The federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides worker training, on-the-job training, work experience, apprenticeships and individual training accounts. 

WIOA eligibility standards include age, income level, education and skills and work circumstances. For example, someone who has been laid off or who has received notice of a layoff as a result of a permanent closure or substantial layoff at a plant may be eligible for special assistance.

Some programs are designed especially for youth who are between the ages of 14 and 21 and have very limited income. Other programs are designed for those 18 years of age and older.

Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop a prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential.

The time it takes for an apprentice to complete training and receive their certification varies. Factors like industry and the specific program impact how long Apprenticeships last.

Through an apprenticeship program, you can obtain paid, relevant workplace experience while acquiring the skills and credentials that employer’s value.

Apprentices aren’t the only ones who benefit from apprenticeships. You also profit from implementing apprenticeship programs in your business.  

You can save money by hiring an apprentice. Starting out, apprentices do not earn as much money as employees already trained in a particular trade.

You have direct input in building your apprentice’s skills, meaning they know how to get the job done at your business. And, you could hire them after their apprenticeships ends, furthering their value to your business.

An internship is a short-term work experience offered by companies and other organizations for people to get some entry-level exposure to a particular industry or field.

As an intern, you get a chance to work side by side with accomplished industry professionals and get a pretty good idea of what an entry-level role might entail.

Following a successful internship it is not unusual for employers to make a full-time job offer to their intern. Many employers use internships as a trial period and will already have plans to recruit on a permanent basis. Therefore, it’s vital that you make a good impression; turn up on time, be enthusiastic and show your flexibility, adaptability and commitment.

Length of Time: Internships are usually short term (1-3 months) and apprenticeships are longer term (1-3 years).

Structure: Apprenticeships  include a structured training plan, with a focus on mastering specific skills an employer needs to fill an occupation within their organization. Internships aren’t structured and often focus on entry-level general work experience.