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Technical schools teach a trade or occupation rather than just a theory. They are concerned with providing training for a specific skill often on machines and equipment. Some technical schools train for a single job or industry, while others offer programs for many different occupations.

The classroom environment is similar to that of the workplace; professional behavior and specific rules of conduct are followed. Some technical schools offer certificates instead of degrees, while others afford the opportunity to go on to college or other schooling upon completion. Most programs are for two years or less. The cost to attend a technical school is lower than for 2- or 4-year colleges, although the student must purchase most class materials and tools, as programs require.

The 2000-2001 Graduate Follow-up Report of the Wisconsin Technical College System clearly shows that Wisconsin Technical College graduates have a bright employment future. Overall, 94% of graduates in 2001 found employment after graduation. Of these, 80% found jobs in their training area.

An apprenticeship offers on-the-job training for a career in a skilled trade. Apprentices work for an employer and earn money while they learn. Apprentices also attend classes to learn more about their trade. These classes are available through most technical colleges with classes meeting usually once or twice per week. Apprenticeship programs offer job security, quality training, and the potential for a high wage. In most instances on-the-job training and classroom instruction will be completed within 3 to 5 years. An apprentice may have the classroom component paid for by the employer; tools and other working materials may need to be paid for by the apprentice.

Q: What is an apprenticeship?
A: Apprenticeship is not just a job or school instruction, it is a career opportunity! Apprenticeships offer on-the-job training for a career in a skilled trade. An apprentice works for an employer and earns money while they learn. Apprentices also attend classes to learn more about their trade. These classes are available through most technical colleges with classes meeting usually once or twice per week. The apprentice's wage increases as new skills are learned. There are many career options that use this form of learning. Apprenticeship programs offer job security, quality training, and the potential for a high wage.

Q: What are some of the careers that offer apprenticeships?
A: There are many different areas including agricultural workers, beauticians, boilermakers, bricklayers, carpentry, cement masons, electricians, ironworkers, laborers, operating engineers, painters, plumbers, roofers, sheet metal workers and more. Nationally, there are more than 100,000 apprenticeship openings annually in more than 800 occupations.

Q: How long will an apprenticeship usually last?
A: Apprenticeships can be as short as 2 years for some occupations. Others may take as long as 6 years to complete. In most instances on-the-job training and classroom instruction will be completed within 3 to 5 years.

Q: What will an apprenticeship cost me?
A: Costs differ by occupation. Some employers pay for the apprentice's education, while others expect the student to pay. Other costs may include tools or special clothing that the apprentice may need to purchase before they can begin work.

Q: How much money can I expect to earn as an apprentice in Wisconsin?
A: Apprentices are paid a salary while they learn. Typically, this amount is 60% of the salary a skilled worker in that occupation earns. For example, the average tool and die maker in Milwaukee earned $44,390 in 2001. An apprentice earning 60% of that wage would earn $26,952 while they learn the trade (about $12.89 per hour).

Q: What are the qualifications for apprenticeship?
A: Generally speaking apprentices must have a high school education or GED and be at least 18 years old. Some apprenticeships are competitive so strong backgrounds in science, math, reading and writing are preferred.

Wisconsin Trade Professions
Trade	Employment	Hourly Average	Annual Average
Brickmasons and Blockmasons	2,600	$23.12	$48,080
Carpenters	22,780	$18.56	$38,600
Electricians	13,550	$22.74	$47,300
HVAC Mechanics and Installers	5,450	$19.13	$39,800
Millwrights	1,640	$23.79	$49,480
Operating Engineers	8,530	$21.00	$43,670
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters	8,700	$25.04	$52,080
Sheet Metal Workers	4,090	$21.31	$44,320
Tool and Die Makers	4,110	$21.21	$44,110
As of May 2005, provided by Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov