APPRENTICESHIP
FOR THE
21ST CENTURY
Steve Myers
U.S. Department of Labor
Office of Apprenticeship
The National Apprenticeship
Act of 1937:
The Fitzgerald Act
APPRENTICESHIP IN
AMERICA
Apprenticeship has deep roots.
Among the early American apprentices who went on
to national distinction were:
George Washington, surveyor
Benjamin Franklin, printer
Paul Revere, silversmith
Henry Ford, machinist
Milton Hershey, candy maker
Introduction
Registered Apprenticeship is a national system that
offers on-the-job training in many of today's most
sought-after careers through partnerships with
businesses like yours.
Our nationwide network includes approximately
250,000 employers in 1,000 occupations. Over the
past 75 years, Registered Apprenticeship has
developed millions of apprentices and strengthened
America's workforce - one program at a time.
The National
Registered Apprenticeship System

Individual Companies – Small and Large

Corporations

Associations

Labor Unions

Non-profit Organizations

Educational Institutions

State Apprenticeship Agencies

U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship
Background of
Apprenticeship in America

Benefits to employers and job seekers

Voluntary training system

On-the-job learning complemented by
related instruction

Partnership between employers and
employees

Focus on skills and talent development

Apprentices are full-time, paid employees
Employer FAQ

What is Registered Apprenticeship?

What are the advantages of Registered
Apprenticeship?

How is a Registered Apprenticeship
program started?

Is technical assistance available?

Who are our partners?

Who operates Registered Apprenticeship
programs?
Employer FAQ

How does Registered Apprenticeship benefit
states, regions and communities?

What is the link between Registered
Apprenticeship and the Workforce Development
System?

How many occupations are available for
apprenticeship?

How long are apprenticeship programs?

What are the different designs of Registered
Apprenticeship programs?
What is Registered
Apprenticeship?
Registered Apprenticeship has been utilized to meet
the needs of America's skilled workforce for over 75
years. It is a unique, flexible training system that
combines job-related technical instruction with
structured on-the-job learning experiences.
Registered Apprenticeship is a leader in preparing
American workers to compete in a global 21st century
economy because the system keeps pace with
advancing technologies and innovations in training
and human resource development.
What is Registered
Apprenticeship?
Registered Apprenticeship provides the
opportunity for workers to participate in
high-skilled, high-paying jobs, and for
employers to build a qualified workforce.
In this regard, the Registered
Apprenticeship system effectively meets
the needs of both employers and
workers.
What is Registered
Apprenticeship?
Registered Apprenticeship is highly
active in traditional industries such as
construction and manufacturing, but is
also instrumental in the training and
development of emerging industries
such as healthcare, energy, and
homeland security.
Registered Apprenticeship Is…
An Immediate Job
Apprentices start working from day one with
incremental wage increases as they become
more proficient in their chosen trade.
Apprenticeships range from one to six years,
but the majority are four years in length. In
2011, more than 130,000 individuals
nationwide became registered apprentices.
Registered Apprenticeship Is…
On-the-Job Learning and Education
The "Earn and Learn" training model of Registered
Apprenticeship provides a unique combination of
structured learning with on-the-job training by an
assigned mentor. Related instruction, technical
education or other certified training is provided by
apprenticeship training centers, technical schools,
community colleges, and/or institutions employing
distance and computer-based learning approaches.
The goal is to provide workers with advanced skill sets
that meet the specific needs of employers.
Registered Apprenticeship Is…
A Credential
Upon completion of a Registered Apprenticeship
program, participants receive an industry issued,
nationally recognized credential that certifies
occupational proficiency. In many cases, Registered
Apprenticeship programs provide apprentices with the
opportunity to simultaneously obtain secondary and
post-secondary degrees. In 2011, over 55,000
participants nationwide completed from a Registered
Apprenticeship program.
What are the Advantages of
Registered Apprenticeship?
For apprentices, benefits include:

Improved skills and competencies that meet the
specific needs of the employer. This assures job
training & certifications will meet industry
standards;

Incremental wage increases as skills improve;

On-the-job training and occupation-focused related
instruction education;

Career advancement;
What are the Advantages of
Registered Apprenticeship?
For apprentices, benefits include:

Industry specific, nationally recognized credentials;

On-the-job learning on current technology and
equipment, under the guidance of qualified
mentors;

