Apprenticeship

For Employers

What is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a combination of On-the-Job Training (OJT) and a related Classroom Training (CRT) program. This industry-driven model is very effective for employers to build a skilled workforce. There is a distinct difference from a United States Department of Labor (USDOL) Registered Apprenticeship (RA) and an Apprenticeship. Employers can provide an unregistered Apprenticeship; however, a true RA is required to have at least 144 hours of CRT for each year of an OJT. The program is reviewed and certified by USDOL staff. A ratio of one journey-level craft or trade professional to one apprentice (1:1) is required for the OJT portion in most RA’s. This allows the Registered Apprentice to learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation from an industry professional.

 

Roles in a Registered Apprenticeship

  • Employer
    The employer plays a big role in a Registered Apprenticeship. The employer provides paid On-the-Job Training, paid Classroom Training, and a mentor that is a journey-level craft person or a trade professional (1:1).
  • Apprentice
    An apprentice can be a new hire or an individual that has been employed with the company for any period. When hiring an apprentice an employer could take an employee that has some experience in the field. This may allow the apprentice to get some credit for previous training or education.
  • Classroom Trainer
    The classroom training provider can be a Community College, University, or career and technical training provider. This provider works with the employer to build an approved USDOL RA curriculum.
  • Sponsor
    A sponsor can be an individual employer, a joint employer and labor group, an employer association, or a local workforce partner. The sponsor will work with the employer, the training provider, and the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship to design an approvable RA.

  • Unites States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship (USDOL OA)This partner will assist the employer with the appropriate paperwork to be completed, review and certify the apprenticeship, and grant official use of the Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Data System (RAPIDS). The USDOL OA will also approve and monitor the completion of the Apprenticeship and issue a National Occupational Credential upon the completion of the Apprenticeship.

Increase productivity and knowledge transfer through on-the-job learning.

Advantage of Registered Apprenticeships

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91% of apprentices that complete an apprenticeship are still employed nine months later.

Advantage of Registered Apprenticeships

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Safer workplace that may reduce worker compensation costs, due to the program’s emphasis on safety training.

Advantage of Registered Apprenticeships

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Tax credits, local incentives, and other funding to assist in the success of an apprentice.

Advantage of Registered Apprenticeships

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Customized training that meets industry standards, tailored to the specific needs of businesses.

Advantage of Registered Apprenticeships

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Systematic approach to training that ensures employees are trained and certified to produce at the highest skill levels.

Advantage of Registered Apprenticeships

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Proven training model that allows employers to set the benchmark and the structure that can determine the Return on Investment in training dollars.

Advantage of Registered Apprenticeships

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Stable and reliable pipeline of qualified workers.

Advantage of Registered Apprenticeships

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Employer First Steps

Are you ready to start developing a registered apprenticeship program?  The United States Department of Labor and ApprenticeshipUSA outline five steps to launch your Registered Apprenticeship.

  1. Explore apprenticeship as a strategy to meet your needs for skilled workers.
  2. Partner with key players in your region to develop an apprenticeship program.
  3. Build the core components of your apprenticeship program.
  4. Register your program to join the ApprenticeshipUSA network.
  5. Launch your new Registered Apprenticeship.

For more information, ApprenticeshipUSA has provided a Quick-Start Toolkit.

Throughout this process, you will need to contact your county’s USDOL Office of Apprenticeship Representative.  Talent Investment Agency has provided a helpful Apprenticeship Resource Directory divided by the county for your reference.

Employer Resources

  • Employer Case Study
    Find out about successful, ongoing Registered Apprenticeship programs at this site. Read about the benefits from employers that are or have been involved in Registered Apprenticeship.
  • Federal Resource
    Learn about the resources that could be available to your organizations investing in registered apprenticeships. To access The Federal Resources Playbook for Registered Apprenticeship, Click Here!
  • Building an Apprentice Program
    The United States Department of Labor has comprised a Quick-Start Toolkit to assist employers with navigating the registered apprenticeship process
  • I Want to Know More
    Watch a course of videos that will allow you to get through the apprenticeship registration process. To view the five courses that outline the apprenticeship model Click Here!
  • Ready to Launch
    Once you are ready to launch access the Department of Labor registration page to begin the registration process.
  • I Still Have Questions
    For assistance through during the registration process please contact the State of Michigan’s USDOL registered apprenticeship office. (Contact information is below, put in drop-down arrow)
  • Contact the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Apprenticeship for Michigan.
    This office will make an on-site visit and work with you to determine appropriate job titles and the training schedule. The U.S. DOL Office of Apprenticeship for Michigan is:
    Office of Apprenticeship
    U.S. Department of Labor
    Phone: 517-377-1747
    E-Mail: davis.russell@dol.gov

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