Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

A Registered Apprenticeship is a formal, structured training program recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. It combines on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, allowing participants to earn wages while learning specialized skills in a specific industry. Registered Apprenticeships are used across various fields, from traditional trades like construction and manufacturing to high-growth sectors like healthcare, information technology and finance.

What is a Pre-Apprenticeship?

A Pre-Apprenticeship program prepares individuals to enter and succeed in a Registered Apprenticeship program. It provides participants with foundational skills, knowledge, and experience needed for success in a specific trade or industry. Some key features of pre-apprenticeship programs include:

Basic technical skills, workplace readiness, safety training, and hands-on experience.
A formal agreement or partnership with a registered apprenticeship program to ensure participants have priority or preferred access upon completion.
Often serves youth, individuals with barriers to employment, or those looking to transition careers.

Pre-apprenticeships are stepping stones, helping participants become apprenticeship-ready and increasing their chances of long-term success in high-demand careers.

Key Benefits of Completing an Apprenticeship

Registered Apprenticeships are highly structured, ensuring employers and apprentices benefit from a training pathway that leads to career advancement and workforce development. Some key benefits of completing an Apprenticeship program are:

Apprentices are hired and earn a wage from day one, which increases as their skills and experience grow.
Apprentices receive formal education, often provided by community colleges, technical schools, or universities.
Upon completion, apprentices earn a portable, industry-recognized credential or certification that validates their skills.
Apprentices get hands-on training from experienced mentors.

Types of Programs Available

How to Get Started

Explore Opportunities – Browse programs by region or career field here.
Apply – Submit applications to the programs that fit you best.
LOSFA Assistance – We’ll help you get connected. Contact us.
Prepare – Receive help with resume writing, interviews, and more.

Schedule an Advising Session

Ready to earn while you learn? LOSFA’s Comprehensive Advising Services connect students with apprenticeships and hands-on career pathways tailored to their goals. Connect with a Comprehensive Advising Officer today!

Schedule Advising Session

Virtual Apprenticeship Expo

LOSFA hosts its annual Virtual Apprenticeship Expo to spotlight the value and impact of Registered Apprenticeships across Louisiana and beyond. This event brings together a wide range of stakeholders—including employers, industry leaders, labor organizations, educational institutions, workforce partners, and government agencies—to highlight successful apprenticeship models, promote career pathways, and expand access to hands-on learning opportunities that lead to high-wage, high-demand careers.

The Virtual Apprenticeship Expo reinforces the importance of Registered Apprenticeships in building a skilled workforce and showcases their value to students and job seekers. By bringing together employers, educators and learners, the Expo reinforces LOSFA’s commitment to offering career exploration opportunities aligned with postsecondary pathways and supporting career readiness across Louisiana.

For Employers and Partners

Looking to grow your workforce and invest in the future? Partner with LOSFA to learn how apprenticeships and other career pathways can benefit your organization. From talent development to improved retention and access to incentives, apprenticeships offer real returns.

Ready to get started or want to learn more about the benefits? Contact us at [email protected].

Learn how to become an apprenticeship provider here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-Apprenticeship Programs (Available in Louisiana and registered with the Louisiana Workforce Commission)