Apprenticeship is a career pathway where individuals can earn and learn at the same time. Apprenticeships include: Paid Employment Apprentices earn a competitive wage from day one Education Apprentices gain knowledge with structured learning and on-the-job training Credentials Apprentices enhance their resume with industry-recognized credentials

Apprentices are hired by employers and receive a paycheck from their first day of work. Wages increase over time as apprentices advance their knowledge, skills, and abilities. Apprenticeships connect education and work simultaneously. Apprentices take classes while they are working, combining theoretical and hands-on learning. At the end of the apprenticeship, apprentices earn industry-recognized credentials.

Apprenticeships are not Internships. Both are paths into future careers, but they work differently: Internships are a means to "test the waters" of a potential future career. Likely, someone in an internship has a general field of study or work they are interested in, and have taken some classes in that area. They can apply some or all of their skills in a termporary work experience (may or may not be paid), using the experience to help decide if that field of work is right for them. Apprenticeships are for individuals who know what career they want to do, but still need the training. Apprenticeships pay people to learn a skill. Schooling is still required, but the apprenticeship program helps pay for the training needed. At the end of an apprenticeship, you often have the formal qualifications and skills needed to work in that field.

Yes! Apprentices start working when they enter an apprenticeship, with wage increases possible as they become more proficient.

There are many registered apprenticeships in Southwest Michigan. If you are in need of assistance in locating opportunities, please fill out the form on this page. You may also utilize the Apprenticeship Sponsor Finder, located here.

If you have additional questions, please submit them through the form on this page.

Completing the Register for Work requirement for Unemployment is a two-step process. You are not considered eligible for benefits until you have completed both steps. First step, which can be done virtually and at home, is to create or update your account profile and resume at the Pure Michigan Talent Connect website: https://www.mitalent.org. If you have an unemployment MI Login username and password, please sign in and update your profile and resume. If not, please create an account, profile and resume. You may perform job searches, save job searches and save job applications on this site. The second part to complete the Register for Work process is to come in person to one of our main offices in Benton Harbor or Paw Paw. A staff member will ensure that your profile and resume are updated, print your resume, and enter information into the state's database. No appointment is necessary to Register for Work. Please also visit our online resources at https://www.miworks.org/online-resources for assistance with resume and a weekly job list, which is attached.