Registered apprenticeships

Program basics

Aim to increase employment and earnings through industry-specific on-the-job training, technical instruction, and industry-recognized certification for high-demand jobs
Combine on-the-job training with technical instruction
Participants receive incremental wage increases as they build skills and earn a nationally recognized certification upon completion
Employers cover the costs of training and wages paid to apprentices

Low- and moderate-income adults

Variable

1937-Present

Increased employment rate by 8.6 percentage points
Increased earnings by $6,595 in the 6th year, $5,839 more in the 9th year
Estimated career earnings average of $240,037 more than for similar nonparticipants
Over the career of an apprenticeship, the estimated social benefits exceed the social costs by more than $49,000

Start by engaging with local employers and industry groups to identify high-need skills and sectors that registered apprenticeships could fill.
Partner with existing workforce development programs, educational institutions (like high schools, community college, and vocational programs), and community-based organizations to recruit participants and build a diverse talent pipeline.
Create a marketing plan to recruit new employers, leveraging existing partner-employers as program champions. Be sure to address pre-existing concerns head on (such as time and cost) through methods including return-on-investment tools (like the calculator in the resources section below) and case studies.
Explore sectors with strong credentialing systems already in place, such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and information technology.
Develop a mutual investment plan with employers – when partners invest, they are more likely to show a greater commitment to the success of the program.
Build out support structures dedicated to participant retention, including mentorship programs and career counseling.