenticeshipNH provides ongoing support to employers and registered apprentices. As an intermediary between the U.S. DOL, employers, high schools, and higher education partners we can:
- Provide technical assistance for the development of registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships.
- Provide scholarship funds and support service funds for apprentices and pre-apprentices who face barriers and challenges for employment.
- Offer funding support for employers.
- Connect students with registered apprenticeship opportunities.
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
Transportation & Logistics
Education & Childcare
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! ApprenticeshipNH is currently working with employers to develop programs with flexible schedules to allow students to participate while in high school.
A pre-apprenticeship is a program 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.
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 offers tuition support and supportive services such as mileage reimbursement and help with purchasing equipment and uniforms needed for the pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship.
The apprenticeship program is the same for everyone, but age and school schedules can affect it. High school students may have less time for on-the-job training, so it could take them longer to complete the 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.
Apprenticeship Hubs Near You
Northern
Centered around White Mountains Community College, ApprenticeshipNH is meeting the needs of Northern NH’s thriving hospitality, tourism and other emerging industries.
Western
Centered around River Valley Community College, ApprenticeshipNH is meeting the workforce needs of Western NH’s thriving manufacturing, healthcare and other emerging industries.
East Central
Centered around NHTI, Great Bay and Lakes Region Community Colleges, ApprenticeshipNH is meeting the construction and automotive workforce needs of the region.
Southern
Centered around Manchester and Nashua Community Colleges, ApprenticeshipNH is meeting the needs of Southern NH’s thriving healthcare, IT and education sectors.
