There is often a long wait between selection as an apprentice and assignment to a job. In some trades, apprentices are responsible for finding their own jobs.

A construction trade study showed that apprentices get broader training than people who learn the trade informally. Journey-workers who were trained through formal apprenticeship programs may not receive higher wages than those trained informally on the job, but they work in the trade longer, and more of them become supervisors.

COLLEGE CREDIT
Some two-year colleges offer "credit for experience" for appropriate work experience in an apprenticeable occupation. For information about credit toward an associate degree contact your local state technical college, community college, or university.