Registered Apprenticeships: Earn While You Learn and Get Paid Training

Get paid to train with a mentor, classroom instruction, and a nationally recognized credential.

Registered Apprenticeships are real jobs with a training plan: you earn a wage from day one, learn on the job with a mentor, and complete short classes that lead to a portable credential. If you want a debt-free path into a solid career, this is one of the most reliable ways to do it. In Los Angeles, California, income limits, copays, and waitlists can differ—watch for California-specific callouts to follow the right steps.

Tools & links worth saving for your apprenticeship search

• Apprenticeship Job Finder (official): Search openings on Apprenticeship.gov.
• American Job Center (AJC): Get free help with applications, résumé edits, and interview prep; ask about supportive services for tools, boots, transit, or child care.
• State apprenticeship office: Check your state’s sponsor list, entrance requirements, and testing or age rules.
• Community colleges & training providers: Ask about pre-apprenticeship paths that strengthen your application and may cover class costs.
• Union halls & trade associations: Many trades recruit directly; visit in person to ask about entry windows and aptitude tests.
• Employer career sites + alerts: Apply with large local employers and set job alerts so you’re first in line when cohorts open.

Progressive wages, class hours, and schedules: what “earn while you learn” really looks like

A Registered Apprenticeship combines paid on-the-job learning with short “related instruction” and guaranteed raises as you build skills. Example: a first-year electrician apprentice might start near 40–60% of the journey wage and receive scheduled bumps each 6–12 months as competencies are signed off.

• On-the-job learning (OJL). Time-based programs commonly use ~2,000 hours of OJL per year; hybrid and competency-based programs blend hours with skill sign-offs.
• Related instruction (class). Programs recommend ~144 hours of class per year, often evenings or online; some award college credit toward a certificate or degree.
• Wage progression is required. Standards include a progressively increasing wage schedule—your pay rises as you hit training milestones.
• Mentorship. You train under a qualified journeyworker who signs off when you’re proficient on specific tasks.
• Keep records. Save pay stubs and class transcripts; you’ll need them if you switch employers or request credit for prior experience.
• Completion = credential. Finishing earns a nationally recognized credential that many employers treat like a journey card.

WIOA can cover books, tools, and other supports—how it connects to apprenticeships

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs at your AJC can co-enroll apprentices to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Scenario: a parent starting a medical assistant apprenticeship gets help paying for scrubs, exam fees, and bus passes while attending evening classes.

• Eligible training. Registered Apprenticeship counts as a qualifying training option for adults, dislocated workers, and youth.
• Supportive services. Depending on your situation and local policy, WIOA can help with books, supplies, tools, uniforms, child care, and transportation so you can stay on track.
• Co-enrollment. You can receive AJC job-search help and apprenticeship wages while getting training funds or supports.
• Ask early. Meet with an AJC career navigator before you start to build an Individual Employment Plan and avoid delays.
• Bring proof. Offer letter, class schedule, estimated costs, and income documentation help your case move faster.
• Stay eligible. Keep up with any required check-ins and submit receipts promptly so supports don’t pause mid-program.

FAQs for Los Angeles, California

References