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Harper College

Become An Apprentice

Apprenticeships Can Work for You

There are many benefits to participation in the Harper Registered Apprenticeship Program. You gain access to classroom and lab experiences with qualified Harper faculty plus on-the-job training with a dedicated mentor in the company where you work in a paid position.  This on the job training program enables you to earn a salary while you learn a career. 

  • Gain practical skills and relevant training
  • Earn national credentials and Harper College certificate or degree
  • Zero debt on graduation
  • Employment
  • Industry-aligned education
  • Higher wages and career advancement

Available Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships Fit Your Life

  • High School students who may need to gain experience
  • Career changers who need training and education in a new industry
  • Incumbent workers, those wanting to advance in current job

Please note: all of our employers are local, and our classes are online or in-person at Harper College. You must provide your own transportation to and from work and Harper College to participate in the program.

Illustration of two hands shaking. Employment

Employers have approached Harper to create their training programs. Their expectation is that students will develop the necessary foundation skill set and bring their expertise to work at the company. Harper and these companies worked to align the college curriculum to their employment needs.  Students are hired and earn a salary as an apprentice with the company and attend Harper College with the potential for continued employment well beyond program completion.

Illustration of a crossed out dollar sign.No Debt

Employers cover the training costs of your Apprenticeship program. This includes tuition, fees & books, as well as paying a salary; even while taking classes at Harper College. You graduate with no debt, providing the opportunity to start your career without the burden of heavy student loans.

Illustration of calendar.Course Schedule

The apprenticeship program is created in blocks of time specific for each program to enhance optimal learning. Part of the time each semester is dedicated to coursework at Harper and the remaining time is for on-the-job training with a company mentor. Scheduling is done in such a way as to avoid any potential conflicts between time in the classroom and time on-the-job.

Illustration of clock.Career Advancement

The on-the-job training programs are designed for high-demand positions and guarantee a job while in the program. Employers strive to retain loyal employees willing to build a career with them.

 

Explore Available Apprenticeship Programs

All available apprenticeship programs are listed on the Apprenticeship main page, as well as in the dropdown menu above. Look around and find the one that's right for you!

Step 1:  Fill out the Interest Form

If you are interested in working as an apprentice, click here to fill out the Interest Form which will go directly to Admissions for the next step in the process.

Step 2:  Apply to Harper College

>Click here and follow the instructions to apply to Harper College. If you are already a Harper student you must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.*

Step 3:  Take Harper Placement

All apprentices must place into college-level English, Reading, and Math. Schedule an appointment on your Student Portal to test. The Testing Center is located in Building A, Room A148.

Step 4:  Apply and Interview

Resume assistance is available at the Job Placement Resource Center (JPRC). College-ready apprentice candidates will be invited to upload their resume for review by and interview with employers.**

* The Harper College application will ask what “Area of Interest” you are pursuing. For Industrial Maintenance, CNC Operator, or Electromechanical Technician choose MANUFACTURING & CONSTRUCTION; for General Insurance, Supply Chain Management, Banking & Finance, or Retail & Sales Management, choose BUSINESS, ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY; for Graphic Arts Print Production, choose ART, DESIGN & PERFORMING ARTS.

**Additional hiring steps may be required by employers.

Illustration of the number 18.

At Least 18 Years Old

Illustration of a certificateHigh School Diploma or GED

 

Illustration of an American flagEligible to work in the US (Citizen or Permanent Resident)

Illustration of a graded paper.Meet Academic Requirements for Admission

Illustration of ID card.Some Jobs Require A Driver’s License

 

Additionally, one of the key goals of the American Apprenticeship Initiative is to open up access to apprenticeship opportunities for underrepresented populations. Therefore, projects should demonstrate strategies to employ and train underserved populations in apprenticeship such as women, young men and women of color, persons with disabilities, low-skilled populations, veterans, including transitioning service members, and others

Illustrated map of local school districts.Students who have had some exposure to the industry in an internship are more likely to be successful in apprenticeship. Companies who have hired interns can then hire a student who fits best with their company as an apprentice. Harper encourages companies who are not ready to hire an apprentice to engage with their local high schools to start an internship program. Let’s work together!

Apprentices earn college credit that can be transferred to several Universities when they are ready for that next step in their career ladder.  Most of Harper College’s apprenticeship programs are AAS degrees with at least 60 credit hours meaning students can transfer in at junior status.

Governor’s State University has designed a completion degree available online.

Harper College’s University Center is partnered with the following universities that operate on Harper’s campus for your convenience.

  • Roosevelt University
  • Northern Illinois University
  • DePaul University
  • Southern Illinois University
Last Updated: 2/27/24