Introduction

A Good Choice for Your Son or Daughter

The U.S. Department of Labor's Registered Apprenticeship program allows your son or daughter to work and earn a paycheck - while learning skills and earning the certifications that employer wants. Registered Apprenticeship provides more than 500,000 apprentices across the U.S. with industry-specific education, on-the-job training, nationally recognized certifications, and guaranteed wage increases.

Benefits

• A paycheck: Registered Apprenticeship programs pay individuals from day one, and are required to provide raises as apprentices attain additional skill levels. Apprentices learn their skills through structured, on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
• An education: Registered Apprenticeship programs foster a sense of personal independence and a strong path to success. Upon completion, apprentices receive nationally recognized certifications. Many of the apprenticeship programs partner with local colleges, enabling apprentices to earn college credit, sometimes paid for by the employer.
• Recognizable partners: There are more than 250,000 employers involved in the apprenticeship program, including nationally known companies such as CVS/pharmacy and UPS. These companies participate as program sponsors in a public/private partnership with the government to create a highly skilled workforce.
• Long-term, successful career opportunities: Apprentices can earn a great salary and education without debt.

Types of Apprenticeships

The Registered Apprenticeship program offers access to 1,000 career areas, including the following top occupations:

• Able seaman
• Carpenter
• Chef
• Child care development specialist
• Construction craft laborer
• Dental assistant
• Electrician
• Elevator constructor
• Fire medic
• Law enforcement agent
• Over-the-road truck driver
• Pipefitter

For more information about the industries involved with Registered Apprenticeship or to discover opportunities in your area, click here.

Eligibility and Requirements

Registered apprenticeship program sponsors identify the minimum qualifications to apply into their apprenticeship program. The eligible starting age can be no less than 16 years of age; however, individuals must usually be 18 to be an apprentice in hazardous occupations. Program sponsors may also identify additional minimum qualifications and credentials to apply, e.g., education, ability to physically perform the essential functions of the occupation, proof of age. All applicants are required to meet the minimum qualifications. Based on the selection method utilized by the sponsor, additional qualification standards, such as fair aptitude tests and interviews, school grades, and previous work experience may be identified.

Apprentice Case Studies

Find out about successful, ongoing Registered Apprenticeship programs at this site. Read about the benefits from employers that are or have been involved in Registered Apprenticeship.

Parent FAQs

• Apprentice FAQs

Contact Us

To find out more about the benefits of the Registered Apprenticeship program, contact the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship or your state’s apprenticeship office.

Offices Contact Information

• National Office Contact Information
• Regional Office Contact Information
• Office of Apprenticeship State Offices Contact Information
• State Apprenticeship Agencies Contact Information