The Basics of Quality Apprenticeship Programs
There are three commonly used models for youth apprenticeship: pre-apprenticeship, Registered Apprenticeship, and non-registered apprenticeship. While these approaches are distinct, there are commonalities in how stakeholders are engaged, the quality elements and structures that are embedded, and the support they offer in helping young people access the labor market and long-term career advancement. Youth apprenticeship models can be compared by their purpose, formal registration requirements, and how each YA element is developed and implemented.
Before we navigate which program design best aligns with your organizational goals, let’s focus on the basics of different youth apprenticeship models.
Youth Apprenticeship Models
Pre-Apprenticeship: A foundational training program that prepares learners to enter and succeed in a high-quality apprenticeship program. These programs provide career exploration support, mentorship, certifications and credentials, and facilitate access to career and education pathways, in addition to apprenticeships. There is no formal process for registering these programs federally, but quality elements and criteria are outlined by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and some states do register and approve these programs. Length of training is determined by each program, with no prescribed duration, and non-registered youth apprenticeships most commonly align with this model.
Registered Youth Apprenticeship: A youth apprenticeship program that is registered with DOL’s Office of Apprenticeships (OA) or a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA). These programs align with the DOL’s required criteria for RA programs, which include requirements related to the total number of on-the-job training (OJT) hours, Related Technical Instruction (RTI) or classroom training hours, and program length. Registered programs go through a formal approval process and may use the Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database System (RAPIDS) for apprentice-specific data. If registering a program with an SAA, there may be additional state-specific policies and processes that must be followed.
Non-Registered Youth Apprenticeship: A youth apprenticeship program that offers paid work-based learning. It may use MOUs and other binding agreements between stakeholders, in the absence of registration with OA or an SAA. Many non-registered youth apprenticeship programs align with a pre-apprenticeship model even though they do not use the pre-apprenticeship title. These programs also retain the quality elements of pre-apprenticeship and/or Registered Apprenticeship when possible.
Regardless of the model chosen, there are basic elements in each model that are imperative to its success and the success of the young people and employers that participate.
On-the-job training/on-the-job learning (OJT/OJL)
Highly structured and paid training under the supervision of an employee mentor. Registered programs may require 2,000 hours of OJT/OJL.
Related Technical Instruction (RTI)
Formal classroom-based learning that complements on-the-job training (OJT). Also known as Related Technical Instruction (RTI). OJT and RTI form the foundation of youth apprenticeship programs. If registering your program, you may be required to meet 144 hours of RTI for each apprentice.
Portable Credential
The program’s curriculum should be designed to lead to industry-recognized credentials and postsecondary credits that are transferable, or portable, to college credit. Many states use Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) policies to ensure students can receive postsecondary credit for credentials earned during apprenticeship work, in addition to the work-based learning itself.
Assessment
The program’s method for determining a youth apprentice’s progress toward its established skills and competency standards.
Dedicated Employer
An apprenticeship cannot happen without a dedicated employer, or similar entity who will provide the OJT and validate the competencies needed for a specific role and the quality of the training the apprentice will receive.
When building a pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship program for youth, integrating the components mentioned above lays out the foundation. PAYA’s quality principles strengthen the quality of programs regardless of whether they are registered or non-registered. Higher-quality programs have higher retention and completion rates, demonstrate stronger alignment to the apprentice’s chosen occupation, and support apprentice belonging and success in their training. They help to ensure that programs offer the most meaningful and positive impact on youth apprentices, employers, communities, and local economies.