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Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) provide social and economic benefits to people of all backgrounds and previous economic or educational experiences. These advantages include minimal standardized testing requirements, paid training participation, progressive wage increases, and entry into growing sectors of the economy such as clean energy infrastructure development. Apprenticeships have the dual benefit of creating a pipeline of talent for employers and expanding economic opportunities for those without a traditional college degree or previous employment experience. In combination, apprenticeships have uplifting economic and social impacts in local communities.

However, apprenticeships remain underutilized by employers and those entering the workforce alike. On the apprentice side, people may be unaware of what 21st Century apprenticeships look and feel like; on the employer side, creating an apprenticeship program may be perceived as too challenging or demanding. Addressing both sides of this challenge will help spread apprenticeships and their benefits across the country.

Gaining a fuller understanding of apprenticeships, their benefits, and the resources available at all levels of government and from non-governmental organizations to support apprenticeship creation and expansion can benefit all parties in the apprenticeship world.