Apprenticeship In Alaska

Registered Apprenticeship is a proven system of workforce training that helps employers meet their workforce needs and launch good paying careers for workers. Apprenticeship has unique advantages with a skills-based training system combining structured, on-the-job learning and related technical instruction.

What is Apprenticeship?

A Registered Apprenticeship is ALWAYS a PAID job!

Looking to launch or level up your career without putting your life on hold? Apprenticeships offer the perfect blend of hands-on training, competitive wages, and real-world experience while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As you gain skills, you climb the pay scale, step by step.

For employers, apprenticeships are a powerful tool to build a highly skilled, loyal, and industry-ready workforce tailored to your exact business needs.

Alaska is leading the way with 3,348 active apprentices, a nearly 12% increase over last year proving that more individuals and businesses are seeing the value and impact of this proven pathway.

Start your journey. Build your team. Shape the future.
Apprenticeship works for everyone.

Facts About Apprenticeship: Building Alaska’s Future, One Career at a Time

• Career Pathways with Purpose
  Apprenticeships offer individuals a direct path to a high-quality, rewarding career while helping employers build and prepare their future workforce.
• A Win for Everyone
  Apprenticeships benefit participants, employers, communities, and the economy. It’s a smart, sustainable workforce solution.
• Flexible Sponsorship Options
  Programs can be sponsored by a single employer or a group of employers (multi-employer sponsors). Sponsors may include businesses, colleges, non-profits, state agencies, or industry associations.
• Union and Non-Union Programs
  Apprenticeship opportunities are available in both union and non-union workplaces, offering flexible options across industries.
• Hands-On, Work-Based Learning
  Apprenticeships combine structured on-the-job learning (OJL) with related classroom instruction, ensuring apprentices gain both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.
• Expansive Career Opportunities
  With over 1,000 apprenticeable occupations nationwide, ranging from Able seaman, healthcare, Youth Development Practioner, IT to construction and manufacturing. There’s a path for nearly every interest.
  In Alaska, more than 65 occupations are currently represented in apprenticeship programs.
• Inclusive and Accessible
  Apprenticeships are open to all genders and most age groups:
  • Most programs are available to individuals 16 and older
  • Some may require participants to be 18+
  • For youth under 16, pre-apprenticeship and school-to-apprenticeship programs offer early career exposure and skill development.
• Strengthening the Talent Pipeline
  Employers are encouraged to partner with schools and training providers to build a stronger, homegrown workforce for Alaska’s future.

Other Alaskan Apprenticeship Occupations:

Pre-Apprenticeship: Your Head Start to a Skilled Career

What Makes a Quality Pre-Apprenticeship?

✅ Clear Connection to Registered Apprenticeship
Programs are built in partnership with RAP sponsors, ensuring a smooth transition from learning to earning.

✅ Hands-On, Supervised Training
Learn by doing—under the guidance of skilled professionals, but not in place of paid workers.

✅ Industry-Aligned Curriculum
Training may include academic support and pre-employment assessments (like WorkKeys, TABE, or SAT), plus essential workplace safety and readiness skills.

✅ Comprehensive Support
From rental and transportation assistance to tutoring and ESOL support, programs are built to remove barriers and help youth thrive.

✅ School-to-Work Partnerships
Employers and schools team up to create real-world learning experiences through CTE programs helping students transition into apprenticeships between ages 16–18.

For Youth: Want to get a jumpstart on a career while you’re still in high school? Pre-apprenticeship programs are your launchpad into hands-on, high-demand careers—with real skills, real training, and real opportunities to earn while you learn.

• Start Early: Some pre-apprenticeships begin in high school through Career & Technical Education Programs of Study (CTEPS). You can earn college credit, start industry certifications, and get safety training before age 18.
• Real Skills, Real Jobs: Begin learning trade or technical skills that count toward an official apprenticeship.
• No Experience Needed: Pre-apprenticeships are designed to help you learn the ropes, build confidence, and gain experience without needing a prior job history.
• Support Systems: Many programs offer access to tutoring, transportation, childcare, and English language support so you’re never alone on your journey.

Employers & Industry Partners: Looking to build a reliable talent pipeline? Pre-apprenticeships connect motivated, career-focused youth with industry pathways, preparing your future workforce before they even graduate.

Pre-apprenticeship is a structured training program that helps young people prepare for and succeed in Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). It’s a steppingstone to skilled trades and professional careers, offering a blend of classroom learning, hands-on experience, and wraparound support.

• Early Recruitment: Identify and train motivated young talent before they enter the workforce.
• Tailored Pipeline: Build relationships with schools and community partners to shape the training that meets your business needs.
• Stronger Retention: Pre-apprentices gain clarity and commitment early on, leading to more reliable apprentices and employees.
• Risk-Free Exploration: You get to observe future candidates in action without displacing existing paid staff.

Build the Future – Start Today 🌍

Whether you're a young person eager to start your career, or a business ready to shape tomorrow’s workforce, pre-apprenticeship is the bridge that brings you together.

👉 Youth: Ask your school counselor about CTEPS and pre-apprenticeship opportunities.
👉 Employers: Partner with a school or training provider to start growing your team now.

Alaska has several successful pre-apprenticeship programs, like Alaska Works Partnership (AWP) and Alaska Primary Care Association (APCA). Both offer summer programs for youth.

FAQ

Apprenticeship in Alaska FAQ

United States Department of Labor Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Have more questions about becoming an apprentice? Call or visit one of our Job Centers.

Have more questions about creating a registered apprenticeship? Contact our Statewide Apprenticeship Office at (907) 269-3729

Reach out to our Alaska Job Center Network offices, or reach out to our Federal Office of Apprenticeship Partner.

last updated: March 25, 2026