In an apprenticeship, you receive on-the-job training in a trade. As an entry-level worker with no experience, you shadow a journey-level tradesperson and assist them with their job duties. Most apprenticeships also include a classroom component where you learn technical skills related to your job responsibilities. The length of an apprenticeship depends on the industry in which you work. Apprentice plumbers, electricians, and heavy equipment operators learn their trade for four or five years before they become journeymen. Trade unions, contractors, and private companies provide apprenticeship programs. While you don’t need any experience in the trade to become an apprentice, many people in this career path gain general labor experience before applying.