This section provides staff an overview of the Registered Apprenticeship (RA) system.
- The Apprenticeship System OverviewThis module covers the responsibilities of the key offices and organizations that comprise apprenticeship system. You will also learn about resources where you can find points of contact for Registered Apprenticeship offices in each state and territory.
- Registered Apprenticeship Program Overview This module provides an overview of Registered Apprenticeship programs by presenting the key components of Registered Apprenticeship programs and explains the benefits that Registered Apprenticeship brings to employers and apprentices.
- Apprenticeship Regulations and Guiding Documents This module summarizes regulations and guiding documents of which Registered Apprenticeships are grounded, including the National Apprenticeship Act and the key regulatory provisions as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R) on Apprenticeship in Title 29 C.F.R. 29 and 29 C.F.R. 30.
- Funding Opportunities to Support Registered Apprenticeship This presentation focuses on potential funding opportunities that can support apprentices, employers, and other sponsors, including Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding, apprenticeship grant funding, working with contracted intermediaries, and where to go for additional information. To learn more about WIOA please visit: WIOA Funding Information
The Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database System (RAPIDS) serves as your primary platform for managing your apprentices, occupations, job openings, and other relevant program information, if your state uses RAPIDS. These modules will help you navigate various features in RAPIDS.
Watch informational videos by clicking the links below:
- Standards Builder WalkthroughRegistering an apprenticeship program is now easier than ever. This Module provides a Step-by-Step demonstration on how to utilize Standard Builder to create Standards of Apprenticeship. With standards builder you can quickly customize and register a program in a single centralized place.
- Affirmative Action Plan Builder This module provides an overview of the Affirmative Action Builder. Sponsors are required to develop Affirmative Action Plans if they 1) have 5 or more apprentices and 2) do not already have an approved EEO plan in place.
This section covers topics related to program setup and is necessary for staff to know to register a program.
- Registered Apprenticeship Standards This module covers the labor standards for the registration of apprenticeship programs as outlined in 29 C.F.R. Part 29.5. It explains the Apprenticeship Standards outlined in the federal regulations and identifies resources that are available to help develop Registered Apprenticeship Standards.
- Occupations and Approaches of Registered Apprenticeship Programs This module identifies and defines the three training approaches to Registered Apprenticeships and elaborates on how occupations and time frames are selected for registered apprenticeships. It also explores examples of Registered Apprenticeship programs and the impacts on business.
- Creating and Implementing Affirmative Action Plans This learning module explains how to create Affirmative Action Plans (AAPs) and implement them in Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs. The module also presents case studies of RA programs that successfully implemented affirmative action efforts and how their programs have benefited.
- Understanding Davis Bacon This microlearning introduces the Davis-Bacon Act and the impact of its standards on registered apprenticeship programs. Designed to be completed in 15-20 minutes, the training aims to clarify what is required to uphold Davis-Bacon standards in registered apprenticeship programs. The module includes relevant scenarios and guidance for working with partners to implement standards.
- Service Excellence: Providing Quality Customer Service in the Registered Apprenticeship Ecosystem Quality customer service is critical to expand registered apprenticeship and reach registration agency goals. This course explores important concepts in customer service, and leaders from registration agencies provide their perspectives on how to best support registered apprenticeship customers. You will also find practical tips for managing competing priorities and opportunities to apply the information you learn to realistic customer scenarios.
This section covers topics related to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) requirements and Diversity Equity Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA).
- Supporting Sponsors in Meeting Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Requirements This module provides guidance for registration agencies on meeting their own EEO requirements and supporting sponsors in meeting their EEO requirements.
- Meeting EEO Requirements through Affirmative Action Programs This module reviews EEO requirements for all RA programs. Registration agency staff provide guidance on these requirements to sponsors.
- EEO Requirements for Registered Apprenticeship Programs with Five or More Apprentices This learning module discusses the additional Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) requirements for Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs with five or more apprentices.
- Providing Reasonable Accommodations This module describes reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and provides specific examples of reasonable accommodations in different industries and occupations. The module also addresses how to collaborate with the Office of Disability Services.
- Approaching Outreach and Recruitment with a DEIA Mindset This module discusses how to prevent discrimination by creating a successful outreach and recruitment plan to reach diverse apprentices. The modules discuss programs’ responsibilities in ensuring a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA)-focused plan is being implemented for hiring and retaining apprentices.
This section contains content relevant to staff of any recognized SAA.
