There are many ways to get started building a Registered Apprenticeship Program. Some companies prefer designing their own program, others join existing programs.
Creating a Program
When you create your own program, you have the ability to customize all the elements of the program to suit your needs, but all Registered Apprenticeship Programs must include five key components:
- Paid Job – Apprentices are paid employees. The employer needs to commit to a wage, and to a schedule for advancement based on either skills or hours.
- On-the-Job Learning – Apprentices perform real, productive tasks while learning on-the-job. The training plan should detail the kinds of activities that will be performed, and skills and knowledge an apprentice will obtain.
- Classroom Learning – Classroom education can be provided within your organization, or you can partner with a community college, vocational school or online service. Classes can be either online or face-to-face. CareerSource Pinellas can help you find an educational partner.
- Mentorship – A mentor is a skilled employee who will provide one-on-one training and assistance.
- Credentials – All Registered Apprenticeship Programs guarantee that an apprentice will receive a portable, nationally-recognized credential upon completion of your apprenticeship program.
SCAN TO VISIT ApprenticeshipFlorida.com
Contact FLDOE
Stephen Seville, ATR
Apprenticeship Office,
c/o State College of Florida
7131 Professional Parkway, East
Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34240
Telephone: (941) 363-7223
Email: Stephen.Seville@fldoe.org
Looking at programs that have already been approved can give you a leg up in structuring your own program. The Federal Government maintains a list of occupations where Registered Apprenticeship Programs have already been established and approved. For each occupation details are available including a brief description, typical work activities and related educational activities. They also have sample work training plans that can be downloaded to use as a template when developing your own plan. You can search the list here.
Joining an Existing Program
When you join an existing program, the apprentice works for you, but the overall operation of the training program is managed by an intermediary organization. This allows employers to get started almost immediately.
What is an Intermediary?
An intermediary organization provides expertise in a particular industrial sector, coordinates partner responsibilities and provides program administration. Examples of intermediaries include:
- Industry Associations and Business Organizations
- Community and Technical Colleges
- Non-Profit and Community-Based Organizations
- Labor Management Partnerships
- Workforce Development Boards
Contact CareerSource Pinellas can help your company find partners and pre-existing programs