Apprenticeships: Who Needs Them and Why?

What’s happening with apprenticeships today? Apprenticeships are seeing a significant rise, especially in advanced manufacturing. In 2023 alone, over 59,505 registered apprentices were active in this industry – a 43% jump in the past five years – according to data by Apprenticeship USA.

However, while it’s true that apprenticeships have grown significantly, that number represents only a fraction of what’s needed. The manufacturing industry has been working hard to fill the gaps left by the COVID-19 pandemic, which cost roughly 1.4 million jobs. Since then the industry still faces a significant shortfall – 622,000 positions remain open as of January 2024. This demand reveals an urgent need for skilled talent to keep up with growth and technological advancements.

Apprenticeships offer a practical solution, not only to close this employment gap but to prepare a workforce with specialized, hands-on expertise. As the need for skilled manufacturing talent increases, companies without apprenticeship programs may struggle to stay competitive.

Read on to learn how apprenticeships help bridge the generational shift in expertise and impact the workforce, especially in manufacturing.

What Apprenticeships Are in Manufacturing

Modern manufacturing apprenticeships go far beyond traditional training models. Unlike entry-level jobs, these programs provide structured, hands-on training in specialized fields, blending practical skills with essential theoretical knowledge. Today’s manufacturing apprenticeships commonly include the following components:

1. Paid, On-the-Job Training

Apprentices in manufacturing start learning their craft from day one and they’re paid for it. Instead of diving into a degree with no immediate income, apprentices earn as they train, getting paid to learn advanced skills on the job. This approach makes it possible for those with various backgrounds to access rewarding careers without a hefty up-front investment.

2. Mentorship from Industry Experts

Apprenticeships pair learners with seasoned professionals who provide guidance, feedback, and support throughout the training. This real-time mentorship helps apprentices grow their skills in a practical, applied way, as they’re constantly learning from those with deep industry experience. It’s mentorship with a purpose: to develop job-ready talent with the specific skills each field demands.

3. Classroom Instruction and Technical Training

While much of the learning happens on the job, apprentices also benefit from structured classroom time that covers advanced manufacturing concepts. The balance of hands-on and theoretical learning helps apprentices understand both the “how” and the “why” behind their work. Imagine training that combines operating machinery, troubleshooting, and learning the scientific principles behind each process.

4. Certification and Credentialing

By the time apprentices complete their training, they should have gained both experience and already earned credentials recognized across the industry. These certifications make apprentices highly attractive to employers in sectors ranging from aerospace to biotechnology, setting them up for long-term career mobility. With these credentials in hand, they can work in their chosen field or expand into other high-tech roles.

5. Pathways to Full-Time Positions

The goal of these programs is beyond training as it’s also creating direct paths to full-time employment. Companies sponsoring apprenticeships often intend to hire apprentices full-time upon completion. This direct link to employment offers a seamless transition from training to a permanent position with real prospects for advancement.

Why Do Apprenticeships Matter

Now, why is this valuable? Data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows that over 90% of individuals who complete an apprenticeship remain employed nine months later. This approach helps bridge the skills gap and creates a more skilled workforce ready to meet industry demands.

Additionally, apprenticeships are transforming the way advanced manufacturing roles are filled, benefiting both employers and workers in several important ways:

1. Filling Skills Gaps

Advanced manufacturing requires specialized skills that aren’t always covered in traditional educational paths. Apprenticeships help close these gaps by teaching the specific skills that employers need now. This targeted approach means that companies gain employees who are ready to hit the ground running.

2. Expanding Workforce Diversity

These programs make technical careers accessible to people from different backgrounds, supporting those who might not have the means for a four-year degree. Creating accessible paths to well-paying roles can help apprenticeships broaden the diversity of the talent pool in manufacturing. This diversity is valuable as it contributes to a richer, more innovative workplace.

3. Lowering Training Costs for Employers

For companies, the apprenticeship model brings a cost-effective way to train new employees. Instead of investing in lengthy recruitment or retraining, companies can bring apprentices into the fold from the start, investing in their skills as they grow. This means lower turnover, fewer hiring costs, and a workforce that’s already well-integrated with company values.

