Career change · No experience

Career change with no experience Everyone starts somewhere.

Starting fresh

"Entry level, three years of experience required" is a frustrating line to read. The way around it is to pick jobs that are built to train newcomers, or to get a short credential that stands in for experience.

In short

To change careers with no experience, target jobs where BLS lists on-the-job training as the usual way in, such as pharmacy technician or maintenance worker, or earn a short credential like a CNA or CDL that employers accept in place of experience. Apprenticeships are designed for beginners and pay while you learn.

Job numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsUpdated October 9, 2026. Pay figures are national medians and are not a promise of what you will earn.

Three ways in

Path 1

Jobs that train you

Employers expect to teach you. Look for "trainee" or "will train" in ads.

Path 2

A short credential

A certificate tells employers you have the basics.

Path 3

An apprenticeship

Built for beginners. Search at Apprenticeship.gov.

Getting a little experience fast

Volunteering at a hospital, shadowing a tradesperson for a day or doing a short externship as part of a program all give you something real to put on a resume and talk about.

Questions people ask

What jobs train you with no experience?

Pharmacy technician, maintenance, construction laborer and many entry warehouse and driving jobs train on the job.

How do I get hired with no experience?

Lead with reliability, a short credential and transferable skills.

Is it harder to change careers at an older age with no experience?

It can feel harder, but many employers value maturity and a steady work history.

Sources

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