Can I start an apprenticeship at 16 or 17?

Answer

1. Sometimes. Federal rules let a registered apprenticeship start at 16, and Texas lets you register as a plumber's apprentice or license as an electrical apprentice at 16. But many programs ask for 18 (the Ironworkers do, for example), and some work, like roofing, excavation and power saws, is off-limits under 18 unless you're an apprentice or student-learner in an approved program. A high school graduate who trained as a student-learner can keep doing that work before turning 18.

   Sources: eCFR, TSBPE, statutes.capitol.texas.gov, Ironworkers, U.S. Dept. of Labor

   • “with an eligible starting age not less than 16 years” eCFR ↗
   • “at least 16 years old” TSBPE ↗
   • “an applicant for a license as an electrical apprentice must be at least 16 years of age” statutes.capitol.texas.gov ↗
   • 1) Minimum age of 18 years. 2) High school diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent as specified by the local training committee. Ironworkers ↗
   • “The FLSA establishes an 18-year minimum age for those nonagricultural occupations that the Secretary of Labor finds and declares to be particularly hazardous for 16- and 17-year-old minors, or detrimental to their health or well-being.” U.S. Dept. of Labor ↗
   • “The regulations provide a limited exemption from HOs 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 17 for apprentices and student-learners who are at least 16 years of age and enrolled in approved programs.” U.S. Dept. of Labor ↗
   • “A high school graduate may be employed in an occupation in which he has completed training as provided in this paragraph as a student-learner, even though he is not yet 18 years of age.” eCFR ↗

   Answered by SkillsTradeJobs team · November 2, 2026

   👍 👎

   ⚑ Report