Youth with Disabilities Entering the Workplace through Apprenticeship

Understanding Apprenticeship Basics 

1
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 Act, officially authorized and established 

the national apprenticeship system. This Act gave the 

U.S. Secretary of Labor authority over apprenticeship 

programs, established an office of apprenticeship within 

the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and provided for the 

recognition of state agencies to register and administer 

apprenticeship programs. Twenty-five states plus the 

District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have recognized 

state apprenticeship operations. In the remaining states, 

DOL administers apprenticeship. DOL also recognizes 

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.

Apprenticeship is a highly 

desirable form of training 

for workers because it 

is first and foremost 

a job. It allows for: 

learning job skills while 

earning an income; wage 

progression; and a widely 

recognized and portable 

certificate of completion 

and proficiency. 

Youth with Disabilities Entering the Workplace through Apprenticeship - Understanding Apprenticeship Basics
1. The traditional, time-based approach, which requires the 

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 labormanagement 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, 

over 3,000 new programs were added and over 200,000 individuals 

entered apprenticeship programs. Registered apprenticeship 

programs and apprentices are found in nearly all industries. 

The largest number of apprentices are within the building and 

construction trades—the historical base of apprenticeship. Other 

occupations that have a significant number of registered apprentices 

include truck drivers, correction officers, cooks and child care 

development specialists. 

On October 29, 2008, for the first time in 30 years, the U.S. 

Department of Labor (DOL) published new regulations to modernize 

the National Apprenticeship System in the Federal Register. These 

regulations provide for more flexibility in how Related Technical 

Instruction (RTI) can be delivered, and provide registration 

agencies with the option of issuing interim credentials to offer 

active apprentices official recognition of their accomplishments 

and equip them with a portfolio of skills and incentives to complete 

their programs and continue their career preparation. Finally, these 

regulations allow program sponsors to offer three different ways for 

apprentices to complete a registered apprenticeship program: 

apprentice to complete a specific number of on-the-job (OJT) 

and RTI hours; 

2. A competency-based approach, which requires the apprentice 

to demonstrate competency in the defined subject areas and 

requires OJT and RTI; and 

3. A hybrid approach, which requires the apprentice to complete 

a minimum number of OJT and RTI hours and demonstrate 

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. 

Apprenticeship training 

programs in apprenticeship 

occupations must meet basic 

standards to be registered by a 

federal or state apprenticeship 

agency. There are currently 

23 different standards for 

recognition of apprenticeship 

programs. These standards 

relate to:

• The type of occupations and 

the duration of training;

• The methods of training and 

the contents of the training 

agreement between the 

apprentice and program 

sponsor;

• Employment and supervision 

of apprentices, including 

requirements for wage 

progression;

• Registration, record 

maintenance, reporting and 

certification; and 

• Compliance with equal 

employment opportunity 

requirements.

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 

(www.doleta.gov/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 (www.nastad.us).

DOL also sponsors a Web site called Career Voyages that includes a section on apprenticeship

(www.careervoyages.gov/apprenticeship-main.cfm). 

1. Understanding Apprenticeship Basics

2. Preparing Youth and Young Adults for 

Apprenticeship Programs

3. Increasing Participation of Young Adults 

with Disabilities In Apprenticeship 

Programs

4. Establishing New Apprenticeship Programs

5. What Apprenticeship Employers Need to 

Know About Working with Young Adults 

with Disabilities

6. Looking to Future Opportunities in 

Apprenticeship

Office of Disability 

Employment Policy

U.S. Department of Labor

200 Constitution Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20210

Voice

1-866-ODEP-DOL (633-7365) 

TTY 

1-877-889-5627

www.dol.gov/odep

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