Federal and Public Service Apprenticeship Programs

Registered Apprenticeship is a proven workforce development solution that is helping U.S. federal government agencies to recruit and develop well-trained federal workers in high-demand occupations.

Federal agencies are using Registered Apprenticeship as an effective human resources strategy to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, recruit quality candidates, train employees to the specific agency needs, and retain and grow a highly-skilled workforce. Registered Apprenticeship can be used within the federal pay system to both up-skill the current workforce and to accelerate the productivity of new hires. Using standardized training curricula, which fit readily into existing agency training programs, federal agencies can ensure their employees have a comprehensive understanding of both the practical and theoretical components of mission-critical occupations. Apprentices are provided with opportunities for structured on-the job training under the direction of an experienced mentor, incremental wage increases, related educational experience, industry-recognized credentials, and a path towards a definitive career path within the federal government.

See firsthand how Registered Apprenticeship can impact U.S. federal government agencies by learning about NASA Langley Research Center's Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Program.

During Youth Apprenticeship Week in May 2024, the Office of Apprenticeship and the District of Columbia’s Department of Employment Services held a signing ceremony to celebrate and recognize over 30 students joining the Nation’s first HBCU Public Service Registered Apprenticeship Program. This program is a groundbreaking partnership with Howard University (HU) and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) that will place 30 newly graduated seniors from HU and UDC in year-long apprenticeships within the District’s government agencies to further careers in public service.

Learn how native Washingtonian Kaniya Washington will be serving her hometown through a Registered Apprenticeship Program with DC’s Department of Human Services.

On April 12, 2024 OPM issued a final rule on the Pathways Programs designed to significantly expand opportunities for early career talent in the federal government. This rule will reinforce our implementation of President Biden’s Executive Order (EO) on Scaling and Expanding the Use of Registered Apprenticeships, which was signed on March 6, 2024 as it will broaden applicant eligibility for the Recent Graduates Pathways Program (including recent Registered Apprenticeship program completers). This expanded eligibility will increase opportunities and remove barriers for many, including those from underrepresented populations and underserved communities, to enter federal service.  

"The Pathways Programs are an effective tool to recruit young talent into the federal workforce and develop the next generation of public servants,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su. “Expanding this program to include graduates from Job Corps and Registered Apprenticeship Programs advances the President’s commitment to a federal government that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and enables agencies to reach a broader pool of talent – because equity and excellence go hand-in-hand."

Press Release Announcing the Final Rule

The Final Rule in the Federal Register

OPM's Students & Recent Graduates Overview

Biden-Harris Management Agenda Vision