Apprenticeship programs provide job seekers with hands-on experience in a specific field, often with a combination of practical training and theoretical classes. Not only will you gain all the necessary skills to begin your career, but you will also earn a salary while you do so.
Historically, trade apprenticeships have been associated with men. However, women are taking advantage of these opportunities as of late. To be successful in female trade apprenticeships, it takes enthusiasm, passion for your profession, and powerful soft skills. Women are encouraged to start exploring different apprenticeship opportunities in various industries.
Key Takeaways
- Apprenticeship programs provide hands-on experience through practical training and theoretical classes to help job seekers learn the skills needed to start a career while earning a salary.
- Apprenticeships for women are worthwhile due to hands-on experience, opportunities for skill development, and the absence of student debt upon completion.
- Women can pursue apprenticeships in diverse fields, including accounting, pharmacy, cosmetology, welding, and more.
- Requirements for apprenticeships vary, including education, skills, and sometimes official registration through specific platforms or certificates.
- Preparing for apprenticeships may involve completing coding bootcamps, internships, trade schools, or vocational training.
What Is an Apprenticeship for Women?
Apprenticeships for women act as on-the-job training courses, allowing you to work and learn simultaneously from qualified professionals in the company. In the past, these programs have been dominated by men, but that is quickly changing. According to a 2024 report from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, “Between 2014 and 2023, the number of women apprentices increased by 230 percent.”1 The growing number of female apprentices is making a significant impact on the workforce, helping to diversify traditionally male-dominated industries.Apprenticeship training programs are open to everyone interested in nontraditional employment.
Today, you can participate in many different types of apprenticeship programs for women, including trade apprenticeships, healthcare apprenticeships, and IT apprenticeships. In 2022, according to Apprenticeship.gov, women made up “approximately 13.8% of active apprentices compared to 9.4% in Fiscal Year 2014,” thanks to partnerships and investments supported by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).2 Recruitment efforts are helping to fill the pipeline with more female apprentices in various industries, supporting the growth of a more inclusive workforce.
What Does an Apprentice Do?
Your duties as an apprentice will differ depending on your specific program or profession. The main distinction between an apprentice and a regular worker is that you will do beginner-level tasks under the supervision of a more advanced professional until you develop the necessary skills to work on your own.
An apprentice does everything that an entry-level professional in the field would, with supervision. The role of an apprentice is created to help them build basic skills through on-the-job training.
Types of Apprenticeships for Women
Many apprenticeship programs are focused on helping women succeed in their chosen fields by offering mentoring, support, and resources designed to empower women in trades.
These programs can be very useful for kickstarting a career, and many companies are actively encouraging women to take advantage of these opportunities. In the following list, we will detail some of the most popular types of apprenticeships for women in 2025.
Finance and Accounting
Finance and accounting is a popular type of apprenticeship program, especially if you can snag an accounting apprenticeship at a major company like IBM.3 Accounting apprentices can make an average of $95,659 per year, according to ZipRecruiter (as of August 2025).4 As an apprentice in accounting, you will work with bookkeeping software and similar tools to organize a company’s finances.
In your studies, you will learn about local, federal, and corporate policies under the supervision of a more experienced accountant. They will make sure you can keep up with the company’s demands.
Pharmacy
If you want to work in healthcare but don’t want to earn a four-year college degree, an apprenticeship might be a good option. As a pharmacy apprentice, you will perform a variety of tasks, including receiving prescriptions and providing customers with the proper medications.
You will also learn how to handle pharmacy stock, how to label products, and how to offer advice and support for customer queries. To apply for this type of program, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as skills like attention to detail, good communication, and responsibility.
Cosmetology
Cosmetology is another popular type of apprenticeship training, especially for those who enjoy working in the beauty industry. In this program, you will learn the fundamental aspects of hygiene and hairdressing techniques. Cosmetology apprentices earn $43,287 on average, according to data from ZipRecruiter (as of August 2025).5 You should be able to commit to a minimum of 32 hours per week to apply for one of these programs and be at least 16 years old.
