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Registered Apprenticeship


Registered Apprenticeship is a structured training program, combining paid on-the-job training with related technical instruction in a highly skilled occupation. It is used for both non-union and union career opportunities.


Apprenticeship: Earn. Learn. Succeed.


The National Apprenticeship Act (NAA), which is also known as the Fitzgerald Act, was enacted in 1937. This Act authorizes the Federal government (specifically the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship), in cooperation with the states, to oversee the nation's apprenticeship system. Together, they:

  • Register Registered Apprenticeship programs that meet Federal and State standards.
  • Assure that all programs provide high-quality training to their apprentices.
  • Issue Certificates of Completion to apprentices.
  • Encourage the development of new programs.
  • Protect the safety and welfare of apprentices.

Registered Apprenticeship is an important element in skill development. It is a critical postsecondary education and training model for developing 21st century skills. Registered Apprenticeship is built on the concept that you earn while you learn, and you succeed by demonstrating your acquired knowledge and skills, with the outcome being successful skill attainment in that field.

Registered Apprenticeship is business and industry driven. Some of the key industries in Registered Apprenticeship as noted by the U.S. Department of Labor include advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, biotechnology, construction, energy, geospatial technology, health care, hospitality, information technology, retail trade, security, social services, and transportation. Target industries in North Dakota with potential growth include health care, professional, scientific, and technical services, education, manufacturing, construction, accommodation/food services, and energy. It is important to note that Registered Apprenticeship can be used for both non-union and union career opportunities.

Apprentices work and learn under the direction of experienced journey workers. Apprentices receive training over a period of time that leads to them becoming highly skilled in their chosen occupations. As they gain and prove their skills, they receive an increase in wage.


Registered Apprenticeship for Job Seekers, Veterans, and Students


Registered Apprenticeship programs are an excellent opportunity for workers who are transitioning from declining industries and who are looking to make a career change.

There are also opportunities for veterans in the area of Registered Apprenticeship. Helmets to Hardhats is a national program that connects transitioning active-duty and reserve component members with training and employment opportunities within the construction industry.

Students currently in high school may be able to take part in a pre-apprenticeship program. These programs can help students improve their basic skills and learn more about different careers. This is important because students can then take classes in high school that help focus on their particular field of interest, which benefits them once they graduate.

For students who may not be attending college after graduation, apprenticeship is a good option. With hands-on training and the potential to earn college credit, Registered Apprenticeship is a great option that leads to long-term career opportunities. Students, along with their parents and guidance counselors, can identify industries and occupations of interest and take advantage of the benefits of having an industry expert or mentor help train and prepare the student to be an expert in a given field while building a lifelong career. Many employers require technical classroom instruction as part of their apprenticeship program. Registered Apprenticeship works directly with many two- and four-year colleges and universities to provide the required instruction. Many employers will help pay the cost of tuition, books, and other materials.

For more information on Registered Apprenticeship, visit the North Dakota Office of Apprenticeship web site at www.ndapprenticeship.com or visit our Important Links section for other helpful web sites.


The Benefits of Registered Apprenticeship


The benefits for employers to sponsor a Registered Apprenticeship program:

  • Skilled workers are trained to industry/employer specifications to produce quality results.
  • Increases employee retention, reduces turnover.
  • Cultivates loyal, motivated, and knowledgeable employees.
  • Reduces workers' compensation costs by emphasizing safety training.

The benefits for workers to participate in a Registered Apprenticeship program:

  • The "earn while you learn" concept provides a salary while building a career.
  • A "lead-in" to promising, well-paid careers in a variety of industries.
  • Higher quality of life and skills versatility.
  • Increased marketability and job security.
  • Portable credentials are recognized nationally and often globally.
  • Opportunity for college credit and future degrees.

The Partners in Registered Apprenticeship


Registered Apprenticeship partners the efforts of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship, Job Service North Dakota (JSND), other State Government agencies, industry leaders, employers, labor management organizations, and educational institutions across North Dakota.

Through this partnership, important issues such as the needs of high-growth, high-demand industries, efforts to support a competitive workforce, and the unique issues facing our workforce in North Dakota - such as an aging workforce and efforts to retain local talent - are addressed.

Registered Apprenticeship is administered through a coordinated effort between all partners. This effort establishes a process for promoting apprenticeship in North Dakota and referring employers and job seekers to Registered Apprenticeship opportunities.


Job Service North Dakota and Apprenticeship


JSND assists employers in finding qualified applicants for Registered Apprenticeship opportunities by posting apprenticeship-related jobs at www.jobsnd.com. JSND also posts announcements for employers when they are seeking a list of qualified apprenticeship applicants in preparation for future job openings.

See the section Finding Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities for instructions on finding job listings on www.jobsnd.com. You can also contact your local JSND office to learn more about Registered Apprenticeship. To find an office near you, visit www.jobsnd.com and click on the map.


How Employers Can Get Involved in Registered Apprenticeship


An employer interested in learning more about Registered Apprenticeship can contact Barry Dutton, North Dakota State Director for the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship, by phone at (701) 250-4700, by fax at (701) 250-4703, or by e-mail at dutton.barry@dol.gov. Employers can also visit www.ndapprenticeship.com for information on apprenticeship in North Dakota.

The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship has over 1,000 officially recognized apprenticeable occupations in a wide range of industries that can be sponsored through apprenticeship training. If the occupation for which an employer wants a Registered Apprenticeship is not listed on the list of officially recognized occupations, the State Director will assist in developing a curriculum for the occupation. The duration of the training and the skills and competencies required for mastery of a given occupation are driven by the industry.


Finding Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities


To find Registered Apprenticeship job postings on www.jobsnd.com, follow the instructions listed below. You can also contact your local JSND office for information. To find an office near you, visit www.jobsnd.com and click on the map.

Instructions:

  • Go to www.jobsnd.com
  • From left menu, click on Job Seekers, Find a Job
  • Sign In
  • Under Quick Menu, click on Job Search
  • From the top menu, click on Advanced Job Search
  • Under Area Selection, you can select the area you want to search. To change what is currently displayed, click on the underlined text. You can now select a new region. To find opportunities across the state, under Select New Area, click on State. In the box beside it, select North Dakota (or out of state).
  • Under Job Source Criteria, only have a check in Preferred Employer
  • Scroll down to Preferred Job Order Criteria. Under the heading Job Special Category, select Apprenticeship.
  • Scroll down to the bottom and click on Search

Employers may wish to establish a list of qualified apprenticeship applicants so they have a qualified pool from which to interview should they have a future job opening. To view those employers who are currently seeking a list of qualified apprenticeship applicants, click the following link: Employers Seeking a List of Qualified Applicants.


Important Links


North Dakota Office of Apprenticeship
www.ndapprenticeship.com

U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship
www.doleta.gov/OA/
To find laws, rules, policies, forms, and publications on apprenticeship, click on "Resources, E-Tools".

U.S. Department of Labor, Career Voyages
www.careervoyages.gov/apprenticeship-main.cfm
This joint Department of Labor and Education web site focuses on young people and career changers. This web site provides helpful information for parents and career advisors to help them learn about apprenticeship and other options available to young people. It includes information on those occupations which are in demand.