Apprenticeship Training Program
Employer

Apprenticeship - A Smart Business Investment

Apprenticeship is an attractive way to develop a highly skilled and productive workforce. Here are some examples of how your business can benefit:

  • Employee skills are tailored to fit YOUR workplace
  • Recruitment and retention of a highly qualified workforce
  • A proven process for development of knowledge and skills imparted from experienced personnel to apprentices
  • Employees trained in new technologies can share information with other staff, giving you a competitive edge
  • Skills of a retiring workforce are retained through on-the-job mentoring
  • Greater workforce competency and productivity
  • Reduced turnover

Purpose of Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship assist industry in developing and improving apprenticeship and other training programs designed to provide the skilled workers needed to compete in a global economy.

Description of Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation. Apprenticeship training programs are sponsored by joint employer and labor groups, individual employers, and/or employer associations.

The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship registers apprenticeship training programs. The Office of Apprenticeship's role is to:

  • first, safeguard the welfare of apprentices;
  • second, ensure the quality and equality of access of registered apprenticeship training programs; and
  • third, provide integrated employment and training information to sponsors and the local employment and training community.

How Registered Apprenticeship Training Works

To train an apprentice, you and your employee must first complete an apprenticeship agreement. Responsibilities of the apprentice and employer are outlined in the apprenticeship agreement. A certified journeyworker must provide practical training according to trade standards. You must also verify the number of hours an apprentice works and pay a predetermined, industry-set wage. Additional information is available through the Office of Apprenticeship's Web site.

Eligibility of Employer Applicants

Employer applicants include employers, or an association of employers, with or without the participation of labor unions.

Establishing a Registered Apprenticeship Training Program

Department of Labor - Office of Apprenticeship field representatives are assigned to all designated trades to assist in arranging apprenticeship agreements between employers and apprentices. The representatives will explain your employer responsibilities for training under The National Apprenticeship Act of 1937 and ensure that your business premises meet on-the-job training standards. The representatives also provide training information and guidelines and will review the requirements and documentation needed for your apprenticeship records.

Employer applicants work closely with their assigned Department of Labor - Office of Apprenticeship field representative to develop a set of registered apprenticeship training standards which include:

  • an on-the-job training outline;
  • related classroom instruction curriculum; and
  • the registered apprenticeship training program operating procedures. The program will be registered if it meets federal requirements.

Authorization

The National Apprenticeship Act of 1937, as amended (Public Law 75-308) (29 U.S.C. Part 518, §50, §50a, and §50b and 29 U.S.C. Part 664, §50 and §57.)

For Further Information or to Apply:

You may contact your nearest Office of Apprenticeship State Office or write or call:

Dennis Goodson
State Director, USDOL/ETA/OA
300 East 8 Street, Suite 914
Austin, Texas 78701
512-916-5435
goodson.dennis@dol.gov

 



Last Verified: September 30, 2011

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Last Revision: September 30, 2011