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# Apprenticeships: A Promising Alternative to College with Its Own Set of Challenges

In a labor market where skills are increasingly valued over degrees, apprenticeships offer an exciting alternative to traditional college education. They provide hands-on training, skill-based education, and a direct path to employment. However, the pathway is not without its challenges, especially for employers aspiring to launch their own programs and for applicants seeking entry into these programs.

[![Gino Rooney](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.basehub.com%2Fe0b5701f%2F0db35941dd672514cc535a754faae03e%2F1.png%3Fwidth%3D100%26height%3D100%26quality%3D100&w=96&q=75)

Gino RooneyCEO & Co-Founder at Classet

](/blog/authors/gino-rooney)

September 27, 2023

Hiring Tips, Skilled Trades

**Summary:** U.S. apprenticeships have grown 106% since 2013 as skills become more valued than degrees. They offer hands-on training and direct employment paths, but come with challenges for both employers launching programs and applicants seeking entry.

## The Exciting Promise of Apprenticeships

In a labor market where skills are increasingly valued over degrees, apprenticeships offer an exciting alternative to traditional college education. They provide hands-on training, skill-based education, and a direct path to employment. However, the pathway is not without its challenges, especially for employers aspiring to launch their own programs and for applicants seeking entry into these programs.

## The Rise of Apprenticeships

The apprenticeship model is not just an old tradition but a growing trend. In the United States, there has been an 106% increase in active apprentices since 2013. While the % of apprentices in the US is much smaller than in other places throughout Europe and Canada, this surge reflects the growing recognition of apprenticeships as a viable and valuable alternative to traditional higher education.

[![Gino Rooney](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.basehub.com%2Fe0b5701f%2F0db35941dd672514cc535a754faae03e%2F1.png%3Fwidth%3D100%26height%3D100%26quality%3D100&w=128&q=75)

Gino Rooney

CEO & Co-Founder at Classet

Gino is a repeat founder who previously led BlueCrew as CEO, and now builds AI-powered hiring tools designed to improve outcomes for both candidates and employers. He started Classet on the belief that better recruiting starts with a better candidate experience.

](/blog/authors/gino-rooney)

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