Work and business / B1

uh-PRENT-is/əˈprentɪs/

An apprentice learns a skilled trade while working: an apprentice electrician; an apprentice plumber; take on an apprentice. Apprenticeship is the training scheme. A trainee is wider and can be office-based; an intern is often a short, unpaid or low-paid placement, not a full trade course. UK news often pairs apprenticeships with skills shortages. Do not use apprentice for a university intern in an office unless the company really uses that title.

Meaning

A young person who learns a skilled job by working with an experienced worker.

Examples

• “He started as an apprentice electrician at eighteen.”
• “The garage took on two apprentices after the government grant.”
• “She completed a four-year apprenticeship in carpentry.”

Good to know

apprentice + trade. Noun for the scheme: apprenticeship. Wider office learner: trainee. Short campus placement: intern.

Near in meaning

trainee

Topics

New