What is the difference between a trainee and an apprentice?

The difference between a trainee and an apprentice is that apprenticeships typically involve a mix of classroom instruction as well as practical job training and are generally for candidates interested in learning a skilled trade, while trainee programs typically do not have a classroom component and are not necessarily focused on skilled labor. Other differences are that most trainee programs are administered by an employer, while not all apprentice programs need to be sponsored by employers. For example, carpentry apprenticeships are often sponsored by vocational schools or labor unions.