Apprenticeship programs are on the rise and it’s no wonder why. Educational institutions are partnering with local industry to develop clear career pathways for students that offer new learning opportunities and fuel the regional economy.
Developing a comprehensive program can be daunting. Where to start?
ApprenticeshipUSA, an initiative from the Department of Labor aimed at creating more apprenticeship opportunities nationwide, has outlined several tips for starting an apprenticeship program.
Use apprenticeship as a strategy to meet your region’s needs for skilled workers.
Ask yourself: What are the workforce challenges in my area? This could be jobs in where it’s difficult to find workers with the right skills, occupations in industries anticipating a skills gap in the near future due to retirement rates, or local booming industries with tons of opportunities for young graduates.
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Partner with key players in your region to develop an apprenticeship.
Look to local industry or workforce intermediaries (industry associated or labor organizations) that can help you identify the resources you’ll need to design and execute a successful apprenticeship program.
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While educators are typically responsible for curriculum development, recruitment, training, and offering college credit for courses completed, industry partners are often responsible for identifying the skills apprentices must learn, providing on-the-job training, offering mentorship opportunities, and assisting educators with their instructional needs.
Build out the core components of a successful apprenticeship program.
Apprenticeship programs consist of five core components:
- Direct business involvement – Who will be your industry partner?
- Structured on-the-job training – What will your hands-on training consist of?
- Related instruction – What related instructional courses will you, as the educator, offer students?
- Rewards for skill gains – What benchmarks will define your progressive wage strategy?
- National occupation credential – Upon completion, what nationally-recognized credential will apprentices attain? What are the skill and knowledge requirements for this certification?
Register your program to join the ApprenticeshipUSA network.
ApprenticeshipUSA programs are those programs that have met national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor (or an approved State Apprenticeship Agency). If your program is registered, you’ll receive:
- Technical assistance and support
- A recognized national credential
- A reputation for having an apprenticeship program of quality standards
- Tax credits (for the participating business)
- Federal resources – these can be in the form of funding available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, federal financial aid for apprentices, or stipends for Veterans available through the GI Bill
Read more about advice for starting an apprenticeship program in ApprenticeshipUSA’s Quick-Start Toolkit.
