Apprenticeship openings for electricians and welders - what worked for you?

I heard of an apprenticeship with paid on-the-job training for people changing careers. There are 5 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. Applications close in 6 weeks. What do you wish you had known?

You earn while you learn, but the first year is tight. Plan your budget carefully.

Visit the training centre in person if you can. Seeing the classrooms helped me decide.