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Youth with Disabilities Entering the Workplace through Apprenticeship
Understanding Apprenticeship Basics
An Overview:
Apprenticeship is one of the oldest forms of training. It involves learning on the job under the
direction of a master or senior worker. In the U.S., registered apprenticeship has a defined
meaning and a long, rich history. The registered apprenticeship system dates back to 1937
with the passage of the Fitzgerald Act—national legislation that lays the foundation for the
federal-state system that exists today.
The registered apprenticeship system dates back to 1937
What You Need to Know:
The Fitzgerald Act, also known as the National Apprenticeship is a highly
Apprenticeship Act, officially authorized and established desirable form of training
the national apprenticeship system. This Act gave the for workers because it
U.S. Secretary of Labor authority over apprenticeship is first and foremost
programs, established an office of apprenticeship within a job. It allows for:
the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and provided for the learning job skills while
recognition of state agencies to register and administer earning an income; wage
apprenticeship programs. Twenty-five states plus the progression; and a widely
District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have recognized recognized and portable
state apprenticeship operations. In the remaining states, certificate of completion
DOL administers apprenticeship. DOL also recognizes and proficiency.
apprenticeship occupations and maintains records on all
apprenticeship programs and registered apprentices.
Apprenticeship is limited to skilled occupations and trades that meet basic criteria.
Apprenticeable occupations are: 1) customarily learned in a practical way through a
structured, systematic program of on-the-job supervised training supplemented by
related technical instruction; 2) clearly identified and commonly recognized throughout
an industry; and 3) involve the acquisition of manual or technical skills and knowledge.
There are currently over 950 occupations that have been recognized as apprenticeable, and
occupations are continually being added to the list.
Youth with Disabilities Entering the Workplace through Apprenticeship - Understanding Apprenticeship Basics
Related instruction is commonly provided in the classroom,
but other types of instruction, such as on-line learning and
individualized instruction are also permitted. Federal rules
recommend that apprentices complete at least 144 hours of related
instruction per year, which many apprenticeship programs choose to
require. In many apprenticeship programs, the related instruction can
also lead to a college degree, thereby providing the individual with
an opportunity to earn both academic and occupational credentials
simultaneously.
Apprenticeship programs are operated by both the public and
private sectors. Employers, employer associations and labor-
management committees sponsor and operate apprenticeship
programs. Apprenticeship sponsors typically pay the training costs,
although some financial incentives and assistance may be available.
There are currently approximately 28,000 registered apprenticeship
programs and more than 450,000 active apprentices. In 2007 alone,
Apprenticeship training over 3,000 new programs were added and over 200,000 individuals
programs in apprenticeship entered apprenticeship programs. Registered apprenticeship
occupations must meet basic programs and apprentices are found in nearly all industries.
standards to be registered by a The largest number of apprentices are within the building and
federal or state apprenticeship construction trades—the historical base of apprenticeship. Other
agency. There are currently occupations that have a significant number of registered apprentices
23 different standards for include truck drivers, correction officers, cooks and child care
recognition of apprenticeship development specialists.
programs. These standards On October 29, 2008, for the first time in 30 years, the U.S.
relate to: Department of Labor (DOL) published new regulations to modernize
• The type of occupations and the National Apprenticeship System in the Federal Register. These
the duration of training; regulations provide for more flexibility in how Related Technical
Instruction (RTI) can be delivered, and provide registration
• The methods of training and
agencies with the option of issuing interim credentials to offer
the contents of the training
active apprentices official recognition of their accomplishments
agreement between the
and equip them with a portfolio of skills and incentives to complete
apprentice and program
their programs and continue their career preparation. Finally, these
sponsor;
regulations allow program sponsors to offer three different ways for
• Employment and supervision apprentices to complete a registered apprenticeship program:
of apprentices, including
1. The traditional, time-based approach, which requires the
requirements for wage
apprentice to complete a specific number of on-the-job (OJT)
progression;
and RTI hours;
• Registration, record
2. A competency-based approach, which requires the apprentice
maintenance, reporting and
to demonstrate competency in the defined subject areas and
certification; and
requires OJT and RTI; and
• Compliance with equal
3. A hybrid approach, which requires the apprentice to complete
employment opportunity
a minimum number of OJT and RTI hours and demonstrate
requirements.
competency in the defined subject areas.
The Web site for DOL’s Office of Apprenticeship, referenced next,
contains the new regulations as well as related information.
Youth with Disabilities Entering the Workplace through Apprenticeship - Understanding Apprenticeship Basics
Youth with Disabilities Entering the Workplace through Apprenticeship - Understanding Apprenticeship Basics
Where to Go For More Information:
The U.S. Department of Labor maintains a Web site for apprenticeship
([Link]/OA). Information on state apprenticeship agencies may be accessed through
this site or through the National Association of State and Territorial Apprenticeship Directors
Web site ([Link]).
DOL also sponsors a Web site called Career Voyages that includes a section on apprenticeship
([Link]/[Link]).
Learn More
1. Understanding Apprenticeship Basics 4. Establishing New Apprenticeship Programs
2. Preparing Youth and Young Adults for 5. What Apprenticeship Employers Need to
Apprenticeship Programs Know About Working with Young Adults
3. Increasing Participation of Young Adults with Disabilities
with Disabilities In Apprenticeship 6. Looking to Future Opportunities in
Programs Apprenticeship
Office of Disability Voice
Employment Policy 1-866-ODEP-DOL (633-7365)
U.S. Department of Labor TTY
200 Constitution Ave., NW 1-877-889-5627
Washington, DC 20210 [Link]/odep