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There’s no better way to learn a job than with hands-on experience. Internships and apprenticeships both offer valuable learning opportunities for new employees, but they serve different purposes. Most people complete one or the other, depending on their career goals.
Internships are a common requirement in college degree programs, allowing students to test what they’ve learned in a natural environment. Due to their short-term nature, interns can experience different jobs and companies before committing.
In comparison, apprenticeships prepare workers for one specific job. Apprentices work in skilled trades like construction or roles like cybersecurity specialists, electricians, and healthcare assistants.
Read on to discover what distinguishes an internship from an apprenticeship and which can help you achieve your goals.
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What’s the Difference Between an Apprenticeship and an Internship?
Interns and apprentices both have the opportunity to gain experience and confidence as they learn career-ready skills. But these two training programs differ in many other aspects, most notably in duration, pay and outcome.
If you have a specific trade in mind, such as construction or IT, becoming an apprentice is a great way to get started. Unions may partner with employers to sponsor some apprenticeship programs.
These regulated programs last at least a year, often result in full-time employment, and may only require a high school diploma, depending on the industry. While training, you’ll earn a paycheck and possibly receive employment benefits.
On the other hand, an internship is far less structured, and full-time employment is less guaranteed. As an intern, rather than taking on independent projects, you help a team function more efficiently by tackling smaller tasks. This support role lets you glimpse possible career paths and learn professional etiquette. Internships may or may not be paid, and employers may offer college credit.
Comparing Internships vs. Apprenticeships
While both programs are valuable, there isn’t much overlap between the two. Here are some of the main differences between apprenticeships and internships.
Length
Internship: Internships typically last between one and three months. College students may work during summer breaks or immediately after graduating.
Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships typically last four years, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes, though they range from one to six years. The longer length allows apprentices to solidify their skills before embarking on independent work.
Structure
Internship: Each one looks different. Larger companies may have consistent, structured programs, while small businesses might ask temporary hires to be flexible and hop in as needed.
Apprenticeship: The U.S. Department of Labor regulates apprenticeships to ensure compliance and effectiveness. Dozens of trades employ apprentices through programs sponsored by employers or union partnerships.
Mentors
Internship: Interns may work with one mentor, but not necessarily. Depending on the size of the company, interns might assist a team, department or entire business, filling in gaps and learning a variety of skills.
Apprenticeship: Apprentices receive individual training and work alongside one or two professionals in their field. Mentors train workers on specific skills, helping them gain independence over time.
Payment
Internship: Companies aren’t necessarily required to pay interns; sometimes, interns may receive college credits instead of a paycheck. In other situations, they may receive an hourly wage or a stipend.
Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships are paid; the rate usually increases as participants gain more expertise. After completing a registered apprenticeship, 93% of participants earned full-time employment with an average salary of $77,000, according to Apprenticeship USA.
Professional Credentials
Internship: Interns don’t receive credentials for their work, but their work experience could count toward earning a professional certificate. As an exception, teaching interns may receive a temporary credential that allows them to teach.
Apprenticeship: At the end of their work, apprentices in registered programs earn a national, industry-recognized credential.
College Credits
Internship: Many degree programs require students to complete an internship to graduate. As such, employers may offer college credit instead of payment.
Apprenticeship: While apprenticeships aren’t associated with degree programs, workers do complete classroom instruction. They learn regulations, best practices and technical skills in a controlled environment, alongside hands-on opportunities with their mentor.
Who Should Complete an Apprenticeship?
Almost 600,000 people actively worked as apprentices in 2022, across 27,000 registered programs spanning healthcare, education, hospitality, technology and skilled trades, according to the BLS.
Depending on the field, an apprenticeship can offer guaranteed income, benefits and stable employment opportunities to people without a college degree.
Before applying for an apprenticeship, you should know your desired career path. It’s best if you already have a strong interest—say, you love fixing things or working with computers. Becoming an apprentice can translate those skills into a fulfilling career.
These are some of the many jobs you can learn by apprenticing:
- Carpenter
- Electrician
- Mechanic
- Roofer
- Soil and plant scientist
- Cybersecurity analyst
- IT generalist
- Bank teller
- Dental assistant
- Paramedic
- Hotel and lodging manager
- Cook
- Truck driver
Who Should Complete an Internship?
You may not have a choice in completing an internship if your degree requires it. But this short-term experience is a great opportunity to explore career paths within your field.
On-the-job experience is vastly different than learning in a classroom, and during your internship, you might be surprised by what interests you. Unlike an apprenticeship, you don’t need to find an internship that exactly matches your career goals.
Landing an internship is an opportunity to boost your résumé and prove your value to your employer. If you do receive a full-time offer, you’re likely to stay at the company longer than non-intern employees, the National Association of Colleges and Employers reports.
Some jobs that prefer internships include:
- Marketing associate
- Sales manager
- Accountant
- Financial analyst
- Public relations representative
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Human resources coordinator
- Biologist
- Graphic designer
- Engineer
- Software developer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Internships vs. Apprenticeships
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 difference between apprentices and trainees?
Apprentices complete training in registered programs, which often include classroom instruction. Skilled trade employers or unions sponsor these programs. Trainees, however, typically work in different fields, like retail or architecture, and receive job-related training through their employers.
What is the difference between training and an internship?
Internships help workers gain experience but don’t guarantee a paycheck or a full-time job. Training programs help people prepare for a specific type of work under the guidance of a mentor, and employers pay for trainees’ time.
What are three ways apprenticeships differ from other training programs?
The most significant difference between apprenticeships and training programs is regulation; the Office of Apprenticeship oversees thousands of programs within the U.S. Unlike training programs, apprenticeships can be sponsored through union partnerships and often include classroom instruction.
