1) High school voc-tech courses

2) Community college voc tech classes (many culminate with a 2 year certificate…and some in some fields, States require passing a license exam before you can work….or you can work under someone with a license)

3) alternative schools (high school and adult) with voc tech classes

4) Occupational training centers (schools training both new inexperienced students and those making career changes or job re-training for displaced workers)

5) Americorps (VISTA), but in many cases, many have skills and are seeking experience

6) the military

It may still be possible to “apprentice” under someone…I used to do that for one of my uncles who was a plumber when I was in high school…the main lesson I learned was to keep studying so I wouldn’t have to do that kind of work in the future…though plumbers do earn a handsome salary in contrast to some teachers.

hope this helps…good luck with your pursuits.

I spent 22 years in the Coast Guard. USCG can be a great way for young people to get a start without the costs of college. I went in for four years, stayed for 22. Got a degree, a career, some great adventures and wonderful memories. However, it is NOT for everyone. Might be worth looking in to.

Call a CG recruiter and ask about it. If you like you can tell them at the outset that you are only looking, and to not call you back, you will contact them if you want to look further. They will respect that. Recruiters are not having any trouble filling quotas these days.

Good luck….

apprentice to a plumber or electrician