Apprenticeship programs can be the one key solution to preparing young people and adults with the skills to earn a good income without acquiring high long-term student loan debt. A strong apprenticeship program is desirable because of its possible ability to reduce youth unemployment, improve the transformation from school to career by elevating job skills, raise wages of young adults, strengthen a young worker's identity, and achieve positive returns for employers and workers. Apprenticeship prepares workers to master work-related skills and attain occupational accomplishment. Participating in apprenticeship programs, individuals earn a salary, receive training primarily through supervised on-the-job training, and take academic instruction related to the apprenticeship occupation through a technical or trade school environment that lasts two to four years, depending on the chosen occupation. This phenomenological study explored the barriers that prevent individuals from applying to skilled trade apprenticeship programs and identified strategies that can be utilized to promote these programs. The problem addressed by this study was the lack of individuals applying to skilled trade apprenticeship programs. This research explored the barriers preventing individuals from applying to apprenticeship programs and how these barriers can be overcome. Finishing the apprenticeship training, mastering the skills required for the trade, and earning credentials equate to at least one year of community college. Having apprenticeship programs has narrowed the postsecondary achievement gaps in gender and race. The financial gains of apprenticeship are strikingly high, indicating that apprentices do not have to sacrifice earnings during their education and training. Their long-term benefits exceed the gains they would have accumulated after attending a community college. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]