Female Trade Apprenticeships
Female trade apprenticeships are another great way to start a rewarding career. These apprenticeship programs for women help you learn trade skills and begin to build hands-on experience. Below are three of the most common trade jobs for women.
- Welding. Highly skilled welders are in high demand. Today, there are more women in welding than ever before, but there is still a significant gender gap in the industry. According to the American Welding Society, “25% of scholarship shares go to female welding students.”6
- Construction. Female construction apprenticeships offer some of the best trade jobs for women as the construction industry continues to boom.7 In this position, you can learn about both commercial and residential construction.
- Electrical. Working as an electrician is one of the best female trade apprenticeships because you can get an apprenticeship with a large organization or work as a self-employed electrician in your area.
Top Apprenticeship Programs for Women in 2025
Here is a compiled list of some of the best apprenticeship programs for women, as of August 2025. All of these apprenticeship programs are inclusive and provide a variety of benefits. Check out more details about apprenticeship programs for women below.
Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Program
The Walgreens Pharmacy Technician program gives you all the tools you need to become a certified pharmacy technician. Located in many states across the U.S., you will receive on-the-job training—helping real patients with their medication needs and questions.8
As an apprentice at Walgreens Pharmacy, you will have to adhere to governmental, federal, and corporate policies under the supervision of a more experienced manager. The apprenticeship prepares women to provide essential services to the community, such as assisting patients, entering drug and prescription information, and creating reports.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Apprentice Program
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers a part-time Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program (CSAP) that allows students to learn from cyber experts currently working at the DHS.9
Located in Springfield, VA, “Students participate in CSAP for one year and are required to work 16-20 hours per week.” This program requires apprentices to be enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program with a minimum of 30 credits completed, and with a declared major in cyber security or a related IT field.
IBM Apprenticeship Program
IBM offers tech apprenticeships to help people learn core industry skills while earning a salary.10 Opportunities include apprenticeships in data analytics, security, software engineering, and more. If you’re interested in breaking into the tech world, this apprenticeship might be for you.
Each of these roles is a great opportunity to learn from experts in the industry. You will need to live in the U.S. and have a high school diploma or GED. IBM offers many different types of tech apprenticeships in various locations to help you enter the field.
Five Star Academy Apprenticeship Program
Located in Rialto, California, the Five Star Apprenticeship program offers hands-on practice for women who are interested in pursuing cosmetology.11
Apprenticeships run from 18 to 24 months and consist of a 39-hour health and safety course, part-time or full-time work in a salon (paid), and a weekly, four-hour classroom session. These positions help women learn how to become hair stylists and hairdressers. To register for the apprenticeship program, applicants must fill out a form as part of the application process.
North America’s Building Trades Unions Construction Apprenticeship
The North America’s Building Trades Unions’ (NABTU) construction apprenticeship opportunity is offered in every state and almost every Congressional district, giving future construction workers a chance to learn while not having to travel far. Sponsored by TradesFutures, a non-profit that develops, promotes, and improves Apprenticeship Readiness Programs (ARPs), NABTU “programs provide a gateway for local residents—focusing on women, people of color, and transitioning veterans—to gain access to Building Trades’ registered apprenticeship programs.”12
Apprentices will learn construction skills by assisting in site preparation, excavation, demolition, and more.
WireTech Fabricators Robotic Welding Apprenticeship
Partnering with Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College, WireTech Fabricators offers paid Robotic Welding training.13 To qualify for this full-time apprenticeship, you do not need prior welding experience—although they do mention that they prefer one year of welding experience in the job description.14
Through this apprenticeship opportunity, you will learn the basics of programming industrial robots, how to read and interpret blueprints, and ways to optimize programming for robotic welding. You will learn from experienced professionals through on-the-job training.
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As of August 2025, the position pays $21 to $26 per hour and, since this apprenticeship requires 38 hours per week of work, it also comes with extensive benefits, including medical coverage, 401(k) match, and paid time off.
