Advanced manufacturing companies face complex workforce challenges in the world marketplace. Registered Apprenticeship is a proven solution for employers to recruit, train, and retain great manufacturing talent in good, quality jobs. In 2024, there were 96,500 registered apprentices served in the advanced manufacturing industry, a 27 percent increase over the past 5 years.
“Through customized training, our apprentices build their skill sets working directly with our equipment, enabling them to become very efficient in supporting the Mack Trucks manufacturing facility as they progress through and complete the program.”
Thomas Gombos, Maintenance Manager, Mack Trucks Lehigh Valley Operations
High-Demand Apprenticeship Occupations
- Aerospace Engineer
- CNC Machine Operator
- Tool and Die Maker
- Plastics Fabricator
- Precision Machinist
- Industrial Manufacturing Technician
- Maintenance Mechanic
- Robotics Technician
- Quality Technician
To explore more apprenticeship occupations in the Advanced Manufacturing industry, view our Occupation Finder.
Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Sprint
During the recently completed Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Sprint, which was in alignment with the broader Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Sprint, the U.S. Department of Labor partnered with the U.S. Department of Commerce and other federal agencies to expand Registered Apprenticeships within advanced manufacturing, including energy, semiconductors, supply chain, aerospace, automotive and biotechnology sectors/occupations.
Advance Manufacturing-Related Industry Intermediaries
As partners of the U.S. Department of Labor’s (USDOL) Office of Apprenticeship (OA), Registered Apprenticeship Industry Intermediaries are integral stakeholders in the effort to expand the number of Registered Apprenticeship opportunities across industries throughout the U.S. These partners increase awareness through industry outreach, connect employers and labor organizations with workforce and education partners, and provide technical assistance to launch and expand Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs. Apprenticeship Industry Intermediaries are also tasked with helping apprenticeship sponsors refine recruiting, hiring, and retention strategies to expand apprenticeship to all American workers in rural and urban areas to ensure high-quality jobs.
To learn more about the Advanced Manufacturing-related Industry Intermediaries, view the fact sheets below:
Competency-Based Occupational Frameworks
In collaboration with the Urban Institute, we offer national frameworks for occupations in this industry that are consensus based, meaning they are drafted in cooperation with employers, educators, and other workforce and training experts. Employers and businesses can use these frameworks to fast-track the development of their Registered Apprenticeship programs. The frameworks are competency based rather than time based, meaning that abilities are emphasized over memorized knowledge or skills. The result is high-quality, competency-based occupational frameworks (CBOFs) that are freely available for all to use. CBOFs are available for the following occupations:
Advanced Manufacturing Industry Resources
- Advanced Manufacturing Fact Sheet
- Manufacturing and Apprenticeship Toolkit
- Employer's Playbook for Building an Apprenticeship Program
- Manufacturing Industry Competency Models
- Mentoring for Apprenticeship: Train-the-Trainer for On-the-Job Training
- NIICA National Talent Hub
- NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Manufacturing Apprenticeships
For more resources, program examples, and marketing materials, go to the Advanced Manufacturing Community of Practice page.
Disclaimer Statement: Advanced manufacturing resources and speaker presentation content in slide decks and recordings do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Training Administration, Office of Apprenticeship, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the federal government.