Apprenticeship Programs
An apprentice is a person who is—

• at least 16 years old;
  
• being trained on the job in a particular trade by a skilled worker under a planned program;
• taking classroom instruction (through adult education, at a community college, or in regular school if on a part-time job); and
  
• in training anywhere from one to six years (depending upon the trade—averaging three to four years).
  
  Additional facts
  
• Employment is based on supply and demand
  
• The person wanting an apprenticeship may apply to and have a contract with one of the following:
  
  • An employer in the trade
    
  • The association of employers
    
  • The joint apprenticeship committee
    
  • The organization of employees registered with the
    apprenticeship council

For further information about specific apprenticeship programs, check in the career center and meet with your counselor.

College/University
There are several types of colleges and universities. The career center at school and your counselor have additional resources to help you choose the right school to attend to pursue your career interests.

Military Training
You can learn about your chances for success in the military by taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This test may be given at local schools free of charge. Check with your college/career coordinator for possible testing dates.

Men and women may enlist in all branches of the armed forces. Enlistment procedures are similar, but the services differ in length of enlistment and opportunities for specific training. Active military enlistments are available in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard

Trade and Technical Training
Community colleges, adult education, and private schools have trade and technical training programs for people who are no longer in high school.

Work/Post Secondary Education
If you decide to get a job immediately after high school, you should—

• develop job-finding and job-keeping skills,
  
• talk to a counselor or a career information coordinator about job possibilities,
  
• visit with a cooperative work experience teacher in your high school,
  
• visit your career and media centers,
  
• talk with employers about combining work and a part time college program, and/or apprenticeship, and
  
• investigate career-focused courses that match your interests.