The U.S. Department of Labor does not have an official definition of internship or externship. However, generally speaking, differences between internships and apprenticeships fall into in the following areas: length of time, structure, mentorship, pay, credentials, and college credit.

Yes! Most apprenticeship opportunities include on-the-job learning and classroom instruction provided by apprenticeship training centers, technical schools, community colleges, and four-year colleges and universities, sometimes through distance learning.

Civilian apprenticeship programs offer advanced standing or provide credit hours for, military training and experience. Any service member can pursue a skill unrelated to their military training and experience. 

Apprenticeship programs help employers recruit and develop a highly skilled workforce; improve productivity; create flexible training options; minimize liability costs; receive tax credits and employee tuition benefits; and increase retention of workers.

Yes. Background checks are allowed, with a few caveats.  First, sponsors should indicate what type of background check they mean (e.g., criminal, credit, etc.) and what they mean by “passing it.”  For example, descriptions might include “no felony conviction within the last seven years,” “no drug convictions,” or “no conviction of any kind within the last five years.”