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Start a Registered Apprenticeship Program

Recruiting and retaining skilled employees can be a daunting task. Registered Apprenticeship programs can lower costs and boost efficiency. They help employers to create a pool of skilled and competent workers that meets their business needs. These programs train workers. They train both theory and technical skills, and ensure competency.

Registered apprenticeship programs have State-approved training standards. They are offered in many fields, such as:

  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Cyber Security
  • Semiconductors
  • Construction
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Healthcare
  • Maintenance
  • Utilities
  • Others

Learn more:

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 creation of a sustainable talent pipeline, and the guarantee of skilled workers trained to meet 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

    Email the Arizona Apprenticeship Office (AAO) at [email protected]. You can also fill out our Apprenticeship Inquiry Form. The AAO helps you develop and register an apprenticeship program. They explain the process and state standards for training and education.

  2. Determine the Essential Job Skills
    • What occupation(s) does your business need?
    • What specific competencies or certifications do you require your apprentices to obtain?
    • How many hours of supervised on-the-job learning (OJL) do you need to become skilled or master those skills?
    • Does your business have a training program?
  3. Identify Educational Partners and the Desired Classroom Component of Training Work with local educational providers to create and approve the needed curriculum. Then, offer the required classroom instruction, usually at no cost to the program or the 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. Once your program is approved and registered, hire your apprentices. Then, start the program! 

Resources

  • ARIZONA@WORK: Find 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 is unique. It is the only formal program recognized nationwide. It combines classroom learning with on-the-job training. This mix makes it stand out in career education.

Apprentices learn skills in the classroom. They also receive paid, hands-on training at work. Students practice all phases of the trade in real-world settings. The program must be registered with the Arizona Apprenticeship Office.

How long is the training?

Registered Apprenticeship programs usually last from 1 to 6 years. This varies by occupation, with most programs taking 3 to 4 years. The training length is set by industry standards.

Are apprentices required to attend school?

Apprentices must attend Related Technical Instruction. This supports their on-the-job learning. Most programs require about 144 hours of Related Technical Instruction each year. The employer or local committee determines the needed training. They base this on industry standards. This process is like other parts of Registered Apprenticeship.

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 sets its own minimum age. Usually, this age is 18.

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 need applicants to have a high school diploma or GED. Some jobs need certain subjects to be completed. This might include algebra, blueprint reading, or related shop work.

How does offering a Registered Apprenticeship program benefit my business?

Registered Apprenticeship programs help cut costs. They make it easier to build a skilled workforce. Plus, they offer candidates who are already trained and screened.

Other benefits for a business include:

  • The development of highly skilled employees
  • Lower turnover rates mean less spending on hiring and training.
  • 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
  • Other items needed by the client to complete the Registered Apprenticeship program

WIOA funding can support:

  • Outreach and recruitment
  • Application intake and assessment
  • Supportive services
  • Related technical instruction and classroom training
  • On-the-job training
  • 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 (AAO) 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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