The Foundations of Registered Apprenticeships

What’s Here: Covers the apprenticeship basics, roles and responsibilities definitions, and learning tools.

Why it Matters: Helps readers quickly get acquainted with the core RAP terms, program components, and roles that matter most.

The concept of a Registered Apprenticeship is a simple enough idea and it works best when partners share a common understanding of how it is built and the roles and responsibilities involved. This section provides resources designed to introduce the basics. It includes key components, intermediary and sponsor role support, and interactive RAP learning tools.

What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program?

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship.gov provides an overview of what a registered apprenticeship program is and what makes it “registered,” including the five core elements of every high-quality program. It also includes a companion fact sheet that summarizes the model in a simple, shareable format. The five elements are: 

  1. Industry/Employer Led
  2. Paid Job
  3. Structured On-the-Job Learning/Mentorship 
  4. Supplemental Education – also known as Related Technical Instruction (RTI)
  5. Credentials

What is Youth Apprenticeship?

This resource from Jobs for the Future offers a helpful introduction to the Youth Apprenticeship ecosystem by providing definitions, testimonials, and data. It also includes a tool to help organizations gauge their capacity to implement and manage high-quality youth apprenticeship programs.

Intermediaries and Sponsors

Here JFF defines what it means to serve as a registered apprenticeship sponsor versus an intermediary. It shows the progression of building and running a program and organizes the typical differences between an intermediary and sponsor role and outlines key program milestones.

AP Learning Portal

Apprenticeship Professionals offer short, self-paced, no-cost courses designed for anyone in the apprenticeship ecosystem including workforce boards, community colleges, and intermediary organizations. Whether training new staff, providing professional development, or testing your own understanding, these modules are an excellent interactive resource for understanding the varied elements of apprenticeships.

State Apprenticeship Agencies Map

This map from The U.S. Department of Labor is how to see whether registered apprenticeships in your state have a State Apprenticeship Agency. The map and directory help boards identify the right front door for registration and find technical assistance for both new and existing programs.

Register an Apprenticeship: Standards Builder

Standards Builder is the official tool used to assemble and submit the necessary information to register an apprenticeship directly with The U.S. Department of Labor. It is a useful reference for understanding the sponsor workload, setting realistic timelines with partners, and keeping implementation conversations grounded in the actual requirements.

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