Is ethnicity included as a protected characteristic?

Sponsors retain the ability to identify and select the best candidates for their programs, as long as those selections are free from unlawful discrimination.  Sponsors must engage in outreach and recruitment activities that extend to all groups of people, and ensure that their selection procedures are equitable, uniform, and consistently applied.  By taking these steps, sponsors reach new and more diverse talent pools that can improve the quality of their apprenticeship programs and help to ensure Equal Employment Opportunity.

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The regulations are intended to benefit sponsors, apprentices, applicants for apprenticeship, and the general public.  By reaching a broad range of applicants, program sponsors are able to grow and access a deeper well of talent.  Apprentices and applicants, as well as the public, benefit from increased opportunities for women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to enter – and succeed in – apprenticeship programs.

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The Equal Employment Opportunity regulations apply to all sponsors of apprenticeship programs registered either with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship or a State Apprenticeship Agency.

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Regardless of the model of sponsorship, the sponsor is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the apprenticeship program complies with the obligations of the Equal Employment Opportunity regulations.  When the sponsor is either the employer or has direct input into decisions on hiring, promotion, or termination of apprentices, the sponsor must ensure these actions comply with the Equal Employment Opportunity regulations.  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 undertake steps to address the violation when it has knowledge of such actions. 

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