4. Boosting Retention and Engagement

Apprenticeships often lead to stronger employee loyalty. People who start as apprentices tend to feel a deeper commitment to their employers, having been invested in and trained on-site. This loyalty translates to lower turnover and higher engagement over the long term, a win-win for both employers and employees.

5. Strengthening the Manufacturing Sector

With high-tech industries booming, there’s a real need for a workforce that can keep up with demand. Apprenticeships supply manufacturing with well-trained talent capable of handling modern technology, keeping the industry competitive. The result? A manufacturing sector that remains resilient and adaptive to new technologies and global demand.

6. Supporting Local Economies

As apprentices transition into full-time roles, they bring stability to their local communities through consistent work and income. Apprenticeships help build regional talent pipelines, strengthening local economies. Over time, these programs create a ripple effect, supporting families, neighborhoods, and the growth of other local businesses.

Why Apprenticeships Aren't Keeping Up with Demand

If the need for high-level skills in the manufacturing industry is greater than ever, why do so few manufacturing companies actually use it?

Not all of them can simply rely on the existing labor market to meet these needs; skilled professionals are in short supply, and competition is fierce. While apprenticeships have gained traction, the overall adoption rate remains relatively low given the scale of the labor gap, leaving employers at risk of falling behind. And here’s why:

1. Lack of Awareness and Infrastructure

Many small to mid-sized manufacturing firms struggle to establish apprenticeship programs due to limited resources and a lack of awareness. Smaller companies may not have dedicated HR teams to manage the administrative requirements of an apprenticeship or may see apprenticeships as a high-cost, time-intensive endeavor with no immediate payoff.

Without government or industry support structures in place, these companies are often hesitant to invest in programs they feel ill-equipped to handle, despite the long-term benefits they could provide.

2. Underestimated Value of Apprenticeships

There’s also a persistent misconception that apprenticeships are only valuable for "traditional trades" rather than for the sophisticated, high-skill roles that characterize modern manufacturing. This outdated view can prevent companies from adopting apprenticeship models for specialized, tech-driven roles in fields like robotics, digital manufacturing, or advanced materials science.

However, today’s apprenticeships are far more adaptable and encompass a broad spectrum of disciplines that require critical thinking and technical expertise. Unfortunately, this lingering stereotype holds back the industry from fully tapping into apprenticeships to develop the necessary high-tech skills for ongoing innovation.

3. Disconnect Between Industry Needs and Education

Aligning educational programs with specific industry requirements is another significant challenge. Apprenticeships thrive on close collaboration between companies and educational institutions, yet many vocational schools and technical colleges aren’t fully equipped to provide the specialized training modern manufacturing requires.

While the educational side may emphasize theoretical or broad technical skills, companies often need highly specialized, hands-on training that directly prepares apprentices for real-world demands. Bridging this gap requires better integration of real-time industry feedback into curriculum design, which can be challenging for both manufacturers and educators to coordinate effectively.

4. Limited Awareness of Apprenticeship Benefits Among Job Seekers

Many potential apprentices are unaware of the robust career opportunities that manufacturing can provide, partly because the industry struggles to shed its reputation for low-skill, repetitive work. This perception makes it harder for manufacturing companies to attract talent, especially for apprenticeships in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing and automation.

Boosting awareness of modern apprenticeships as gateways to high-tech, well-paying careers is essential, yet it remains an uphill battle without widespread industry campaigns or partnerships with educational institutions.

5. Insufficient Support for Skill-Building Initiatives

Even when companies recognize the need for apprenticeships, they often lack external support to develop these programs efficiently. Many regions do not provide sufficient funding, tax incentives, or infrastructure to assist companies in launching apprenticeship initiatives, which can discourage firms from participating.

Who Will Benefit From Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships create direct, practical pathways for anyone looking to enter the advanced manufacturing field. From young adults fresh out of school to experienced professionals seeking new opportunities, these programs serve a wide range of participants. They provide hands-on skills and they also build confidence and experience that go far beyond classroom learning.

Let’s look at who really gains from apprenticeship programs:

1. High School Graduates Seeking Career Options

For high school graduates who want a career without committing to four years of college, apprenticeships are a solid choice. They provide entry-level skills and knowledge directly related to manufacturing roles, which makes for a smooth transition into the workforce. Graduates can start earning while they learn, gaining both financial independence and practical experience from day one.

