Yes, apprentices start working from day one with incremental wage increases as they become more proficient. The average starting wage for an apprentice is approximately $15.00 per hour.

Apprentices earn competitive wages, a paycheck from day one and incremental raises as skill levels increase. The average wage for a fully-proficient worker who completed an apprenticeship translates to approximately $60,000 annually. Apprentices who complete their program earn approximately $300,000 more over their career compared to non-apprenticeship participants.

Today, most apprenticeship opportunities include on-the-job training and classroom instruction provided by apprenticeship training centers, technical schools, community colleges, and four-year colleges and universities, sometimes through distance learning. Often apprenticeship sponsors work directly with community colleges that do provide college credit for apprenticeship experience.

After completion of an apprenticeship program, the apprentice earns a nationally recognized credential from the U.S. Department of Labor that is portable and stackable. Additionally, an apprentice earns a paycheck throughout the apprenticeship and the potential for increased pay and upward career opportunities.

Apprenticeship program sponsors identify the minimum qualifications to apply for a program. The eligible starting age for a registered apprenticeship program can be no less than 16 years of age; however, individuals must usually be 18 years old to be an apprentice in hazardous occupations. Program sponsors also identify additional minimum qualifications to apply (e.g., education, ability to physically perform the essential functions of the occupation, proof of age). All applicants are required to meet the minimum qualification. Please contact Mississippi Apprenticeship Program at apprenticesinfo@mdes.ms.gov or call 601-321-6000.