Articulation agreements between certain
apprenticeship training programs and 2- and 4year colleges that create opportunities for college
credit and future degrees.
What are the Advantages of
Registered Apprenticeship?
For employers, benefits include:

Customized training that results in highly skilled and certified
employees trained to industry/employer specifications .
Training matches or exceeds requirements of certifying
agencies and licensing boards;

Increased productivity and knowledge transfer due to on-the-job
learning from an assigned mentor combined with related
technical instruction;

Enhanced retention: in 2011, 87% of new journeypersons were
still employed 9 months after completing their apprenticeship;

Emphasis on safety training that may reduce workers'
compensation costs;
What are the Advantages of
Registered Apprenticeship?
For employers, benefits include:

A stable and predictable pipeline for the development of
qualified workers with industry specific training and hands on
experience;

Recognition of the training program;

A systematic approach to training that ensures that employees
are trained and certified to produce at the highest skill levels
required for that occupation;

The ability to conduct a ready assessment of where the
employer and employee are in terms of the continuous
improvement process;
What are the Advantages of
Registered Apprenticeship?
For employers, benefits include:

A proven training model that allows employers to set
the benchmark and the structure that can determine
the Return on Investment in training dollars.
Building a Registered Apprenticeship with your business
has many advantages - for you and for your employees.
Investing in Registered Apprenticeship means a
commitment to the future success of your organization.
What are the Advantages of
Registered Apprenticeship?
For employers, benefits include:

Benefits for your bottom line:

Registered Apprenticeship programs aid in recruiting new personnel, and
often support the activities of your human resources department;

Investing in the future of your employees can strengthen their loyalty to
your company;

Teaching employees new skills and providing incremental raises increases
productivity, decreases turnover and saves your company money on
training;

Registered Apprenticeship will help your employees become nationally
certified, which will ensure a quality product and knowledgeable employees.
What are the Advantages of
Registered Apprenticeship?
For employers, benefits include:

A business-driven, customizable program
Your Apprenticeship Representative (Steve Myers) will
work with you to create a flexible training program
appropriate for your business. Registered
Apprenticeship programs range in size from one
apprentice to hundreds depending on the employer. As
your workforce needs change, Steve will help you
adjust your training curriculum, or design a new
program if necessary.
What are the Advantages of
Registered Apprenticeship?
For employers, benefits include:

Financial incentives: by creating a Registered
Apprenticeship program, your business may qualify
for state tax benefits or other financial support. Many
employers experience strong returns on investments
after partnering with Registered Apprenticeship.

Opening doors to networking: program sponsors of
registered apprentices are part of a nationwide
network of 250,000 employers in 1,000 occupations.
Learn best practices from leading training programs.
How Is a Registered Apprenticeship
Program Started?
If there IS NOT a labor agreement:

Determine the knowledge and skills needed for the
occupation or occupations to be included in the program;

Secure the cooperation of the workers and craft supervisors
who will be expected to be included in the program;

Appoint an apprenticeship supervisor to maintain the
standards of training for the occupations involved, including
the length of training, selection procedures, affirmative action
plan, wages, tests, number to be trained, etc.;

Basic details of the program should be written up as a set of
apprenticeship standards. Local registration agencies will
assist in the development of the apprenticeship standards.
How Is a Registered Apprenticeship
Program Started?
If there IS a labor agreement:

Set up a joint apprenticeship committee (JATC) to administer the
program. The committee should have equal representation of labor
and management representatives;

The committee will arrange for necessary related classroom
instruction with the local education system, usually through
vocational education, community colleges, supervised
correspondence instruction or on-line instruction;

The committee should agree on a set of standards for training,
including occupations, length of training, selection procedures,
affirmative action plans, wages, number of apprentices to be
trained, etc.;

Basic details should be in writing and approved as the standards of
the Registered Apprenticeship program.
Is Technical Assistance Available?
There are general guidelines for developing
procedures and standards recommended by the
Office of Apprenticeship (OA) or a State
Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) recognized by OA.
There are published standards of apprenticeship in
many occupations and industries which can provide
valuable assistance in helping to formulate a program
for your company or industry.
Is Technical Assistance Available?
There are Apprenticeship Representatives from the
Office of Apprenticeship, U.S. Department of Labor, or
from State apprenticeship agencies who will provide
knowledgeable assistance in the development of
Registered Apprenticeship programs.
In this case, your representative is Steve Myers.
There are community and private colleges, vocational
schools, correspondence courses, and organizations
at the State, county and municipal levels who will
assist in arranging for the necessary related
instruction courses.
Who are our partners?
Through a proven system of public-private partnerships, Registered
Apprenticeship partners with a wide range of organizations including
(but not limited to):

