How Students Earn & Learn

As GAP Apprentices

GAP Apprentices are able to earn money on the job as soon as they start the apprenticeship program while also taking college classes at no cost. In fact, students actually get paid for time spent in class. See how you can get a jump start on a promising career, a college degree, and financial stability.

  • Get paid for 8,000 hours of on-the-job and classroom training during the 4-year program
  • Earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) from Guilford Technical Community College
  • All tuition, books, and fees for the associate’s degree program are covered, so you graduate debt-free
  • Have the option after apprenticeship graduation to transfer degree credits to most state four-year universities in order to earn a bachelor’s degree 
  • Obtain specialized certification and experience that is recognized and sought by GAP employers
  • Many employers offer health insurance, retirement, and paid-time-off benefits to GAP apprentices

The Value of a GAP Apprenticeship

As a GAP apprentice, the combination of college courses and the pay you receive for on-the-job and classroom training is equivalent to earning a $125,000 scholarship.

Apprenticeship YearClasses, Work & Training Pay
Initial Summer
(Pre-Apprentice)
Six weeks on-the-job training
2 community college classes
Paid a total of 40 hours per week
$11 per hour
First Year 
High School Senior Year if Accepted as an Apprentice Junior Year
Half a day of high school
Half a day on- the-job training and work
Paid for time at work
$12.50 per hour
First Year 
Post High School if Accepted as an Apprentice Senior Year
On-the-job training and work 80%
Community college classes 20%
Paid a total of 40 hours per week
$12.50 per hour
Second YearOn-the-job training and work 80%
Community college classes 20%
Paid a total of 40 hours per week
Minimum of $13.00 per hour
Third YearOn-the-job training and work 80%
Community college classes 20%
Paid a total of 40 hours per week
Minimum of $13.51 per hour
Fourth YearOn-the-job training and work 80%
Community college classes 20%
Paid a total of 40 hours per week
Minimum of $15.50 per hour

Ready to Apply?

Find all the information you need about how to apply for a GAP apprenticeship. You will learn about tours of our GAP employer partners‘ facilities, the application steps and timeline, student requirements, and more.