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Registered Apprenticeship Basics

What is REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP?

Registered Apprenticeship is a structured talent development strategy that combines on-the-job learning, classroom learning, and mentorship to train individuals to be experts in their field. Programs are well-defined and documented and are approved by the U.S. Department of Labor (U.S.DOL).

Apprentices often start an apprenticeship with little or no experience in their chosen occupation.

What are the RULES?

U.S. DOL Registered Apprenticeships are governed by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 29, Parts 29 and 30. It is recommended that individuals in the workforce development field who support apprenticeship development and management read both parts from the CFR.

Related Resources: 1) CFR 29 29, 2) CFR 29 30

Key Components of a Registered Apprenticeship

PURPOSE: Describes five (5) key components required in every U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) registered apprenticeship program.

Occupation

Every DOL registered apprenticeship is focused on a single occupation. A program’s occupation must be selected from a list of U.S. DOL approved occupations – sometimes called “apprenticeable occupations.” Apprenticeable occupations are linked to O*Net codes, which come from O*Net, the nation’s primary source of occupational information.

Work Process

Apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning with classroom learning. In a DOL registered apprenticeship, the program’s on-the-job learning requirements are documented in a Work Process. The work process can take different forms, but it describes what an apprentice will learn to do while on the job and may describe how long that learning is expected to take.

Related Technical Instruction

Apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning with classroom learning. In a DOL registered apprenticeship, the program’s classroom learning requirements are documented in its Related Technical Instruction (RTI) outline. RTI may occur at a college, union, private institution, internally at the employer, or some combination of these. Institutions delivering RTI are called RTI Providers.

Wage Scale

All registered apprenticeships must include at least one wage increase for the apprentice to ensure that they are compensated for skills gained. Each apprenticeship employer can set their own minimum wages in their wage scale, if they are above Indiana’s current minimum wage. Apprentices can always be paid at rates above what is described in the wage scale, but never below. Starting wages should be at or above Indiana minimum wage.

National Occupational Credit

Registered Apprenticeship programs result in a nationally-recognized credential – an assurance to employers that apprentices are fully qualified for the job.

Key Partners in a Registered Apprenticeship

PURPOSE: Describes the key stakeholder and potential stakeholders that are involved in creating, launching, and managing an apprenticeship program, and describes their role in the process.

Click through our Partner types below:

A registered apprenticeship cannot exist without an employer, or group of employers. Employers arguably play the most important role in an apprenticeship, as they work with partners to develop a customized Work Process and RTI suited to their needs and employ and mentor apprentices throughout their program.

Apprentices participate in employer-driven apprenticeship programs to grow their skills and kick-start their career in their apprenticeship occupation and industry. Apprentices may be existing employees within an organization, or they may be new hires selected specifically to participate in the company’s apprenticeship program.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is the department of the U.S. government that is responsible for reviewing, approving, and overseeing registered apprenticeship programs. The U.S. DOL Office of Apprenticeship (DOL OA) in Indiana works with employers and other organizations sponsoring apprenticeships to ensure that programs develop and maintain high-quality apprenticeship standards; maintain program records appropriately; and provide all benefits to the apprentices as outlined in the standards.

Intermediaries are outside organizations, typically a workforce development board, community-based organization, industry association, or community college, with the capacity, expertise, and network to help businesses successfully create, launch, and expand apprenticeship programs.

RTI providers deliver the required Related Technical Instruction (RTI) defined in apprenticeship programs. All types of training providers can serve as RTI providers, but RTI providers are often community colleges or unions that work with employers to develop a curriculum for their apprenticeship programs. RTI providers also work directly with apprentices for matters related to enrollment, financial aid, etc.

Workforce Development Agencies (in Indiana these are WorkOne Career Centers) often take on the role of intermediary. Other roles of the WorkOne office can be to offer employers access to talent and funding opportunities to support their programs.