Key features of a professional apprenticeship include:
Work Experience:
Education and Training:
Duration:
Mentorship:
Compensation:
Certification:
Apprentices work full time to gain practical skills an knowledge relate to a specific professional profession.
While working full time, apprentices also receive formal on-line education.
Apprenticeships have a fixed duration, during which apprentices work towards achieving a set of competency standards. The length of an apprenticeship can vary depending on the industry and the complexity of the skills being acquired.
Apprentices work under the supervision of experienced professionals who serve as managers and mentors, guiding them through the learning process and providing feedback.
Apprentices are full time employees and paid for their work. Wages may be lower than those of fully qualified workers. The pay may increase as the apprentice progresses and acquires more skills.
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, apprentices relieve a national credential from the Department of Labor.
As the nation’s Capital, Washington, D.C., is not only recognized for its vibrant and innovative culture but also as a thriving ground for apprenticeships. The region stands tall as the 3rd largest in the U.S. for technology employment, boasting 242,350 individuals employed in Computer and Mathematical occupations – a staggering figure that's more than double the national concentration. In an effort to capitalize on this booming tech sector, the City government, along with business partners, has initiated various programs that offer substantial incentives to businesses for launching and expanding apprenticeship programs.
Pete Kirschner, serving as the Innovation Hub Executive Director, working across the region to cultivate a community that integrates employers and job seekers. Through apprenticeships, the Hub aims to bridge the gap between emerging talent and the growing demand for skilled professionals in the technological arena. Apprenticeships are central to this mission, as they provide hands-on experience and tailored skillsets, making Washington D.C. an even more potent hub for innovation and technological advancement.