DOL Provides Guidance Docs for Registered Apprenticeship Programs

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on Monday, March 9, issued Registered Apprenticeship system guidance that is designed to:

• Improve flexibility and reduce burdens for program sponsors;
• Promote clarity and consistency in the apprenticeship registration process across states;
• Elevate quality standards; and,
• Increase transparency surrounding the structure of the national apprenticeship system.  

Registered Apprenticeship is a workforce development model that pairs on-the-job learning under an experienced mentor with related technical instruction to prepare apprentices for jobs in skilled occupations.

The new guidance documentation, issued by the DOL’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA), gives apprenticeship program sponsors clearer direction on how to design related programs that fit their workforce’s needs. It also outlines the roles and functions of state apprenticeship agencies and councils, and clarifies how to determine apprenticeship completion rates. ETA’s Office of Apprenticeship also committed to making final apprenticeship determinations within 30 days of receiving registrations.

In addition, the DOL launched an online portal featuring data on apprenticeship program completion rates and a webpage highlighting apprenticeship registration timelines and transparency on registration performance.  

“We’re removing the administrative roadblocks that have prevented Registered Apprenticeship from scaling to meet demand,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “As we work toward President Trump’s goal of 1 million active apprentices, the Department of Labor’s commitment to faster decisions, clearer standards and greater flexibility will enable employers across all industries to launch high-quality Registered Apprenticeship programs and help more Americans access high-paying careers.” 

DOL research shows Registered Apprenticeship programs benefit employers in a variety of ways. These include:

• Cost-effectiveness. Employers often see a 44% to 47% return on investment.
• Skilled talent pipeline. Programs fill critical skills gaps with workers trained to specific company standards.
• Increased retention. Roughly 90% to 94% of apprentices remain with the employer after completing their program.
• Improved productivity. Sixty-eight percent of sponsors report higher productivity, thanks in part to increasingly structured on-the-job training.
• Diversity and inclusion. These programs have been shown to foster equitable and diverse workplaces.
• Financial incentives. Tax credits, grants and tuition support are available in many states.
• Safety and compliance. Enhanced safety training reduces accidents and better ensures compliance with industry standards.

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