Student loan debt in the USA has been a growing issue for a long time. Today’s total student debt has reached some $1.7 trillion, with the average college graduate owing $20,000 to $25,000. If you’re thinking about your higher education journey or counseling someone who is, it’s important to weigh the alternatives to traditional college that could significantly lower your financial burden.
One of the easiest ways to go about this is registering in an apprenticeship program. Not only do these programs offer a viable path to a satisfying career, but they also reduce the financial burden commonly linked with higher education.
Apprenticeships combine hands-on activities with a theoretical foundation. In contrast to traditional higher education that might leave you mired in student loan debt, apprenticeships enable you to “earn while you learn.” These programs haven’t been fully utilized in the past but are acquiring renewed attention from employers and academic institutions as they understand the value of practical experience in career development.
Apprenticeship programs are not only about debt avoidance; they’re also about employability and skill mastery. Traditional degree programs often focus on theoretical knowledge, which is unquestionably important but lacks the real-world application that employers want. Apprenticeships bridge this gap by making you job-ready and supplying you with the tools needed to succeed in your chosen field right from the get-go.
Learning the styles of apprenticeships available is a good first step and will help you make a more informed decision. Here’s some of the key details of the two main options.
These programs prepare you for jobs where a college degree is often not required. While society’s focus on higher education has led to a decline in these sort of apprenticeships, the lack of skilled tradespeople has created a surge in demand and, therefore, higher salaries.
The Department of Labor reports that apprentices in trade fields earn around $15 per hour while training, or $31,200 per year if training full time. As soon as the program is done, the average apprentice may earn the following salaries upon joining the workforce:
Academic institutions are frequently integrating apprenticeships in their degree programs, especially for fields like engineering, health care and information technology (IT). The advantages are two-fold: students obtain real-world experience while fulfilling academic requirements, and they earn a wage, limiting the need for loans.
A number of resources are able to help you get an apprenticeship. Here’s where to look:
When you follow the traditional higher education route, you select a major based on your personal strengths. Next, you discover job opportunities connected with that major. On the other hand, choosing an apprenticeship demands you to think in reverse.
Start off by choosing the majors and career paths that utilize or require apprenticeships. Next, pick one of the available apprenticeships from your narrowed-down list that sparks your interest, accommodates your skill set or offers the highest annual income, depending on your priorities. This strategy helps you align your educational pathway with real-world opportunities, providing a smoother transition into the job market and a satisfying career for years to come.
Are you looking to avoid the student loan trap while developing a satisfying career? Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing offers a standout apprenticeship program called Service Experts Career Academy (SECA). SECA offers modern HVAC training and on-the-job learning facilitated by Expert industry professionals. The curriculum is tailored to equip you with vital skills and make you a master in your field—all while averting your own student debt crisis.
The path to a worthwhile, debt-free occupation should begin with making informed choices. If you’re prepared to take control of your future with help from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, please get in touch with us to learn more about Service Experts Career Academy. Call us at 866-397-3787 today to learn more!
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