Apprenticeships at Palomar College
The oldest idea in education:
It starts with a job.
A registered apprenticeship is a paid job with built-in training. Students earn a paycheck, gain real-world experience, and work toward a recognized credential, all at the same time.
Apprentices work, learn, and get paid.
For many people, putting life on hold to go back to school isn’t realistic. They need to earn an income while building skills for a better future. Apprenticeships make that possible by combining paid employment with classroom instruction and hands-on learning.
What makes it different:
- Students are hired first. The job comes before the classroom, not after.
- They earn while they learn. No tuition to pay down before they start.
- They build real skills in a real workplace, not a simulation or job-shadow scenario.
- They finish with a recognized credential – often with college credit attached.
Apprenticeships are for anyone.
Apprentices come from all walks of life. Some are recent graduates looking for a direct path into a career. Others are veterans transitioning into civilian employment, working adults seeking advancement, or career changers ready for something new.
What Does
“Registered” Mean?
Registered Apprenticeship programs are approved by the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) or the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), depending on the program. This approval ensures the program meets recognized standards for quality training, education, and workforce development.
- It’s not an unpaid internship.
Apprentices are employees with a paycheck, a supervisor, and a title. - It’s not job shadowing.
Apprentices don’t just observe the work: they do it. - It’s not just for the trades.
Palomar College runs apprenticeships through early childhood education, clean-vehicle tech, and military leadership, too. - It’s not just for recent graduates.
Career changers, returning adults, parents, and veterans are core to whom this serves.
Here’s how it works.
- Get Hired
Every apprenticeship begins with a job. Apprentices are hired as paid employees from day one, earning a paycheck while they learn. - Learn on the Job
Apprentices gain hands-on experience by working alongside experienced professionals who teach the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. - Learn in the Classroom
Classroom instruction at Palomar College complements on-the-job learning by providing the knowledge, theory, and technical skills that support career success. - Track Your Progress
As apprentices learn, their work experience and classroom instruction are documented to ensure they are meeting program milestones and industry standards. - Launch your Career
Upon completion, apprentices earn industry-recognized credentials, valuable work experience, and, in many programs, college credit, preparing them for long-term career success.
Where it’s happening on campus
Apprenticeships
available at Palomar
Palomar runs apprenticeships across fields that look nothing alike, which is the point. The model holds whether the classroom is a job site, a fleet yard, or a military base. Students can now access apprenticeships in fields such as:
Building Trades – Carpentry, Inside Wireman, Sheet Metal Worker
Clean-Vehicle Technology (ZEV Tech) – Medium and heavy-duty EV maintenance
Military Leadership – Organizational leadership for active-duty and transitioning service members
Early Childhood Education – Hands-on training that leads to state recognized teacher credentials
Why choose Palomar
apprenticeships?
50+ Years of Experience
Dedicated Apprenticeship
Department
Strong Industry Partnerships
$0 Tuition Costs
Let’s Get Started
Ready to explore
apprenticeships?
Whether you’re a student, parent, counselor, employer, or community partner, our team can help you find the apprenticeship pathway that’s right for you.
Contact Our Team: apprenticeship@palomar.edu or x2600
FAQs
Palomar College partners with several Registered Apprenticeship programs in a variety of industries. Program availability and requirements vary. For the most current list of programs, please visit the Palomar College Apprenticeship website or contact the Apprenticeship Office at extension 2600 or apprenticeship@palomar.edu.
The application and enrollment process varies by apprenticeship program. Some programs require students to first apply directly through the apprenticeship or training partner before enrolling at Palomar College. Students should visit the Apprenticeship website for program-specific information or contact the Apprenticeship Office at extension 2600 or apprenticeship@palomar.edu for assistance.
Apprentices participating in Palomar College apprenticeship courses may need to complete the Palomar College application and enrollment process. However, admission into the actual apprenticeship program may have separate requirements. Please contact the Apprenticeship Office at extension 2600 or apprenticeship@palomar.edu for guidance.
Registered Apprenticeships are an “earn while you learn” model. Apprentices are typically employed and receive paid, on-the-job training while completing related instruction. Pay, benefits, and employment requirements vary by program. For information about a specific program, please visit the Apprenticeship website or contact extension 2600 or apprenticeship@palomar.edu.
For questions related to apprenticeship programs, classes, enrollment, or general assistance, please contact the Palomar College Apprenticeship Office at extension 2600 or email apprenticeship@palomar.edu. Students can also visit the Apprenticeship website for additional information.