2. Employers Developing Skilled Teams

Companies benefit by cultivating a skilled workforce tailored to their operations. Apprentices start with an understanding of company-specific practices, reducing the need for extensive additional training. This approach supports a more efficient team-building process, as companies gain reliable, well-prepared employees who know the ropes.

3. Career Changers Exploring Manufacturing

Those switching from other fields often find that apprenticeships offer a fast track into manufacturing. With a structured learning approach, career changers quickly grasp what’s needed to thrive in advanced manufacturing roles. These programs introduce industry-specific skills while helping them build a new professional identity in an entirely different field.

4. Military Veterans Entering Civilian Roles

Veterans often have a strong foundation in technical and hands-on work, which aligns well with the demands of advanced manufacturing. Apprenticeships offer an effective way for them to gain specialized manufacturing skills while building on their existing strengths. Many veterans discover fulfilling careers this way, where their background and new training complement each other.

5. Communities Strengthening Their Economies

Communities benefit from apprenticeship programs as well, as these opportunities bring stability to local economies. Apprentices with secure jobs contribute to the community by supporting local businesses and services. Over time, this approach leads to a more robust workforce that fuels economic growth and resilience within the community.

Roles of Employers and Apprentices in the Process

Apprenticeships aren’t a one-sided effort. Employers and apprentices both play specific roles, each contributing to a dynamic learning environment. When employers invest in guiding apprentices, and apprentices bring fresh energy and dedication, it creates a productive exchange.

But what are the exact roles each side takes on to make this happen? Let’s look into their roles:

Employers: create a structured training plan.

Manufacturing processes are complex, so employers map out a training plan that covers everything from machine operations to safety standards. They assign skilled team members to mentor apprentices on specific machines and procedures. This structure – specifically, helps apprentices build confidence as they work through each stage of training.

Apprentices: bring energy and curiosity.

Apprentices arrive ready to learn the ins and outs of manufacturing, from operating machinery to understanding production workflows. Their questions often prompt experienced workers to explain “why” things are done a certain way, sometimes leading to small improvements. Curiosity can even help spot inefficiencies that go unnoticed in daily routines.

Employers: provide hands-on machine training.

Instead of just observing, apprentices get actual experience with the machines and tools used in production. Employers supervise and coach them on safe, efficient operations, allowing them to start with basic tasks and progress to more advanced ones. This builds their skills while keeping safety a priority on the shop floor.

Apprentices: practice applying skills directly on the production line.

Apprentices apply what they learn immediately – whether that’s operating a lathe, inspecting product quality, or following safety protocols. Taking on real tasks can help them quickly understand the demands of production. It will also help them see how every part of the process fits together, which is needed for smooth manufacturing flow.

Employers: give ongoing feedback for precision and quality.

Manufacturing requires high precision, so employers provide apprentices with consistent feedback to help them improve accuracy. This includes correcting techniques, explaining quality standards, and pointing out where they can refine their skills. It will keep apprentices aligned with the quality expectations of the industry.

Apprentices: learn to receive feedback and adjust techniques.

Learning manufacturing isn’t always smooth, so apprentices must adapt quickly. They learn to view feedback as a guide to better techniques, improving their work with each round of advice. Over time, this openness makes them reliable team members who understand the importance of precision and quality.

Employers: ensure a safe learning environment.

Safety in manufacturing is non-negotiable. Employers make it a priority to teach apprentices about safety protocols and best practices. They supervise closely to ensure apprentices follow these guidelines, helping them develop safe habits that they’ll carry throughout their careers.

Apprentices: commit to maintaining quality and efficiency.

Manufacturing relies on both quality and speed, and apprentices are trained to balance both. They learn to focus on quality control while keeping up with production goals. This dedication to doing things right – not just fast – as it shows their commitment to the craft and helps them integrate smoothly into the team.

Wondering if apprenticeships could benefit your company? At MST Solutions, we’re here to connect you with hands-on talent that brings fresh skills to the manufacturing floor. Our recruitment and talent management services focus on finding best manufacturing talent who fit your team’s needs and goals. Contact MST Solutions today to see how we can boost your workforce and strengthen your company’s future.