Apprentice Versus Intern: Learning The Key Differences (2024)

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Apprentice Versus Intern: Learning The Key Differences (1)

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So what does “apprenticeship” mean?

What’s an internship?

So, what’s the difference between an apprentice and an intern?

Which one is best for you?

Starting a new job is scary — especially if you have no experience in the field. If you’re looking to break into a new industry but don’t know where to start, we understand.

If sitting in a classroom isn’t really your thing or you’re already bored of it, you might be itching to start working. That’s why getting real work experience in your field of study seems like the best option.

Sound familiar? You might be a great candidate for an apprenticeship or internship. But what do you do as an apprentice versus an intern, and how do you know which is right for you?

Both are training programs that aim to give you working experience, expose you to new work environments, and teach you necessary skills. They offer a learning-by-doing approach, and it’s been found that 77% of participants agreed that learning-by-doing helped them better understand new content and was more engaging than classroom instruction.

Learning the key differences between these work opportunities will give you insight into what these training programs are like, which is a better fit for your career goals, and how you can excel in them.

Before we dive into the key differences between the two, let’s break down what an apprenticeship and internship are.

So what does “apprenticeship” mean?

An apprenticeship is a training program that lets individuals learn new skills hands-on while being compensated for working. Apprenticeships offer on-the-job trainingfor future workers to gain hands-on experience in any industry.

During an apprenticeship, you’ll likely work with experienced employees in the field who will guide you through how to use equipment, software, and tools properly.

Many trades rely on apprenticeships to balance classroom learning with hands-on experience that ensures apprentices have the skills required for a role. Electricians, for example, need to complete a set number of hours to receive their certification. Some electricians may attend technical schools or programs, but many spend 4–5 years in an apprenticeship program.

Because apprentices are completing hands-on tasks, they’re usually paid during these programs.

Apprenticeships have been on the rise since 2011. Between 2020 and 2021, there were approximately 27,000 active registered apprenticeship programsacross the U.S. Here are a few industries that commonly offer apprenticeships:

  • Engineering

  • Manufacturing

  • Cosmetology

  • Construction

  • Transportation
  • Healthcare
  • Energy

How long do apprenticeships last?

It all depends on your industry and the skills you need to become certified. Many apprenticeships are the same length as a bachelor’s degree (3–4 years), but others might only span one year.

Usually, you don’t need any prior certifications to apply for apprenticeships. You’ll be able to start in an entry-level position as an apprentice with the long-term goal of becoming a full-time employee when you’re done.

What’s an internship?

An internship is a short-term, entry-level job opportunity. Throughout an internship, individuals will gain experience in a workplace to learn about certain roles and companies while gaining insight into a broader industry.

Many interns are in support roles, working alongside employees or executives at a company to help them complete their tasks and do some grunt work. They’re all about absorbing knowledge while contributing your fresh perspective to a workplace.

Apprentice Versus Intern: Learning The Key Differences (3)

The work you do may vary since you’re only a temporary employee, but you’ll be expected to perform some routine tasks and support your supervisor in their role. You’ll likely contribute ideas, try your hand at new tools, and have work responsibilities of your own.

Above all, internships are an opportunity to learn about yourself and what you want out of your career. If you’re working as a design intern for a fashion company, you may realize that late nights at sewing machines aren’t for you — and a 9–5 role in the marketing department better supports your interests.

You might be a summer analyst for an investment firm and realize that the thrill of shifting markets and long hours is where you want to be.

It’s estimated that over 1.3 million interns are currently working in the U.S., including both paid and unpaid positions, plus students and non-students.

Here are some of the most common industries with interns:

  • Marketing

  • Human resource management

  • Finance

  • Business

  • Media

  • Information technology

  • Fashion

  • Design

  • Law

  • Medicine

How long do internships last?

Interns are usually students completing a placement for course credit or degree requirements, like for their bachelor’s or master’s degree. They could also be students hoping to gain relevant experience over the summer or after graduation to improve their chances of landing a great job right out of school. They usually last 12–24 weeks, depending on the industry.

