What do George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Paul Revere have in common? Apprenticeship training, of course!

Apprenticeship training is the oldest kind of job skills learning and has been used for centuries to train blacksmiths, silversmiths, printers and the like. In fact, Congress enacted the National Apprenticeship Act I n1937 to recognize the importance of apprenticeship in developing highly skilled workers in various trades. Apprenticeship is important in manufacturing, public utilities, fire, police, safety and of course in becoming a real estate mogul like Donald Trump!

Learning any highly skilled profession takes more than classroom training. You need hands on experience with someone who is an expert in the field. This is where an apprenticeship can give you what you need to excel at your profession. Apprenticeship fills in the gaps from books to real life and gives you a solid understanding of how a specific process works. Apprenticeship is one of the best ways to develop skills in any highly technical craft.

Apprenticeship usually consists of full time on the job experience where you learn how to do the job in the real world, Here, you will be working with a skilled trainer who will teach you the skills you need. One great benefit is that you get paid while you are learning. You can also take classroom training that are related to your desired occupation.

There are hundreds of different apprentice ship programs and indeed, these programs create some of the most highly-skilled, highly-paid individuals who work at their jobs anywhere in the world.

In the US, such programs are federally approved although each state oversees and administers the details of their programs. Once you complete an apprenticeship training program, you will get an apprenticeship certificate which is recognized nationwide. It is also the credential you will find the most useful and portable within most industries around the country.

Apprenticeship is for those that have a burning passion for their occupation as it is no easy road. Even before you can get start, you will need to have an application accepted and there could be a lengthy wait until an opening comes up for you. While a fantastic opportunity, this is not one to be pursued lightly. It requires commitment and dedication, so think about it carefully before you jump into an apprenticeship program.