Jobs, Training & Career · Surprise rank #343
Want to Be a Carpenter, Plumber or Steamfitter? Registered Apprenticeships Pay You While You Train
Registered construction apprenticeships combine paid work with classroom training, and New York DOL posts current recruitment announcements from union and other sponsors.
Who
Applicants who meet the minimum requirements of an open carpenter, plumbing, steamfitting or related apprenticeship recruitment in their region.
Where: New York State; specific opportunities vary by region
What to do
Start here: Search NYSDOL’s current Apprenticeship Announcements by region and trade, then follow the sponsor’s application instructions exactly.
Eligibility: Each sponsor sets lawful minimum qualifications and selection procedures. Age, education, physical capability, driver’s license, testing or residency requirements may apply depending on the trade.
What you get
Apprentices work for a registered sponsor, receive structured on-the-job training and related instruction, and typically advance through wage steps as skills increase.
Benefit: Paid employment and formal occupational training without a conventional tuition bill; wage, benefits and training length depend on the sponsor.
Possible value: Potentially substantial because the participant earns wages while training rather than paying for comparable occupational instruction.
Good to know
Important: This is a category of programs, not one standing application. Openings and deadlines change constantly, and some recruitment periods close after a fixed number of applications.
Availability: Active registered-apprenticeship system; individual recruitments vary.
Why people miss it: People often look at trade schools first and never check the state’s list of paid apprenticeship recruitments.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026