Apprenticeship programs have a positive effect on the careers of Americans, according to the results of an American Staffing Association Workforce Monitor survey. Nine in 10 Americans who were apprentices themselves or know someone enrolled in these “earn while learning” programs reported the experiences had a positive effect on their career.

The vast majority of US adults with an opinion about apprenticeships, 92%, view them favorably. Four in five Americans, 84%, think that more people should consider apprenticeships, and 68% wish they knew more about these vocational opportunities, according to the results of the survey.

Millennials aged 18 to 34 are particularly open to apprenticeships. After being given the definition of an apprenticeship as “a program that combines a paid work component and an educational or instructional component, where a person can learn relevant knowledge and skills on the job,” more than half, 54%, reported they are likely to consider these learning opportunities in the next two years — significantly more than any other age group.

“Apprenticeships not only offer people the benefit of earning a wage while learning new skills or vocations, they are going to become an essential element of recruiting, retention and employee development programs in the future,” ASA President and CEO Richard Wahlquist said. “As most Americans view apprenticeships positively, employers have a great opportunity to develop new work-based learning programs to ensure American workers have accesses to upskilling and reskilling programs that can kickstart careers.”

Harris Poll conducted the survey online within the US on behalf of the ASA. It was conducted from April 5 to April 9, 2018, among 2,029 US adults.