June 5, 2026
The US government announced that there were 172K jobs added in May – while unemployment remains steady at 4.3%. One might wonder where these new jobs are: they are spread out among all sectors except technology and natural resources, with the majority of jobs (70K+) in the leisure and hospitality areas. Not surprising at the beginning of summer with many US cities playing host to the World Cup, since a large percentage of the 70K jobs are in food services and bars.
That implies, to me at least, that this growth is seasonal and that the numbers will drop substantially at the end of the summer.
If you are looking for work or advising younger folks about work, I would recommend considering the apprenticeship route.
Apprenticeships are essentially real jobs. You earn a paycheck for on-the-job training from day one, typically starting at a percentage of a fully trained worker’s wage (usually around 40% to 50%), which increases automatically as you learn new skills.
Key details about apprenticeship pay include:
The “Earn While You Learn” Model: You avoid taking on massive college student debt because you get paid for the work you produce while learning your trade.
Classroom Time: Many programs require classroom or online instruction. Depending on your field and union/employer, this classroom time might be fully paid, or scheduled outside of your paid work hours.
Nationwide Standard: “Registered Apprenticeship” programs (approved by the U.S. Department of Labor) guarantee minimum wage standards, regular pay increases, and an industry-recognized credential.
Starting Wages: Depending on the state (like Hawaii) and the trade (e.g., plumbing, electrical, IT, healthcare), starting hourly rates typically range from $18 to $20+ per hour, with the potential to scale up to $35 to $40+ per hour upon completion.
Registered Apprenticeships are officially vetted by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and result in a portable, nationally recognized credential. While historically focused on construction and skilled trades, they now span a wide variety of industries.
Key Industries
Advanced Manufacturing: Robotics, machining, and industrial maintenance.
Healthcare: Nursing, medical assisting, and pharmacy tech.
Information Technology: Software engineering, cybersecurity, and network administration.
Skilled Trades: Electrician, plumbing, and carpentry.
Energy & Utilities: Wind, solar, and power grid operations
Where to find out about apprenticeship opportunities:
https://www.apprenticeship.gov/
National Database: Use the Apprenticeship.gov Finder to search for available apprenticeships by zip code or occupation.
In summary: Apprenticeship programs in the USA offer paid, debt-free training where you “earn while you learn” through on-the-job experience and classroom instruction. Nationwide, 94% of apprentices retain employment post-completion, earning an average annual salary of around $84,000.
virtual beguine 
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