Easy. Don’t just Google “apprenticeships.” Be smart. Check government job boards. Look at trade unions, especially for electricians, plumbers, or welders. Tech apprenticeships often pop up on sites like Indeed or LinkedIn.
When you apply, ask about pay upfront. Don’t be shy. Say, “So, what’s the hourly rate?” If they dodge the question, walk away. A good employer will tell you exactly what you’ll earn.
Apprentices can earn up to 270% more over their lifetime than
The golden rule: don’t work for free.
I’m serious. Unless you’re in a super niche creative field (and even then), you should be paid. If someone offers an “unpaid apprenticeship,” that’s often illegal. In the UK and US, if you’re doing actual work, you deserve a wage.
Remember that TV show where the intern works 80 hours for no pay? That’s not a career; that’s a scam. Walk away. You’ve got better options.
