earn while you learn

Registered apprenticeships pay you from day one on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and a nationally recognized credential, with zero student debt.

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Get paid to learn a six-figure trade

A registered apprenticeship is a real job from day one. You earn a paycheck while you train under journey-level pros, with structured classroom instruction on the side which is usually paid for by your employer or union. Most programs run two to five years, with raises every 6 to 12 months as your skills grow. When you’ve finished you will hold a credential recognized by the Department of Labor and that will work in all 50 states. Though Build Freedom curates registered apprenticeship programs across the defense industrial base, we don't run the programs ourselves. Entry requirements, pay scales, and start dates are set by each sponsor.

Teens try hands-on shipwright tools at a Norfolk Naval Shipyard apprenticeship event as an instructor guides them.

Apprenticeship

678,000+

Apprenticeships

Active registered apprenitces nationwide

$18/hr.

Wage

Average starting wage; $32/hr. at completion

$0

Debt

Tuition debt: sponsors cover training costs

All 50

States covered

Apprenticeships available nationwide

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Apprenticeship.gov, 2025 reporting year

ELECTRICIAN  —  IBEW / Electrical Training Alliance Apprenticeship

The gold standard for DIB electricians. IBEW-trained workers wire ships, submarines, military aircraft facilities, and DoD installations. Graduate with zero educational debt, full benefits from day one, and a journeyman license recognized at defense contractors nationwide.

Starting Pay: 40–50% of journeyman scale (~$18–$25/hr by region)

Length: 4-5 years

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WELDER  —  AWS Foundation Welder Training + Shipyard Apprenticeships

Welders are in critical demand across the DIB — with 300+ open positions at the Secret clearance level alone. The American Welding Society (AWS) offers nationally recognized training and up to 800 scholarships annually. For the highest-paying track, apply directly to shipyard apprenticeships at HII or Bath Iron Works, where you'll weld submarines and Navy surface ships to military-grade specifications.

Starting Pay: $20–$25/hr (apprentice); $25/hr+ at shipyards (Boilermakers Local 19)

Length: 3-4 years

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CNC MACHINIST  —  NIMS Certified CNC Apprenticeship (Defense Manufacturing Track)

CNC machinists are the backbone of precision defense manufacturing — producing components for missiles, aircraft, submarines, and armored vehicles. The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credential is the industry standard recognized by defense contractors including Raytheon, L3Harris, and General Dynamics. Combine NIMS certification with an ATDM (Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing) program for the fastest path into a Navy-contractor job.

Starting Pay: $18–$24/hr apprentice; median $58,750/yr at journeyman level

Length: 2-4 years

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SHIPBUILDER  —  Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School (HII) / Bath Iron Works Apprentice School

The most direct pipeline into the Defense Industrial Base. The Newport News Apprentice School — operating since 1919 — has produced over 10,000 graduates who build nuclear aircraft carriers and submarines for the U.S. Navy. Programs are tuition-free, paid from day one, and include an accredited Associate of Applied Science degree. Bath Iron Works (General Dynamics) offers a comparable program in Maine. Both are considered among the top trade schools in the country.

Starting Pay: Competitive wages from day one; journeyman wages reach six figures

Length: 4–8 years (Newport News); 4 years (Bath Iron Works)

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HVAC TECHNICIAN  —  SMART Union Sheet Metal & HVAC Apprenticeship

HVAC technicians are essential to military bases, defense production facilities, and secure government installations. The Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation (SMART) union apprenticeship is the premier pathway — covering commercial and industrial HVAC systems used across the DIB. Benefits and wages are included from day one, with no tuition debt. Veterans may qualify for GI Bill benefits on top of apprentice wages.

Starting Pay: $20–$23/hr apprentice start (varies by local); $40–$43/hr journeyman

Length: 4-5 years

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PIPEFITTER  —  UA (United Association) Registered Pipefitter Apprenticeship

The United Association's pipefitter apprenticeship is a direct feeder into defense work — the UA explicitly lists military bases, government complexes, and secure installations as key employer sectors. Pipefitters build and maintain the high-pressure systems in ships, submarines, power plants, and defense manufacturing facilities. The UA's Veterans in Piping (VIP) program guarantees job placement for transitioning service members. Earn while you learn with no tuition debt.

Starting Pay: 50% of journeyman scale from day one; apprentices earn up to $60,000/yr

Length: 5 years

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DIESEL MECHANIC  —  Heavy Equipment Mechanic Apprenticeship / Army Corps of Engineers Civilian Apprenticeship

Diesel mechanics keep the military's ground fleet operational — from tactical vehicles and generators to heavy construction equipment used on DoD projects. The Army Corps of Engineers runs registered civilian apprenticeships in industrial mechanics. On the contractor side, union-based heavy equipment mechanic programs (Operating Engineers) offer 4-year paid apprenticeships with benefits. ATDM also covers diesel-adjacent power systems mechanics for Navy facilities.

Starting Pay: $25+/hr apprentice start with $26+ in benefits (union programs)

Length: 3-4 years

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DEFENSE TECHNICIAN  —  ATDM — Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (U.S. Navy Program)

The U.S. Navy's only accelerated training program of its kind. ATDM is purpose-built for the Defense Industrial Base — training workers in the manufacturing skills and trades that feed directly into the naval shipbuilding and submarine industrial base. The program celebrated its 1,000th graduate in July 2025 and is actively expanding. No prior experience required. Includes fully furnished housing in Danville, VA, and leads directly to employment with Navy contractors.

Starting Pay: Paid training from day one; graduates enter contractor roles at competitive rates

Length: 4 months (accelerated) leading into full apprenticeship

Apply Now

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Common Questions (FAQ)

Do I pay tuition for an apprenticeship?

No, in a registered apprenticeship, training costs are covered by the employer, union, or program sponsor. You earn a wage from your first day instead of taking on debt.

How much do apprentices earn?

Nationally, apprentices average about $18/hr at entry and $32/hr at completion. Union programs typically start you at 35–55% of journey-level scale with scheduled raises every 6–12 months.

How long does an apprenticeship take?

Most run 2–5 years depending on the trade; about 4 years for electricians, 5 for pipefitters, and 1-2 for welding and CNC machining.

Do I need experience or a degree to apply?

No degree required as most programs ask for a high school diploma or GED, a driver's license, and passing an aptitude test. Veterans can fast-track through Helmets to Hardhats.

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Our mission is simple: build the workforce that builds and defends America. Our national and economic security depends on it. We will help power our nation’s defense industrial base and revive the skilled trades. We will be connecting the next generation of builders – the welders, machinists, mechanics, electricians, technicians and more – to high-wage, big-impact jobs. You can help us build freedom for generations to come.

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In partnership with mikeroweWORKS Foundation, National Labor Exchange and the Department of War.

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