Apprenticeships are a form of paid training, usually in trades like painting, plumbing, or electrical trades. An apprentice usually starts young, after leaving high school, and undertakes several years of training, with certification as a qualified tradesperson at the end of the apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships are extremely valuable training, and provide skills which are portable throughout industry. It's also important in private enterprise, because many apprentices move on to operate their own businesses. In many cases, formal qualification in trades is required by law, because work like electrical maintenance and plumbing are subject to regulation and safety standards.