An apprenticeship is a job that allows you to earn money while gaining skills and experience through both academic instruction and on-the-job learning. As an apprentice, you start working on day one and receive pay increases as you learn new skills and take on more responsibilities.
Delta College provides the theory-based training that is one of three core components of all apprenticeships, along with on-the-job learning and Mentorship. Utilizing the wide variety of courses that are available at Delta College, we help our regional employers design programs that train apprentices for their future career.
Because our employers use the same courses that are available to you here at Delta, you can make yourself a more competitive candidate for employment by having the training our employers are looking for. Remember, apprenticeships are employer-driven. Delta College does not place you in an apprenticeship, your employer does.
How to find an apprenticeship
1. Choose your trade
Your first step is to choose the trade you would like to pursue.
- In our region, Delta offers the theory-based training for many of the region’s apprenticeship programs.
- According to the United States Department of Labor, there are over 1,200 apprenticeable occupations in the United States.
With so many choices, selecting a path might seem daunting. Consider using an online tool to help narrow your search field. The United States Department of Labor's O*Net Interest Profiler is a good place to start.
2. Start your job search
You don’t need to be an apprentice on day one, but you can start by getting your foot in the door.
- Look for companies that employ your trade. Even if they aren’t hiring apprentices right now, most apprentices are hired from within a company.
- Gain experience with hands-on work related to your trade. This strengthens your résumé and shows employers you are serious.
- While the college does not provide placement services into an apprenticeship, we do serve as the educational partner for over 40 regional employers.
College Central Network
College Central Network is Delta College's exclusive job board. Here you will find:
- Local job postings for students, recent grads, and alumni
- Career resources and tools
- Job fair information connecting you to hiring employers
Helpful resources
Because an apprenticeship is a job, you find an apprenticeship the same way you would look for any other work. Some resources to help are listed below.
- Great Lakes Bay Job Fair
- Michigan Works!
- Pure Michigan Talent Connect
- Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (Career Seekers)
- Apprenticeship USA
3. Take Delta classes related to your trade
By taking classes, you can start learning the knowledge you will need as an apprentice.
- Follow a program that aligns with the trade you are pursuing.
- Set yourself apart from other candidates applying for jobs. Your classes will give your résumé a competitive edge.
4. Strengthen your résumé and interview skills
Visit our partners at Michigan Works! They are experts in résumé building and interview prep. Michigan Works! offices are located in Bay City, Midland and Saginaw.
Frequently asked questions
Apprenticeships can last for 1 to 6 years, depending on the employer, the industry, and the complexity of the Occupation.
No. Any job with a hands-on component can be an apprenticeship. This includes jobs in information technology (IT), cybersecurity, healthcare, hospitality/food service and education.
Usually, internships are for shorter durations than apprenticeship (just 1 to 3 months), they do not usually follow a structured training plan, and they do not result in a nationally-recognized credential.
Some industries, like construction, hire people and immediately enroll them into an apprenticeship program because of the high level of skill that is required. These are often referred to as ‘direct entry.’ Conversely, many entry-level positions in manufacturing rely on very short training periods. Support positions often require a higher level of skill and rely on the apprenticeship training model.
Because there over 1,200 apprenticeable positions, start by knowing what kind of work you want to do. Talk with career counselors at your school or a workforce development agency (like Michigan Works!). Take an interest profile test (like the Interest Profiler on O*Net.
Contact us
Apprenticeship & Operations Manager
Gerald (Jerry) Russell
Business and Technology Division
Apprenticeship Office
M122
geraldrussell@delta.edu
989-686-9476
Apprenticeship
apprenticeship@delta.edu
Hours
Monday – Thursday, 7:30am – 5:30pm
