SKILLSTRADEJOBS

New to the trades?

Start an apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a paid job with training. You work alongside experienced tradespeople, take classes, and your pay goes up as your skills do. Many programs take people with no experience.

  1. 1

    Pick a trade

    Electrical, HVAC, plumbing, pipefitting and more. Each trade has its own programs.

  2. 2

    Watch the window

    Many programs only take applications at certain times. We show when each one opens.

  3. 3

    Apply on their site

    Each program has its own application and requirements. Have your ID and diploma or GED ready.

What it costs

You're paid from your first day, and your pay goes up as you learn. Most programs still have some costs: an application fee, tuition for the classes, books or a laptop. For example, at the Austin Electrical Training Alliance ↗ apprentices start at $21.07 an hour, and there's a $35 application fee and tuition announced before classes start.

Non-union programs usually start with a job: a contractor hires you and usually pays the school's tuition ↗.

Ways to pay for training →Veterans: the GI Bill can pay you during an apprenticeship →

Checked Oct 2026 from each program's own site. Amounts and rules can change; their page has the final word.