"American Apprenticeship as a Transformative Learning Experience: A Phenomenology" is an in-depth investigation into the phenomenon of a transformative learning experience for three American high school students who were given a traditional apprenticeship opportunity, including a community college degree, in lieu of going away to a four-year university. This apprenticeship was financed by their employer. The participants of this study were in their fourth year of apprenticeship at a global, Fortune 100 manufacturing facility and attending community college. The participant's voices were captured in three semi-structured interviews over a six-week period. If American industry is to be globally competitive, students must be ready for a career or college upon graduating from high school. In the United States, technical trades are not typically taught in high schools. With the Baby Boomers reaching retirement age, there is a minimal pipeline of skilled workers entering the job market, which has a significant impact on the ability of advanced manufacturing facilities to hire for critical, technical jobs--ultimately affecting our global competiveness. This study revealed the following findings: The consensus derived from the study of all 3 apprentices is that the experience changed their perception of the community college. They had never had any experiences with the community college and had never been informed of the opportunities within community colleges. It also changed their perception of work. They were not aware of the technical work opportunities that existed. They found that work is not always as people described it to them when they were in high school. All 3 apprentices describe the impact of contextual learning and being allowed to use what they learned in school and immediately apply it in the workplace. They all spoke of the impact of being financially secure and independent at a young age and their excitement about having no college debt. They all 3 intend to finish a four year degree in a related field while staying employed with the sponsor company. The experience was a positive, impactful and favorable experience for all 3 apprentices. The experience impacted their futures greatly. They all discussed the importance and value of the mentor relationship during their experience. All of the participants plan to complete a four year degree. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]