Apprenticeships for Women Salaries
There isn’t much information regarding the salary differences between women and men in apprenticeship programs. You can look at average entry-level salaries for your preferred field to get a feel for what you could earn.For example, the average salary (as of August 2025) for an electrician apprentice is $47,449, according to ZipRecruiter.15
Apprenticeship Requirements
All apprenticeships have different requirements. Some require a certain physical capacity, while others will focus more on your technical skills. Most apprenticeships have education requirements, such as having a high school diploma or equivalent, math skills, or logical thinking skills.
In addition, some apprenticeship programs may require workers to register through official platforms. For example, some electrical apprenticeship opportunities require apprentices to have an official apprenticeship card and an electrical training certificate. On the other hand, some apprenticeship programs only require applicants to have authorization to work in the U.S., English language skills, and a history of strong academic performance.
How to Land an Apprenticeship
There are many companies out there offering great programs for women. Finding the right one for you is just a matter of research and preparation. While all programs will ask you to have a high school diploma or GED, some programs may require more specific skills.
Some of the best apprenticeships for females will ask you to undergo certain tests to see if you have the appropriate soft and hard skills needed for the job. Luckily, there are many resources available if you are interested in gaining new skills to prepare you for an apprenticeship. Read below to learn more about how to prepare for different apprenticeship programs.
Bootcamps
Coding bootcamps are a great way to learn tech skills in a short period. They may also work with hiring partners, so upon graduation, you will be well prepared to launch your career however you see fit.
Internships
Many apprenticeship programs will require that you have previous job experience in their field. Internships are a great way to build your knowledge background while getting an understanding of what your life might look like if you decide to go down a certain career path. They also look great on your resume.
Trade Schools
Trade schools are another great source for preparing for an apprenticeship program. They are designed to give you the foundational skills you need to apply for an apprenticeship program. This is especially applicable to trades and other hands-on occupations that require pre-apprenticeship programs.
Vocational Training
Vocational schools are technical training institutions where you learn the technical skills and theoretical knowledge for specific professions. It would be a good idea to join a vocational school to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field you are interested in before beginning your apprenticeship.
Are Apprenticeships for Women Worth It?
Yes, apprenticeships for women are worth it because you will be able to start your career while getting paid. This is a hands-on experience opportunity where you’ll meet interesting and experienced co-workers who can help you develop relevant skills. The best thing about apprenticeships for women is that you won’t have to worry about student debt after completing your program.
Apprenticeships for Women FAQ
While apprenticeships and internships have many similarities, they are not the same thing. According to Apprenticeship.gov, apprenticeships are typically longer in duration than internships and also include a structured training plan, mentorship, and paid training.16 Internships do not typically offer any of these additional options.
What’s the hourly pay for women apprentices?
Although there isn’t much information about women’s salaries in apprenticeship programs, we can see that the average apprentice makes around $19.35 per hour, as of August 2025—according to Indeed.17 In an apprenticeship, a woman should earn the same amount that a male colleague would because apprenticeships are entry-level training programs.
How long is an electrician apprenticeship?
It typically takes around four years to complete an electrician apprenticeship. By working full-time for four years, you will gain the 8,000 hours of job training you need to become an electrician. However, if you choose to only work part-time, then you will need to work longer as an apprentice to complete the required professional hours.
Sources:
1 https://iwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IWPR-Apprenticeship-Report-March-2024.pdf
2 https://www.apprenticeship.gov/sites/default/files/dol-industry-factsheet-series-women.pdf
3 https://ibmglobal.avature.net/en_US/careers/JobDetail/Accounting-Apprenticeship/44283
4 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Accounting-Apprenticeship-Salary
5 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Apprentice-Cosmetologist-Salary#Yearly
6 https://weldingworkforcedata.com/
9 https://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-careers/cybersecurity-apprenticeship-program
10 https://www.ibm.com/careers/blog/the-ibm-apprenticeship-program-no-degree-no-problem
11 https://www.academyfivestar.org/apprenticeship-program
12 https://nabtu.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tradesfutures-Brochure-rev-2024.pdf
13 https://www.wiretechfab.com/
14 https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=e4bd20cffc1e5b61&from=shareddesktop_copy
15 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Electrician-Apprentice-Salary#Yearly
16 https://www.apprenticeship.gov/help/what-difference-between-apprenticeship-and-internship
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