As a sponsor of a Registered Apprenticeship Program, login to the Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Data System (RAPIDS) and navigate to the “Data Sharing” tab. Check the box “Opt-Out of data sharing” and click the Save button.

Apprenticeship program sponsors administer and operate an apprenticeship program. To find sponsors in your area, or sponsors specialized in your desired occupation or industry, search in our Partner Finder. 

As a sponsor of a Registered Apprenticeship Program, login to the Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Data System (RAPIDS) and navigate to the “Data Sharing” tab. Update the contact name, email address, phone number, address, and click the Save button.

RAPIDS is the Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database System. It serves as your primary platform for managing your apprentices, occupations, job openings, and other relevant program information, if your state uses RAPIDS.

The Apprenticeship Job Finder on Apprenticeship.gov retrieves active apprenticeship job opportunities from the National Labor Exchange (NLx). View instructions on how to get your apprenticeship job opportunity included in the NLx database and on the Apprenticeship Job Finder. 

You can find apprenticeship listings using the Apprenticeship Finder on Apprenticeship.gov. You can search for apprenticeships using keywords and/or location.  

Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, mentorship, and a portable credential. 

Apprenticeship training is distinguished from other types of workplace training by several factors, including paid work experience, classroom instruction, mentorship, and a portable, nationally recognized credential.

The length of an apprenticeship program can vary depending on the employer, complexity of the occupation, industry, and the type of program.

Yes! Apprenticeship spans more than 1,000 occupations including careers in health care, cybersecurity, information technology, and energy. 

Apprenticeship programs help employers recruit and develop a highly skilled workforce; improve productivity; create flexible training options; minimize liability costs; receive tax credits and employee tuition benefits; and increase retention of workers.

Each year the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announces funding opportunities, some of which are focused on apprenticeship expansion activities. To view current funding opportunities please visit the federal grants webpage as well as our apprenticeship investments webpage.  

A Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is a proven model of apprenticeship that has been validated by the Department of Labor or State Apprenticeship Agency.

The U.S. Department of Labor does not have an official definition of internship or externship. However, generally speaking, differences between internships and apprenticeships fall into in the following areas: length of time, structure, mentorship, pay, credentials, and college credit.

Pre-apprenticeship is a program or set of strategies designed to prepare individuals for entry into Registered Apprenticeship Programs or other job opportunities.

Apprenticeship programs for high school students combine academic and technical classroom instruction with work experience through a Registered Apprenticeship Program. It provides the foundation for students to choose among multiple pathways after high school.

Any employer, association, committee, or organization that operates a Registered Apprenticeship Program. Sponsors design and execute apprenticeship programs, provide jobs to apprentices, oversee training development, and provide hands-on learning.

Administering and maintaining a Registered Apprenticeship Program is the responsibility of the sponsor. However, there may be workforce development funds and other support available from federal, state, local and community partners.

Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to learn about education programs and compare benefits by school. It also includes options to search by employer to include on-the-job training and apprenticeships.

Advanced Standing means that an incoming apprentice can advance their progress in the apprenticeship program by showing evidence of prior experience. 

Civilian apprenticeship programs offer advanced standing or provide credit hours for, military training and experience. Any service member can pursue a skill unrelated to their military training and experience. 

The United States Military Apprenticeship Program is a formal military training program for active-duty service members. The DoD SkillBridge initiative is a separate program for transitioning service members, to participate in civilian job training, including apprenticeships. 

Requests for replacement certificates should be directed to the Office of Apprenticeship or the State Apprenticeship Agency office via our Contact Us page.

Requests for a copy of a Certificate of Completion should be directed to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship (OA) or State Apprenticeship Agency based upon the state you were an apprentice in, the state contacts can be found on our Contact Us page.  Additionally, you may be able to access a transcript of your apprenticeship records utilizing OA’s Verify My Apprenticeship page.

Yes! Most apprenticeship opportunities include on-the-job learning and classroom instruction provided by apprenticeship training centers, technical schools, community colleges, and four-year colleges and universities, sometimes through distance learning.

The Office of Apprenticeship or the State Apprenticeship Agency grant apprentices who have successfully completed a Registered Apprenticeship Program with a nationally recognized Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship.  

Yes, though it may vary by program, previous work or classroom experience may be used towards completion of an apprenticeship program.

There are over 150 apprenticeship programs across the federal government that enroll nearly 1,500 apprentices spanning healthcare, financial services, transportation, and skilled trades occupations, to name a few. 

Apprenticeship may be used within the federal pay system to both up-skill the current workforce and accelerate productivity of new hires. Using standardized training curricula, which fit readily into existing agency training programs, federal agencies can equip their employees with a comprehensive understanding of both the practical and theoretical components of mission-critical occupations. Apprentices are provided with opportunities for incremental wage increases, industry-recognized credentials, a definitive career path within the federal government.

Learn more about apprenticeship in the U.S. federal government. 

Yes! The apprenticeship model is adaptable based on the skills required by the employer and industry.

Under the Equal Employment Opportunity regulations, sponsors must develop and implement procedures to ensure that apprentices are not harassed because of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), sexual orientation, age (40 or older), genetic information, or disability, and to also ensure that their apprenticeship programs are free from intimidation and retaliation. In those situations where discriminatory actions or other actions in violation of this part are taken by employers participating in the sponsor’s program, the sponsor has an obligation to take steps to address the violation when it has knowledge of such actions. Visit the Prevent Harassment page for more information.

The deadline for sponsors registered with the national Office of Apprenticeship to put an initial Affirmative Action Program in place is two years after a program’s registration date, or two years from the date the program registers its fifth apprentice – whichever is later.  The Affirmative Action Program deadline for sponsors registered with State Apprenticeship Agencies depends on their state Equal Employment Opportunity plan.