Businesses, employers and industry associations

Labor management organizations

State and local workforce development agencies and programs

Two- and four-year colleges that offer Associate and Bachelor's
degrees in conjunction with apprenticeship certificates

U.S. military

Community leaders and economic development organizations
Who Operates Registered
Apprenticeship programs?
Registered Apprenticeship program sponsors (such as
employers, employer associations and labor
management organizations) vary from small, privatelyowned businesses to national employer and industry
associations.
Today, we have nearly 29,000 sponsors representing
more than 250,000 employers, including UPS, the
United States Military Apprenticeship Program,
Werner Enterprises, CVS/pharmacy and many others.
How Does Registered Apprenticeship
Benefit States, Regions and
Communities?
Registered Apprenticeship programs mean a
more highly skilled workforce. Nationally
certified employees give your state, region or
community a competitive edge, attract
companies, increase wages and ultimately
increase tax revenue. Because apprentices
pay income taxes on their wages, it is
estimated that every dollar the federal
government invests yields more than $50 in
revenue.
What is the Link Between Registered
Apprenticeship and the Workforce
Development System?
The 21st century economy demands a workforce with postsecondary
education credentials, and the adaptability to respond immediately to
changing economic and business needs. The public workforce system
is playing a leadership role in meeting these demands by catalyzing the
implementation of innovative talent development and lifelong learning
strategies that will enable American workers to advance their skills and
remain competitive in the global economy. Registered Apprenticeship, a
critical postsecondary education, training, and employment option
available in every state in the country, is an important component of
these talent development strategies. Registered Apprenticeship is
business- and industry-driven, with more than 29,000 programs
impacting 250,000 employers and almost 450,000 apprentices ,
predominantly in high-growth industries that face critical skilled worker
shortages now and in the foreseeable future. Full collaboration between
the publicly funded workforce investment system and Registered
Apprenticeship leverages each system's strengths to maximize the
benefits in the context of regional talent development strategies.
How Many Occupations Are Available
in Registered Apprenticeship?
Nationwide, there are registered apprenticeship programs for over 1,000
occupations, and that number continues to grow. Some examples of the
traditional skilled occupations in which apprentices are being trained are:
Automotive Technician
Baker
Bricklayer
Carpenter
Electrician
Machinist
Maintenance Mechanic
Operating Engineer
Painter
Plumber
Roofer
Sheet Metal Worker
Structural Steel Worker
Tool and Die Maker
However, there are many other occupations that have apprenticeship programs.
Some of these include:
Chef
Computer Programmer
Computer Service Mechanic
Dairy Technologist
Dental Assistant
Electronics Technician
Environment Analyst
Fire Fighter
Horticulturist
Insurance Claims Adjuster
Laboratory Technician
Optical Technician
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
and many others….
How Long are Registered
Apprenticeship Programs?

The length of an apprenticeship program depends on the complexity of
the occupation and the type of program (Time Based, Competency
Based, or Hybrid) with open entry and open exit;

Measures or tests of competency attainment should be observable,
repeatable and agreed to in advance;

Work experience process schedules and related instruction outlines
should include the approximate time/hours or minimum - maximum
times/hour ranges for each competency attained in order to document
successful completion;

