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Start a Registered Apprenticeship Program

Recruiting and retaining skilled employees can be a daunting task. However, Registered Apprenticeship programs can make this process less expensive and more efficient by creating a pool of candidates who are already screened and trained. The training provided by these programs is designed to equip workers with both theoretical and technical knowledge. Registered apprenticeship programs have set training standards approved by the State and are available in almost any occupation, including Information Technology (IT), Cyber Security, Semiconductors, Construction, Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, Maintenance, Utilities, and more. The state registration agency provides technical assistance to ensure the success of the registered apprenticeship program.

Benefits of Offering a Registered Apprenticeship Program

When you create an apprenticeship program, you will benefit from:

  • The development of highly skilled employees
  • Reduction in turnover rates, recruitment and training costs
  • Increased productivity and company loyalty
  • The guarantee of competent workers, trained to company standards

Apprenticeships are sponsored by employers, employer associations and labor groups, and programs are administered by the sponsor.

To Start a Program

  1. Contact the Arizona Apprenticeship Office

    Contact the Arizona Apprenticeship Office (AAO) at (602) 542-6013, by emailing [email protected] or submitting our Apprenticeship Inquiry Form.The AAO can assist you in setting up an apprenticeship program by helping you understand the apprenticeship process and the state standards for industry training and education.

  2. Determine the Essential Job Skills
    • What occupation(s) does your business need?
    • What specific “skill sets” or certifications do you want your apprentices to obtain?
    • How many hours of supervised on-the-job learning (OJL) are necessary for someone to acquire proficiency or mastery of those skills?
    • Does your business have a training program?
  3. Identify Educational Partners and the Desired Classroom Component of Training

    With the help of educational providers in your area, design and approve the necessary curriculum and provide the requisite classroom instruction (usually at no cost to the program or individual apprentices).

  4. Establish Apprenticeship Program Standards

    Determine criteria for selecting apprentices, wages to be paid to apprentices at various skill levels, procedures for advancing apprentices to the next level, and graduation requirements.

  5. Submit Your Program to the Arizona Apprenticeship Office for Approval
  6. After your program is approved and registered, select and register your apprentices and start your program!

Resources

  • ARIZONA@WORK

    ARIZONA@WORK offers free services designed to help employers recruit, train and retain skilled and qualified workers.

  • ApprenticeshipUSA

    Apprenticeship.gov is the one-stop source to connect career seekers, employers, and education partners with apprenticeship resources. Discover apprenticeships across industries and how programs are started by employers.

View List of Apprenticeable Occupations

Apprenticeship Frequently Asked Questions for Employers

What is the difference between Registered Apprenticeship and other types of training?

The Registered Apprenticeship system of training is unique in that it is the only formal, structured, and nationally recognized education and training program available that combines the two most common forms of career and occupational learning: classroom instruction with on-the-job training.

Apprentices not only learn occupational skills in the classroom, their learning is expanded to include hands-on, paid, on-the-job training. Students learn and practice all phases of the trade/occupation in real-world applications. The program must be registered with the Arizona Apprenticeship Office.

How long is the training?

Registered Apprenticeship programs may take from 1-6 years to complete, depending on the occupation. Most programs are 3-4 years in length. The length of training (term) is determined by standards adopted by the industry.

Are apprentices required to attend school?

Apprentices must attend Related Technical Instruction which is combined with on-the-job-learning experience. Most programs require approximately 144 hours of Related Technical Instruction per year. Like other aspects of Registered Apprenticeship, the employer or local committee determines the Related Technical Instruction training requirements according to industry standards.

Can apprentices earn college credit for their Registered Apprenticeship experience?

Yes. Community and technical colleges offer college credit for the required related instruction in many Registered Apprenticeship programs.

Are there age limits for apprentices?

Each industry establishes its own minimum age requirement, although the typical minimum age is 18. There are no upper age limits on apprentices.

Are apprentices paid?

Yes. Apprentices must be full-time employees of the employer who is sponsoring the training program. However, in the event of a School-to-Registered Apprenticeship program, apprentices may be employed part-time. Typically, the wage of an apprentice starts at 40-50% of a skilled worker's wage. Wages increase progressively with satisfactory completion of work assignments and Related Technical Instruction.

What are the minimum educational/experience requirements for Registered Apprenticeship?

No experience is required of a new apprentice. Most Registered Apprenticeship programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some occupations require completion of specific subjects such as algebra, blueprint reading or related shop work.

How does offering a Registered Apprenticeship program benefit my business?

Registered Apprenticeship programs simplify and reduce the costs often associated with building a skilled labor force by creating a pool of candidates who are already screened and trained. Other benefits for a business include:

  • The development of highly skilled employees
  • Reduction in turnover rates, recruitment and training costs
  • Increased productivity and company loyalty
  • The guarantee of competent workers, trained to company standards

Do you have to join a union to be in a Registered Apprenticeship?

No. Arizona has both Union and Non-Union Programs Registered with the Apprenticeship Office.

What costs associated with Registered Apprenticeship may be considered for eligible clients through the Workforce Investment System?

Funds may be used to provide the cost of tuition, books, supplies, fees, uniforms, tools and other items needed by the client to complete the Registered Apprenticeship program.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding may support: outreach, recruitment, application; intake and assessment; supportive services; related technical instruction/classroom training; on-the-job training and customized training.

Contact your local ARIZONA@WORK office for more information.

Is Customized Training allowable for Registered Apprenticeship?

Yes.

How can I offer a Registered Apprenticeship Program in my company?

  1. Contact the Arizona Apprenticeship Office

    Contact the Arizona Apprenticeship Office (AAO) at (602) 542-6013, by emailing [email protected] or submitting our Apprenticeship inquiry form.

  2. Determine the Essential Job Skills
  3. Identify Educational Partners and the Desired Classroom Component of Training.
  4. Establish Apprenticeship Program Standards
  5. Submit Your Program to the Arizona Apprenticeship Office for Approval
  6. After your program is approved and registered, select and register your apprentices and start your program!

Read more about starting a registered apprenticeship program.

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