Federal job roles are shifting. Automation, restructuring, and early retirement offers are creating new pressures — and new possibilities. More mid-career employees are asking whether it’s time for a change.
Apprenticeship programs, once seen as entry points for new workers, are now helping seasoned Feds reskill and step into entirely new roles without leaving government. For many, these programs serve as a smart reinvention tool for a successful career transition for federal employees navigating uncertain terrain.
What Federal Apprenticeship Programs Offer
Public service apprenticeship programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of both federal agencies and the employees who keep them running. These programs may have started with early-career hires in mind, but more and more mid-career Feds are using them to shift into new roles without losing their federal benefits or starting over.
Today’s federal apprenticeship opportunities span a wide range of growing fields, including:
- Information technology and cybersecurity
- Healthcare and medical administration
- Skilled trades and facilities management
- Project and program management
- Human resources and data analytics
What sets these programs apart is their combination of paid work, hands-on experience, and formal instruction. You don’t have to step out of your job or take unpaid leave to retrain. Instead, apprenticeships allow you to earn a paycheck while gaining new, marketable skills, often through partnerships with technical schools, community colleges, or agency-run training academies.
For federal employees, that means learning by doing, under the supervision of experienced mentors, while building a clear pathway toward promotion, certification, or even a full career change, all while maintaining your service credit, retirement contributions, and access to federal benefits.
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Who It’s For — And How to Get Started
Apprenticeship programs aren’t limited to new employees. They can be a strong fit for mid-career federal workers who feel ready for a change, are navigating shifting agency goals, or want to move into a role with more growth ahead. If you’re considering a buyout, exploring a new skill set, or trying to stay current in a fast-changing environment, this path may be worth a closer look.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), individual agencies, and third-party partners all offer apprenticeship opportunities. You’ll find some posted on internal job boards. Others run through your agency’s HR office, training department, or union representative.
To take the first step:
- Contact your agency’s HR or training coordinator
- Explore gov
- Talk to your union or workforce development contact about upcoming opportunities
If you’re considering a change, don’t wait for a reassignment or restructuring to push you into it. Start the conversation early, and take an active role in shaping what your next chapter looks like.
A Smart Pivot, Not a Step Back
Mid-career Feds are finding that apprenticeship programs can open doors, not just teach skills. If you're planning a move into a different role or adjusting to shifts in your agency, building new skills now can help you stay ready while preserving the benefits you have earned.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Reach out to the team at Serving Those Who Serve at [email protected] to explore how federal apprenticeship programs can fit into your long-term career and retirement strategy.
The information has been obtained from sources considered reliable but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Serving Those Who Serve writers and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy suggested. Every investor’s situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon before making any investment or financial decision. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. **
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