Learn more about apprenticeships through SUNY via the questions and answers below.
A registered apprenticeship is a paid job that combines hands-on training with classroom instruction. Programs are approved by the New York State Department of Labor to ensure quality, safety, and industry standards.
Registered apprenticeships are:
Other informal apprenticeships may not include all of these protections or credentials.
Yes. Apprentices are employees. You earn a wage while you train, and your pay typically increases as you gain skills.
Pay varies by industry, but apprentices typically start at a percentage of a full worker’s wage and receive regular increases as they progress. Many trades lead to strong, long-term earning potential.
You become an apprentice by applying directly to an employer offering a registered apprenticeship. The SUNY campus workforce office in your area will help you navigate this process.
Steps to become an apprentice:
Yes. The Find an Apprenticeship tool allows you to search for employers that have a registered apprenticeship programs across New York by location, industry, and career path. The SUNY campus workforce office in your area will help you navigate opportunities
If you cannot find an apprenticeship opportunity in your region for the trade you want to learn, the SUNY campus workforce office will help you make a connection to the college's admissions team so you can find a program to learn a trade at that campus or at another SUNY campus.
Requirements vary, but most programs require:
Some SUNY colleges offer community-based pre-apprenticeship training to provide you with the skills necessary to succeed in a Registered Apprenticeship or career with funding available up to $1,000.
Most registered apprenticeships last 1 to 5 years, depending on the trade and level of training.
SUNY supports apprenticeships in high-demand fields such as:
A Registered Apprenticeship is a full-time job on day one. After completing the apprenticeship,a journey worker credential is issued byNew York State Department of Labor, and many apprentices continue in their role with opportunities for progression into higher level positions. These programs are designed to lead directly into long-term careers. SUNY can support many trades for apprentices.
No. Apprenticeships are open to:
You won’t receive a full SUNY degree at the end of the apprenticeship; however, apprentices earn a nationally recognized credential upon completion of the program.
Apprentices complete credit and non-credit training to meet Related Instruction. This stacks into:
Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with required classroom instruction. The classes teach the technical knowledge, safety standards, and theory behind your work so you build a complete skill set and immediately put the training into practice.
It depends on the program, but often employers cover some or all costs, or costs are reduced through SUNY and workforce partnerships. SUNY has funding for Registered Apprentices to take training required for many occupations at a SUNY college up to either $6,000 or $8,000 depending on the length of the trade. The goal is to keep costs low while you earn income.
Yes. Apprenticeships are designed so you work, earn a paycheck, and complete training at the same time.
Yes. Registered apprenticeships are available across New York State, including NYC, Long Island, the Capital Region, Western New York, and more.