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There are more and more apprenticeships in the United States. Of course, this has to do more with EU companies that import the practice into their U.S. operations than with the reality show from the NBC television network. The former host of this show is now living in the White House.

Apprenticeships

A traditional apprenticeship is far more than a summer or semester internship that Americans are known for practicing. They involve a service period of up to two years. Plus, there is training, usually for a college degree. Apprenticeships come with a lot of corporate support. It includes placements across companies and mentor partnerships.

Also, they are always paid. Real apprenticeships never ask someone to work for free, even in exchange for training.

Companies such as Accenture, Walgreens, and Zurich Insurance Group are ramping up their programs. However, apprenticeships are not a new thing to the United States.

About 80% of registered apprenticeships in America occur in skilled trades. These industries include metal work, electrical work, and plumbing. However, there are only about 500,000 apprenticeships that fall into this category. They represent a very small amount of U.S. workers.

But if the U.S. follows the European model, the room for growth is huge. The apprenticeship system in Europe has deep roots throughout the economy. In Germany, apprentices make up about 4% of the workforce.

How Does it Work?

The program in Europe lasts for two years. An apprentice spends three days a week on the job and two days studying in the classroom. After this period, companies require that the apprentice stay in the company for a year. They also have an opportunity to apply for different specializations in the company.

Al Crook is a human resources executive at Zurich North America. He said that the company thinks that it is another way to develop and attract talent for the industry. He thinks that the proofs from Europe show that it is a safe test to run.

Zurich Insurance is sharing its model with other companies. They already worked with pharmacy giant Walgreens and the financial consultancy Accenture. These companies are already developing their own plans for apprentices.

Questions from the American People:

• American college students generally have the opportunity to intern for more than one company. Would apprenticing with one company be more beneficial?
• Would having a job that you’re required to stay at for a year after your training be more beneficial to job hunters? Or are graduates better off looking for work when they graduate?