Apprentice Versus Intern: Learning The Key Differences (4)

So, what’s the difference between an apprentice and an intern?

Now that you know more about each type of training program, it’s time to learn the key differences. Both apprenticeships and internships are great learning opportunities but understanding what each program offers will help you make the best decision for you and your career development.

Here are some key differences between internships and apprenticeships to review:

Duration

  • Internship: One of the biggest differences between an internship and an apprenticeship is the duration. An internship usually only lasts a couple of months or up to one year, depending on the industry.
  • Apprenticeship: An apprenticeship is a long-term commitment. You’ll likely work full-time for several years, depending on the level of apprenticeship. Many apprenticeships are beginner-level but still provide excellent upskilling opportunities for experienced workers.

Apprentice Versus Intern: Learning The Key Differences (5)

Structure

  • Internship: The structure of an internship is looser and less focused, so interns can float around and observe more roles within an office. One day you could shadow a senior-level employee, and the next, you could have a report to write for your direct manager. Internships can also be done remotely, meaning learning could be asynchronous.

  • Apprenticeship: An apprenticeship thrives on structure and planning. Most apprenticeships focus on improving specific skills. They’re almost always in person to meet experiential learning requirements.

Payment

  • Internship: You aren’t guaranteed a paid internship. Research has found that 39% of internships in the U.S. are unpaid, so be prepared for a period without income. But that’s not to say that you can’t find an internship offering a stipend, honorarium, or requisite school credit.

  • Apprenticeship: You do get paid for apprenticeships from your first day to your last. Some even offer benefits, too. It’s considered full-time employment, and you might even see a pay increase as you gain new skills.

College credit

  • Internship: Internships are often offered or required for college students to earn credit. They might also help experienced employees switch industries by showing them entry-level tasks in another field.

  • Apprenticeships: As an apprentice, you could do your training program and attend classes simultaneously, but for many industries, the knowledge acquired through apprenticeships replaces college degrees.

Certification

  • Internship: Completing an internship doesn’t give you a certification or diploma. Apart from potential credit, an internship becomes work experience on your resume. And after you complete an internship, you aren’t guaranteed a job offer. In ideal scenarios, you’ll move from being an intern to a junior employee — but sometimes, you’ll need to take the experience you gained to another company.

  • Apprenticeship: The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced that if you do your apprenticeship with a registered company, you’re entitled to an industry-recognized credential upon completion. It’s an official certification to show you’ve completed all requirements. Some apprenticeships also allow you to complete certain smaller certifications over the years to bolster your resume.

Apprentice Versus Intern: Learning The Key Differences (6)

Which one is best for you?

Now that you understand the difference between an apprentice vs. an intern. Even though they seem similar, they differ in educational structure, length, pay, and more. To decide what’s best for you, expand your self-knowledge and identify your career aspirations.

Depending on your industry, it might not be up to you. Your field of interest might require that you follow the apprenticeship route. More hands-on careers need you to do apprenticeships, like millwrights or designers. Other industries, like marketing or finance, lean toward internships that teach transferable skills.

For some careers, it’s up to you to decide which suits your professional goals. If you’re a civil engineer, you’ll want to find out if an apprenticeship on a job site or an internship in an office will better prepare you for your dream career.

And in the end, whichever program you choose will put you one step further down your career path.

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Published November 16, 2022

Apprentice Versus Intern: Learning The Key Differences (2024)

FAQs

Apprentice Versus Intern: Learning The Key Differences? ›

What is the difference between an apprenticeship and an internship? Apprenticeships are regulated, long-term, paid positions that train participants in a skilled trade. Internships tend to be short-term, and they may offer college credit instead of a wage.

What is the main difference between an internship and an apprenticeship? ›

Pay: Apprenticeships are paid experiences that often lead to full-time employment. Internships are often unpaid and may not lead to a full-time job. Credential: Apprenticeships lead to an industry-recognized credential. Internships typically do not lead to a credential.

