Trade apprenticeships offer hands-on learning while simultaneously earning a salary, making them an attractive alternative to traditional education programs—especially for those with tactile learning styles. Apprenticeships offer many benefits, including practical training, mentorship opportunities, and fewer student loans. The best trade apprenticeships include HVAC technicians, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and welders.

Quick look

• Apprenticeships allow you to get hands-on experience while working towards earning trade credentials.
• Some of the best trade apprenticeships include HVAC technicians, masons, plumbers, heavy equipment operators, electricians, welders, and carpenters.
• The benefits of apprenticeships include network building, personalized mentoring, reduced student debt, and job security.
• The highest paid apprenticeships in the trades include HVAC technicians, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and welders.

What are apprenticeships in construction?

If you want to break into the construction industry, an apprenticeship is one of the best ways to begin. Apprenticeships blend classroom instruction with hands-on learning, allowing you to work in your chosen field and learn the ins and outs of the trade—all while collecting a paycheck. Depending on the trade, apprenticeship programs typically take 2-5 years. When finished, you’ll have a few years of work experience under your belt and the credentials you need to begin working in your field.

Some of the best trade apprenticeships include:

• HVAC technician
• Plumber
• Electrician
• Welder
• Carpenter
• Mason
• Heavy equipment operator

5 benefits of apprenticeships in trades

An apprenticeship is a fantastic way to build a career in the trades. Here are just a few of the many benefits associated with an apprenticeship:

1. Hands-on experience: Unlike traditional education, where you’ll spend years learning theory before ever getting a chance to put it into practice, apprenticeships allow you to apply your knowledge right as you’re learning it. This is especially useful if you’re a tactile or hands-on learner. You’ll be working on actual job sites and gaining practical experience that’ll help you hit the ground running after finishing your program.
2. Building a professional network: Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll learn from professors in your program while working alongside experienced professionals on job sites. These pros can guide you, offer advice and insight, recommend you for future jobs, and help advance your career.
3. Avoiding student debt: College can come with a steep bill, which can be a significant roadblock for many seeking post-secondary education. Apprenticeships allow you to earn as you learn, meaning you’ll owe less in student loans (or sometimes be able to avoid them altogether). 
4. Personalized mentorship: An apprenticeship means you won’t just be learning from textbooks; you’ll have experienced professionals mentoring you. This one-on-one attention means you can receive personalized feedback on your work, allowing you to identify areas for improvement and develop confidence in your abilities. 
5. Job security and high demand: Skilled trades are remarkably reliable jobs—they’re always in demand. Completing an apprenticeship means you’ll graduate from your program with the network and experience needed to secure a great-paying job immediately and enjoy job security throughout your career.

The 5 highest paid apprenticeships in construction

When choosing which apprenticeship is right for you, there are dozens of factors to consider, including your skills, interests, what the day-to-day would look like in your trade, and, of course, the salary. While all trades offer competitive wages, some apprenticeships can lead to particularly lucrative careers.   

1. Plumbing apprenticeship

Average reported salary: $47,984

Plumbers are essential in commercial and residential construction projects. As an apprentice, you’ll learn how to install and repair piping systems and ensure buildings have safe, efficient water and sewage lines. 

2. Electrical apprenticeship 

Average reported salary: $47,449

Electricity powers everything from lights to Wi-Fi, electric shavers, and life-saving medical devices. Electricians keep the modern world running by installing electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial applications. This is a highly technical field with high earning potential.

3. Elevator technician apprenticeship

Average reported salary: $42,263

Elevator mechanics install and maintain elevators, escalators, and lifts. This specialized trade pays high wages, often reaching six figures after completing an apprenticeship and gaining experience.

4. Welder apprenticeship

Average reported salary: $40,731

Welders use metal to construct essential pipelines, buildings, and bridges. This trade requires precision and skill, and experienced welders are among the highest-paid in the trade. 

5. Carpenter apprenticeship

Average reported salary: $30,848

As a carpentry apprentice, you’ll learn the essentials of woodworking, from cabinetry to residential renovations, plus how to read blueprints, take measurements, and assemble larger wood structures.   

Final thoughts

Choosing an apprenticeship in the construction trades is one of the smartest career moves you can make. You’ll gain valuable skills while collecting a paycheck, creating a professional network, and setting yourself to hit the ground running with a high-paying, in-demand career. Whether you’re interested in plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems, there’s an apprenticeship program ready to get you the hands-on experience you need to launch your new career. 

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