Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships of one sort or another have existed since the earliest days of civilization. Apprenticeships provide a manner in which a new generation of workers can learn a craft, skill or trade from older, established, experienced practitioners.

Such programs have long been practiced in vocational trades such as joinery, machinery and the culinary arts. More recently however people have begun to understand the value of such programs in media related professions. Broadcast television and radio as well as film and music production, are particularly good areas for one to learn via an apprenticeship.

Serving as an apprentice has long been regarded as being the most cost-effective and direct route to attaining a professional career. In our changing economy, attending a 4-year college is impractical or even undesirable for many. There are many reasons for this, most of them economic. Tuition costs are skyrocketing, college often requires relocating, and it’s difficult to impossible to work a full time job while attending college.

Also in media related fields, college often adapts an overly academic approach. Sitting in a classroom hearing a lecture on French New Wave cinema or the golden age of television is certainly not without it’s merits, but whether it can help one learn how to make films or find a career in television is highly debatable.

Apprenticeships, or mentoring programs, such as those available from Entertainment Connection, provide an excellent supplement, or even alternative to college. Mentoring programs are flexible which allows one to complete one while attending a 4-year college, or even while working full time.

Such programs are also more affordable than 4-year colleges which can cost anywhere from $20 to $80 thousand for tuition alone. Mentoring programs on the other hand can be completed for well under $10 thousand, and that’s all-inclusive.

Different people learn in different ways. For some a college program may be the best route. However college is simply not for everyone. If you’re looking to take the initiative in getting the career you really want, an apprenticeship is certainly something to consider.

Working in a mentor apprentice program is not only flexible and affordable when compared to college. It also gives one invaluable first hand experience working in the field of one’s choice under the tutelage of actual professionals in that field.

And mentoring programs and apprenticeships provide participants with the chance to make professional connections. Which is something that can prove invaluable when making the transition to becoming a paid professional. Let’s face it, in many media fields, who you know is just as important as what you know. And sitting in a classroom is certainly not the best place to make professional contacts.