Most employers make an effort to have the apprentice work as steadily as possible. Although it varies from industry to industry, the average starting wage of an apprentice is about 50 percent of a journey person's rate of pay. This usually works out to one or two evenings per week during the regular school year. Apprentices can earn credit towards an associate degree at a community college for classroom hours and for the completion of an Apprenticeship program. Most Apprenticeship programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Some occupations require specific subjects such as algebra, blueprint reading or related shop work.
This varies among different occupations, industries and employers. In some cases, apprentices pay for related training, in others, industry pays the bill.