Illustration of a young man working on a construction site.

Your Path to Apprenticeships in Nevada

The rising costs of a college degree and the demands it places on your time can make it difficult for a lot of people to attend college. And some people prefer hands-on learning to sitting in a classroom. If that sounds like you, you might want to consider an apprenticeship.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway in which employers can develop and prepare their future workforce. Through an apprenticeship, an individual can receive paid work experience, classroom instruction, mentorship, and a credential that they carry throughout their career, in any state. (U.S. Department of Labor, Apprenticeship.gov)

Here’s how it works: An employer in a skilled trade works with the state to offer an apprenticeship, or an opportunity for an entry-level worker to learn and practice the skills of that profession. The employer pays the apprentice a full-time wage, and the apprentice agrees to learn, under the direction of one or more mentors, everything involved in that profession. As part of the training, the employer also pays for the apprentice to attend classes at a local school or training center, for a certain number of hours, which is included in the work schedule. 

After the apprenticeship is completed — between one and five years in Nevada — the apprentice graduates as a journey worker, which is a credential that means they can work as a practicing professional in that career, anywhere in the U.S. Typically, the apprentice moves into a fully professional role with the same employer. 

Apprenticeships benefit everyone involved: The apprentice learns a skill, while being paid and attending courses for free. And the employer — and the industry at large — gets to grow its own workforce with workers who learn real-world, relevant skills.

What jobs can apprentices train for?

In Nevada, there are 47 registered apprenticeship programs, in fields ranging from bricklayer to child care, cook, electrician, medical assistant, and telecommunications, although the overwhelming majority of them are in the construction/building industry. In 2025, there were 6,653 active apprentices in the state, and 15% of them were electrician apprentices.

Does an apprenticeship provide good quality training?

Not only is an apprenticeship a good substitute for a college degree, but the training is industry relevant, meaning that apprentices learn the technology and skills that are most needed by employers in the industry. It’s like getting a degree and professional experience, all at the same time. Plus, you’re being paid!

J.D. Friend, Nevada director for the Northern Nevada Operating Engineers Apprenticeship program, explains that state labor departments approve and oversee the content of apprenticeship programs. So you can be sure you’re receiving the necessary quality of training to complete the apprenticeship with an industry-recognized credential. So whether you do your apprenticeship in Nevada or another state, you can use that credential to work here or anywhere else in the country. That’s a skillset you can use wherever you go.

How do you become an apprentice?

The Nevada State Apprenticeship Council says that to qualify to become an apprentice, you have to meet these requirements:

  • You have to be at least 18 years of age.
  • You must have a high school diploma or its equivalent (learn more about high school equivalency here). 
  • Apply to individual apprenticeship programs that are hiring apprenticeships. You’ll often find apprenticeship jobs available in newspapers, school bulletin boards, and other places where employers list jobs.

You may also have to meet other requirements related to performing the required tasks of the apprenticeship, such as having your own transportation, being able to stand for long periods of time, having good manual dexterity, etc.

Once you apply for an apprenticeship, the hiring process is very similar to that of a standard job. There is usually an interview, evaluation of test scores or other credentials, etc. Additionally, the apprenticeship council overseeing that apprenticeship may need additional time to identify a mentor, a classroom training program, etc. 

Can a person with disabilities complete an apprenticeship?

Yes, just as the Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that people with disabilities are not discriminated against in the hiring process for standard employment, the same rules apply to apprentices. Employers hiring apprentices cannot reject an applicant just because they have a disability or need accommodations. However, you still must be able to perform the required duties of that job. 

In other words, if the apprenticeship involves being able to lift or move heavy objects, drive forklifts or other machinery, see colors in electrical wiring, etc., and your disability prevents you from being able to perform those tasks, you would not qualify for the apprenticeship.

Where can you learn more?

To look into apprenticeships in the state of Nevada, visit these resources:

  • Nevada Labor Commissioner: The office of the state Labor Commissioner oversees apprenticeships. On this website, learn about apprenticeship laws & regulations, frequently asked questions and answers, a list of the state’s approved apprenticeships and contact information for each, and more.
  • Nevada System of Higher Education Apprenticeships: This NSHE webpage lists businesses and industries that offer apprenticeships, as well as the schools and workers’ unions they partner with to provide training. 
  • Nevada Vocational Rehabilitation: Nevada Voc Rehab works with people who have disabilities to provide coaching, counseling, and employment plans, including identifying apprenticeships for which they may qualify.