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What is Registered Apprenticeship?


What types of jobs are available through Registered Apprenticeship?

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

Who are our partners?


  • Businesses, employer and industry associations
  • Labor management organizations
  • State and local workforce development agencies and programs
  • U.S. military
  • Community leaders and economic development organizations

Who operates Registered Apprenticeship programs?


How does Registered Apprenticeship benefit employers?


How does Registered Apprenticeship benefit individuals?

From day one, apprentices receive a paycheck that is guaranteed to increase as their training progresses. Apprentices also complete a combination of industry-specific classroom education and hands-on career training leading to nationally recognized certifications.

How does Registered Apprenticeship benefit states, regions and communities?


What are the minimum requirements for becoming a Registered Apprentice?

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.

What is the average income associated with the Registered Apprentice program?

Apprentices earn competitive wages, a paycheck from day one and incremental raises as skill levels increase. In fiscal year 2008, the average hourly wage for a journeyperson who completed an apprenticeship was $23.94, which translates to $49,795 annually.

Graphic of Hourly Wage of Completers by Fiscal Year Graphic of Average Yearly Salary of Completers by Fiscal Year

What is the link between RA and the Workforce Development System?



Where is Registered Apprenticeship?

The Registered Apprenticeship program's national office is located in Washington, D.C. However, the program has a presence in all of the 50 states and some territories, in the form of federal staff and/or state and employer partners.

How Many Occupations are Apprenticeable?



How long are Apprenticeship programs?


What are the different designs of Registered Apprenticeship programs?

Time-Based Requirements

Competency/Performance Program Requirements

Competency/performance based training programs have the following characteristics:


Hybrid Program Requirements
