This guide is designed for use by school counselors and students (especially in Virginia), working with parents and teachers to investigate career and educational opportunities. It presents apprenticeship as a beneficial option for high school students, based on four trends: (1) a global economy, advancing technology, and increased competition in the job market require a work force more skillful in mathematics, science, and communication than ever before; (2) most new jobs require education beyond high school but less than a bachelor's degree; (3) the cost of education beyond high school continues to increase each year; and (4) apprenticeable occupations exist in most technical and professional fields. This guide describes four career areas in which apprentices may learn skilled occupations in combined on-the-job training and related classroom instruction: manufacturing and production, building and construction, mechanical and technical occupations, and service occupations. An overview of each of these career areas describes the general working conditions, average earnings of workers in those occupations, and sources of additional information. Following the overview, specific apprenticeable occupations are described in more detail. The guide includes 5 sources for more information. Contains 17 references. (KC)