How to Set Up an In-Shop Apprenticeship Program

Walk into any septic services or plumbing shop across the country and ask the boss what keeps them up at night. Chances are, you’ll hear a variation of the same concern: “Where are the next generation of pumpers and plumbers going to come from?” With a growing wave of retirements and fewer young people entering the trades, many shops are feeling the crunch. But there’s a solution hiding in plain sight: Build your own bench by setting up a structured, in-shop apprenticeship program.An apprenticeship isn’t just about cheap labor — it’s a long-term investment in your company’s future. Done right, it creates reliable,