Are there any technical schools that offer military apprenticeships?

So, I've been exploring various post-high school options, and I'm seriously considering a technical school or apprenticeship. Does anyone know if there are any technical schools that offer military apprenticeships? What's the process like?

Yes, military apprenticeships are indeed offered in conjunction with technical schools, and they can be a great way to acquire valuable technical skills while also serving your country.

The United States army, for example, partners with industry sponsors to offer the United States Army Apprenticeship Program (USMAP). This is a formal military training program that provides active duty Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy service members the opportunity to improve their job skills and to complete their civilian apprenticeship requirements while they are on active duty.

This fantastic program allows service members to use their military training to qualify for civilian journeyman certifications in everything from aircraft mechanics to computer operations. They are generally agreed between the military apprentices and designated military personnel, ensuring the apprenticeship training is fully compatible with military duties.

The process typically involves both on-the-job learning and job-related technical instruction. Your military duties often count as on-the-job learning in many trades, and you'll be supervised by a journeyman in your selected trade who will evaluate your progress regularly. These types of apprenticeships can span anywhere from 1-4 years, depending on the trade you choose.

Once you have completed your apprenticeship, you're rewarded with a Certificate of Completion issued by the United States Department of Labor and the military branch's certifying agency. This is nationally recognized and can definitely provide you a leg up when transitioning to civilian employment.

Remember, military duty comes first. The availability of time to work on the apprenticeship will vary with military duty assignments. However, the programs are designed to be flexible and will still be there for you after you return from deployments, temporary additional duty (TAD), temporary duty (TDY), or ship movements.

Keep in mind that the first step toward these apprenticeships is enlisting in the particular branch of the military that you're interested in. After you're enlisted, you can then speak with your command or military counselor about participating in an apprenticeship program that aligns with your military occupation.

Through this route, you'd have the chance to gain practical, technical experience in your field of interest while also advancing your military career. It's definitely a path worth serious consideration if you're comfortable with the requirements and commitments of military service. Best of luck in your post-high school journey!