Struggling to make a decision on a career path? Consider an apprenticeship.
The greater Fresno area offers multiple programs for such earn-as-you-learn opportunities including a carpenter apprenticeship, or a Fresno Economic Opportunities apprenticeship for manufacturing maintenance mechanics.
It’s an opportunity that more people are catching on to, according to Joe Estrada, a training director for an electrician apprenticeship program in Fresno.
“Usually, there’s a pretty long waiting list,” he said of the program.
More high school graduates appear to be catching on to the advantages of apprenticeships.
While some spend four years in a college and sometimes graduate with a mountain of debt, those selected into a training program to become an electrician, plumber or other skilled trade often finish a five-year program with thousands of dollars in the bank.
For an example of how apprenticeship programs work, consider the local training program for aspiring electricians, plumbers and sheet metal workers.