What is the main difference between an apprentice and a trainee? ›

What's the difference? Generally, an apprenticeship provides training in a skilled trade, while a traineeship provides training in a vocational area. The approved training scheme for each qualification lists whether it is available as an apprenticeship or a traineeship.

What is the difference between internship and learning? ›

Here are the main differences - Learnership vs internships:

To put it simply a learnership programme differs from an internship as it contains both practical and theoretical learning components. An internship differs from a learnership as it focuses primarily on giving individuals workplace experience.

What are three ways in which apprenticeships differ from other training programs? ›

Expert-Verified Answer
  • Apprenticeships are typically hands-on and on-the-job training.
  • Apprenticeships involve a mentorship or guidance from a skilled professional.
  • Apprenticeships often lead to industry-recognized certifications or qualifications.
Jan 13, 2023

What distinguishes an apprenticeship from an internship quizlet? ›

Apprenticeship is on-the-job training, whereas internship is a classroom-based training method. B.

Why is an apprenticeship better? ›

An apprenticeship allows you to earn while you learn

Most of the training is delivered in the workplace, so you can learn the skills you need to do the job well. The rest of the training is given by a training organisation, either at the workplace, off-site (at college) or via e-learning.

What is the difference between a beginner and an apprentice? ›

Apprentice is a trainee, especially in a skilled trade; one not well versed in a subject. Novice is a beginner; one who is not very familiar or experienced in a particular subject; person new to an activity (greenhorner, learning, newbie).

What are the two types of apprenticeship? ›

Registered vs. unregistered: There are two types of apprenticeships: non-registered, employer-based programs and registered apprenticeships certified by either the U.S. Department of Labor or a state apprenticeship agency that must adhere to regulated standards.

What is the responsibility of an apprentice? ›

As an apprentice you will undertake on-the-job and off-the-job training, developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours to be occupationally competent.

What is intern learning? ›

An internship is a professional learning experience that offers meaningful, practical work related to a student's field of study or career interest. An internship gives a student the opportunity for career exploration and development, and to learn new skills.

What is the difference between an intern and a trainee? ›

Definition and Commitment: A trainee is often part of a structured training program within a company, usually aimed at grooming the individual for a specific role. An intern is typically associated with a temporary position, often during academic breaks, to provide a practical insight into their field of study.

What are the main objectives of an internship? ›

Internships provide students with an opportunity to put into practice skills they have learned while in school. In addition, students should have an opportunity to enhance those skills, obtain the perspective of a work environment and benefit from a mentor or supervisor's experience and advice.

What is the difference between an intern and an apprentice? ›

What is the difference between an apprenticeship and an internship? Apprenticeships are regulated, long-term, paid positions that train participants in a skilled trade. Internships tend to be short-term, and they may offer college credit instead of a wage.

What are the three stages of apprenticeship? ›

Different types of Apprenticeships Levels

These are categorised as Intermediate, Advanced, Higher and Degree apprenticeships.

What is the difference between a trainee and an apprenticeship? ›

The biggest differences between a traineeship and an apprenticeship is the pay and the length of time they take to complete. Traineeships take between eight weeks to six months, unpaid with no guarantee of a job at the end. Apprenticeships take a minimum of one year, and up to six years to complete.

What is the difference between a traineeship and an internship? ›

In general, internships are intended for students or graduates with very little or no experience. Traineeships and junior programmes often require at least some initial work experience. However, there is no universal definition and not all organisations use these terms the same way.

What is the difference between apprenticeship and learnership? ›

Learnerships offer a structured learning environment and are designed to prepare learners for a specific occupation or industry. On the other hand, if you are interested in a specific trade or craft and want to gain hands-on experience, then an apprenticeship may be the right choice for you.

What is the difference between apprenticeship and work? ›

An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences. Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.

What is the difference between internship in and internship at? ›

it's always "at" when you're talking about the company. you could be an intern in a specific division of the company. When using a general description instead of a company name, you can just use "X intern," as in "I'm a hospital intern" or "I'm a marketing intern."

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