College has long been seen as the default path, but today’s education and workforce landscape offers more options than ever.
Career training and apprenticeship programs are growing in popularity—and many families are surprised to learn that 529 college savings plans can help support these pathways, too.
What a 529 Plan Can Cover
529 plans are designed to help families save for education after high school. Contributions grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses. While 529s are often associated with four-year colleges and universities, they can also be used for:
- Accredited colleges and universities
- Community colleges
- Graduate and postgraduate programs
- Registered apprenticeship programs
- Certain eligible programs abroad
Qualified expenses typically include tuition, fees, books, supplies, and required equipment, depending on the program. This flexibility allows families to support a wide range of education and training paths without committing to a single outcome too early.
Apprenticeships: Learning and Earning
Apprenticeships combine classroom instruction with paid, on-the-job training. Participants gain real-world experience, earn industry-recognized skills, and often receive wages while they learn. These programs are common in technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades.
For learners who prefer hands-on training or want to enter the workforce sooner, apprenticeships provide a structured pathway to stable, well-paying careers. They also keep the door open to further education: many participants continue their studies, earn additional credentials, or apply their experience toward future degrees.
Using 529 Funds for Apprenticeships
Federal law allows 529 plan funds to cover expenses associated with U.S. Department of Labor–registered apprenticeship programs. To qualify, the program must be officially registered and certified under the National Apprenticeship Act.
For eligible apprenticeships, 529 funds can generally be used for:
- Required program fees
- Books and instructional materials
- Supplies and equipment necessary to participate
This means families who have saved in a 529 plan can use those funds to support career training, helping learners build skills without taking on unnecessary debt.
ScholarShare 529 and Flexible Education Options
ScholarShare 529, California’s official college savings plan, embraces this broader view of education. Like other qualified 529 plans, it allows funds to be used for registered apprenticeships, community college, and graduate programs.
This flexibility matters because education and career paths are rarely linear. Interests evolve, industries change, and the “right” path today may differ in a few years. A 529 plan provides a financial foundation that adapts as plans shift, supporting learners in both traditional and nontraditional education routes.
Spotlight: U.S. Help Desk Academy
One example of an apprenticeship program that may qualify for 529 use is the U.S. Help Desk Academy, a U.S. Department of Labor–Registered National Apprenticeship Program serving participants in all 50 states. The program prepares learners for careers in IT support and help desk services through structured training and hands-on experience.
Because programs like the U.S. Help Desk Academy are Department of Labor–registered, families may use 529 funds for qualifying expenses. While 529 plans cannot promote specific programs, highlighting opportunities like this shows how career-focused pathways and college savings can work together.
Keeping Options Open
The education journey after high school is no longer one-size-fits-all. Students may move between school and work, combine learning with employment, or pursue additional training later. A 529 plan supports this reality by offering flexibility and long-term value.
Families can make the most of 529 savings by:
- Exploring a full range of education and training options
- Confirming whether apprenticeship programs are Department of Labor–registered
- Understanding which expenses qualify for 529 use
- Viewing education as a continuum, not a single decision
By recognizing that college and career training are both valid—and often complementary—paths, families can use 529 plans to support learning, skill-building, and opportunities wherever they lead.
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