top of page
electricians toolkit

The Toolkit

What Is an Apprenticeship, Really?

At its core: you earn a paycheck while learning new skills on the job—with training and mentorship built in.

What most people don't realize? There's more than one way to do it

Two Paths: Formal & Informal

Formal Apprenticeships:

  • Registered with the Department of Labor

  • Often required for certain licenses in the trades

  • Come with employer perks like tax credits or grant funding

  • Have a fixed structure (usually 2–5 years)

  • Can take months to approve—tougher for small businesses to start

Informal Apprenticeships:

  • Set up directly between you and an employer

  • Faster to launch, no red tape

  • Still eligible for funding (like state Incumbent Worker Training grants)

  • Great stepping stone to a formal program later

Informal Apprenticeships: Set up directly between you and an employer Faster to launch, no red tape Still eligible for funding (like state Incumbent Worker Training grants) Great stepping stone to a formal program later

Reality Check: This Takes Work

There's no "click here" button for this. You'll need research, a plan, and a conversation with your boss (or a future boss).

The good news? That initiative alone makes you someone worth investing in.

Our full course walks you through every step. This toolkit gives you just enough to get moving.

Your 3-Step Action Plan

These steps are your starting line.

The full proposal—complete with funding strategy, training options, and scripts—is inside our course

Step 1: Know Your Landscape
​

Before you talk to anyone, figure out what's available in your state.

Start here: apprenticeship.gov → select your state.

​

For example - did you know that in Colorado, your employer can earn $12,600/year in tax credits per apprentice?!

 

Also check:

  • Incumbent Worker Training grants (for current employees) - these are different by state

  • Free online training programs (shows initiative before you ask) - check out Interplay Learning if you’re in the skilled trades

  • State workforce offices (often have staff to guide you for free) - search for “[Your state] State Apprenticeship Office” to get started

 

Key: You're not asking for a favor—you're bringing your boss a ready-made roadmap that benefits them, too.

Want the Full Playbook?

This toolkit is just the beginning. In the full course, you'll get:

  • A funding guide for your exact state

  • Tools for selecting the right training provider (local + online)

  • Detailed script library for employer conversations

  • Proposal templates that win buy-in

  • Employer objection-handling tactics
     

Your apprenticeship won't build itself—let's make it happen.

bottom of page