U.S. DOL Office of Apprenticeship

Description

Registered Apprenticeships administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) are employer-driven training programs that combine paid on-the-job learning with classroom instruction to develop skilled workers for high-demand careers. These programs allow individuals to earn wages while gaining real work experience and industry-recognized credentials, creating a direct pathway from training to stable employment.

Apprenticeship programs span a wide range of industries — including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, IT, transportation and energy — and are designed to meet the specific needs of employers and local labor markets. By working closely with employers, educational partners and community organizations, registered apprenticeships provide structured curricula, competency-based assessments and progressive wage increases as apprentices master new skills.

One of the core goals of DOL’s apprenticeship system is to expand equitable access to career training and workforce advancement, helping individuals secure family-sustaining jobs while strengthening employer talent pipelines. National initiatives and funding support the growth of apprenticeship opportunities, including youth apprenticeships, industry-specific partnerships and efforts to support underrepresented workers entering skilled trades and technical fields.