Apprenticeship programs range from 1 year to 6 years, but the majority
are 4 years in length. During the program, the apprentice receives both
structured, on-the-job learning (OJL) and related classroom instruction
(RTI). For each year of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will normally
receive 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum of 144 hours of
related classroom instruction.
What are the Different Types of
Registered Apprenticeship
Occupations?
Time-Based Occupation Requirements
A time-based occupation requires a minimum
of 2,000 hours, which includes an outline of
the specific work processes and the
approximate time requirement for each
individual work process under that occupation.
What are the Different Types of
Registered Apprenticeship
Occupations?
Competency/Performance Occupation Requirements
Competency is defined as, “An observable, measurable pattern of skills,
knowledge, abilities, behaviors and other characteristics that an individual needs
to perform work roles or occupational functions successfully.” Therefore,
competency/performance based apprenticeship programs are premised on
attainment of demonstrated, observable and measurable competencies in lieu of
meeting time based work experience and on-the-job learning. However, because
these programs still have to comply with the requirements for the allocation of the
approximate time to be spent in each major process, work experience process
schedules and related instruction outlines must specify approximate time of
completion or attainment of each competency. These can be applied toward the
2,000-hour requirement. In competency/performance based programs,
apprentices may accelerate the rate of achievement or take additional time
beyond the estimated time of completion due the open entry and exit design.
What are the Different Types of
Registered Apprenticeship
Occupations?
Competency/performance based training programs have the
following characteristics:

Competencies should be identified and defined through a job/task
analysis, and should directly relate to the job/role;

Organized learning activities should be structured and (wherever
possible) be self-paced with open entry and open exit;

Measures or tests of competency attainment should be observable,
repeatable and agreed to in advance;

Work experience process schedules and related instruction outlines
should include the approximate time/hours or minimum - maximum
times/hour ranges for each competency attained in order to
document successful completion.
What are the Different Types of
Registered Apprenticeship
Occupations?
Hybrid Occupation Requirements
A third alternative has evolved which, in effect, is a
hybrid of the two types of programs previously
mentioned. This third type of program is a
combination of time and performance considerations
whereby work processes are developed with a
minimum - maximum time/hour range for each task or
job requirement (i.e., minimum 200 hours maximum
400 hours).
National Apprenticeship Statistics

More than 32,000 Registered Apprenticeship
programs

More than 250,000 employers

More than 480,000 apprentices
• 28 % minorities
• 7 % women

More than 40,000 active military apprentices
Pennsylvania Apprenticeship
Statistics
PA Typical Active Program Summary
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
Active
Programs
5 or More
1 to 4
Apprentices Apprentices
Pennsylvania Apprenticeship
Statistics
PA Typical Active Apprentices by Age
Number of
Apprentices
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
Youth 16-22
23-28
29-34
35 & over
Standards of
Registered Apprenticeship
Twenty-Two Basic Standards Including:

Defined on-the-job learning plan
•
Nearly 1,000 skills, crafts and trades

Defined curriculum for related instruction

Identified education provider

Progressive wage schedule set by employer

Safe equipment and facilities for training

Apprentice progress evaluation

Qualified mentors and supervisors

Typical programs range from 1-4 years, based on industry requirements

No discrimination
Veterans
Registered Apprenticeship programs are approved for
veterans benefits under the Montgomery and
Post-9/11 GI Bills
Values of Registered Apprenticeship and
the Workforce System

Customer focused

Accountability of training

Performance-based outcomes

High quality training to industry skills standards

Development of a high performance workforce

Labor market driven to meet changing needs
Apprenticeship
Myths
Myth: Only for unionized industries
Myth: Too much bureaucracy
Myth: Outdated and outmoded
Myth: No future – limited career path
High Growth Industries and
Registered Apprenticeship
Advanced Manufacturing
Geospatial
Health Care
Aerospace
Homeland Security
Energy
Hospitality
Retail Trade
Information Technology
Biotechnology
Transportation
Construction
Financial Services
Automotive
Training
When you invest in the training of your employees, they will be
more committed to the success of your business. This will help to
reduce turnover, decrease recruitment costs
and increase productivity.
As a Registered Apprenticeship employer partner, you are
responsible for recruiting and leading apprentices as they learn
and complete their certifications. They are members of your
workforce from day one. Our local apprenticeship staff offers
technical assistance at any time, at no cost, and ensures
compliance with your company and industry standards.
Join our nationwide network of program sponsors –
from family-owned businesses to national corporations.
Next Steps to Consider:
Becoming a
Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor…

Identify occupations for desired training

Develop on-the-job learning outline

Identify related instruction source

Register program with PA Apprenticeship &
Training Council with technical assistance
from Steve Myers, USDOL/OA
http://www.doleta.gov/OA/eta_default.cfm
Office of Apprenticeship:
www.doleta.gov/oa
Steve Myers
Apprenticeship Training Representative
(610) 320-5173
myers.steven@dol.gov
Thomas Bydlon
Regional Director
(215) 861-4830
bydlon.thomas@dol.gov