What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program?
Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential. Registered Apprenticeships are industry-vetted and approved and validated by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency.
RAPs enable and energize more employers to participate and provide them access to larger talent pools that have been trained for entry-level to management positions, thereby meeting industry demands and reducing unemployment rates across the country.
Key elements of all Registered Apprenticeship programs include the following:
- Industry Led - Programs are industry-vetted and approved to ensure alignment with industry standards and that apprentices are trained for highly skilled, high-demand occupations.
- Paid Job - Apprenticeships are jobs! Apprentices earn progressive wage as their skills and productivity increase.
- Structured On-the-Job Learning/Mentorship - Programs provide structured on-the-job training to prepare for a successful career, which includes instruction from an experienced mentor.
- Supplemental Education - Apprentices are provided supplemental classroom education based on the employers unique training needs to ensure quality and success.
- Diversity - Programs are designed to reflect the communities in which they operate through strong non-discrimination, anti-harassment, and recruitment practices to ensure access, equity, and inclusion.
- Quality & Safety - Apprentices are afforded worker protections while receiving rigorous training to equip them with the skills they need to succeed and the proper training and supervision they need to be safe.
- Credentials - Apprentices earn a portable, nationally-recognized credential within their industry.
In addition to the benefits of apprenticeship, RAPs offer several other incentives for employers of all sizes:
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Access to a nationwide network of expertise, customer service, and support at no charge.
NATIONAL CREDENTIAL
Graduates receive a national, industry-recognized credential.
QUALITY STANDARDS
Signifies program meets the national standards for quality and rigor.
TAX CREDITS
In many states, businesses can qualify for tax credits. Learn more about state tax credits.
FEDERAL RESOURCES
Access funding and other resources from federal programs. View the Federal Resources Playbook.
RECRUITING INCENTIVES
Veterans who qualify for the GI Bill benefits can receive a monthly stipend in addition to the wages they receive.
How It Works
There are five core building blocks involved in creating and operating a Registered Apprenticeship Program. Depending on where you are in the program creation process, you may choose to start at a different building block. For example, if you're new to apprenticeship you may start to first explore how apprenticeship is used across industry and geography. If you're already familiar with apprenticeship, you can begin to build, partner, and register your program. Regardless of where you are on the journey, we are here to help you!
EXPLORE
Get to know apprenticeship, its benefits, and how different employers and sponsors are creating programs across industry and geography.
BUILD
Understand your options, the steps involved in building an apprenticeship program, and the tools we offer to help you get started.
PARTNER
Collaborate with apprenticeship representatives, workforce organizations, educators, and others to build your program.
REGISTER
Take advantage of benefits such as funding opportunities, tax credits, and no-cost technical assistance when you register your program
LAUNCH
Recruit prospective apprentices, measure and monitor your program, and share your program success.
Apprenticeship Industries
There are a wide range of industries that are adopting and adapting apprenticeship to meet their needs. Explore our industry pages to learn about high-demand occupations and discover industry specific resources.