- Contracting to Support Registered Apprenticeship This module for registration agencies demonstrates how to access different Federal funds to support registered apprenticeship. In this 15-minute video, multi-state navigator, Maria Brady, highlights when to utilize contracts to support registered apprenticeship instead of Individual Training Accounts (ITAs). The video also describes different contracting possibilities that sponsors, and registration agencies can utilize to support registered apprenticeship as well as describing the relative efficacy of on-the-job training (OJT) policies for registered apprenticeship program funding support.
- SAAs and Labor Standards for Registered Apprenticeship This module covers 29 C.F.R. Part 29 (sometimes referred to as 29/29). It explains the importance for SAAs to conform with the federal regulatory requirements when building a Registered Apprenticeship Program.
- The WIOA Credential Attainment Rate & Longer-Term Registered Apprenticeship Programs WIOA-funded service providers should not be hesitant about supporting longer-term Registered Apprenticeship programs due to perceptions of negative outcomes associated with the WIOA Credential Attainment Rate (CAR). This short presentation addresses interim credentials and industry-recognized credentials that count positively towards the CAR. Please select the link to view Office of Apprenticeship (OA) Circular 2016-03 and OA Bulletin 2010-19 referenced in the video. To read a report on background of the workforce system’s baseline knowledge of RA, please visit: Workforce System Registered Apprenticeship Baseline Knowledge Assessment Report.
- Your Apprenticeship Branding and Website This module provides information to SAAs about the national branding of Registered Apprenticeship and includes information on how to best market and highlight your state's apprenticeship initiatives and programs utilizing state branding that will support and be consistent with National branding.
- Reciprocity in Registered Apprenticeship Programs This module offers an overview for SAAs regarding their responsibilities in ensuring reciprocity for apprentices, apprenticeship programs, and standards registered in other states by the OA or a Registration Agency. The presentation provides background information on the concept of reciprocity, details on its implementation through a "petition for reciprocity," and illustrates how reciprocity operates within the Louisiana (LA) SAA, as an example. Select the link to view Louisiana’s Reciprocity Paperwork.
This section contains content relevant to OA staff.
- OA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) This link is a set of step-by-step instructions to help staff carry out routine operations. SOPs aim to achieve efficiency, quality output, and uniformity of performance, while reducing miscommunication. Reviewing and employing SOPs is a foundational element of effective program operations. NOTE: you must have access to the OA SharePoint site to view this folder.
- Files | Salesforce Libraries The link will direct you to the Salesforce Libraries, a repository of content, such as documents, images, videos, and presentations. NOTE: you must log into Salesforce in order to access the Resource Library.
This section contains content that registration agency staff can use to assist or refer sponsors and other stakeholders to complete.
- Apprenticeship Data and Statistics This link provides statistics on apprentices including active apprentices by state and breakdowns by demographic information.
- Introduction to Anti-Harassment in Apprenticeship Programs Sponsor, journey worker, vender, etc. are required to take Anti-Harassment training. This video would meet the requirements of that training.
- Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database System (RAPIDS) Overview Learn how a sponsor would utilize RAPIDS to register an apprentice. This module provides the sponsor with an overview of RAPIDS. Sponsors will become familiar with the components of RAPIDS and how to navigate within the system. To access RAPIDS, visit: RAPIDS – NOTE: you must have a RAPIDS account to access this link.
- Understanding Program Reviews for RAP Sponsors Understanding Program reviews from the Sponsor’s perspective. This 20-minute video will provide a high-level overview of the program review process to help sponsors prepare for program reviews. Access the Manual for RA Program Reviews or the RA Program Review Quick Reference Guide for more information.
- Implementing Effective Outreach and Selection in RAPs This training will review EEO requirements for outreach and recruitment, distinguish between universal and target outreach and recruitment, summarize EEO requirements for apprentice selection, and identify required records for collection maintenance.
- Universal Outreach Tool Tutorial This tutorial provides a demonstration of the Web based Universal Outreach Tool (UOT). This tool provides a simple method to identify resources that may be able to assist sponsors with both general and targeted outreach to potential apprenticeship applicants.
- The Role of Mentorship in Registered Apprenticeship Programs - This module introduces how mentorship is essential to registered apprenticeship programs. Best practices for selecting, training, and supporting mentors are included to support registered apprenticeship program sponsors and participating employers.
Contact us with questions or for more information at raacademy@dol.gov