The Department of Labor works with each employer to create a flexible program tailored to that employer's needs. Upon approval of the program by the Department of Labor, the employer recruits employees who enter into a written Apprenticeship agreement with the program sponsor. The sponsor then agrees to train the worker and the employee agrees to work at assigned tasks and participate in related instruction. Periodic progress review check the employee's advancement and evaluate wage increases. Once training is complete, the Department of Labor issues a nationally recognized Certificate of Completion to the program graduate.
Apprenticeship is an excellent way to obtain high-quality, skilled craftspersons.
Employers direct the training, so Apprentice employees become familiar with the employer's work processes, equipment and policies during the training program. While some of the training provided is generalized instruction, reports indicate more than half of the skills learned in Apprenticeship are company specific. So the sponsoring employer certainly receives great benefits. Employers who offer career advancement opportunities such as Apprenticeship, report higher morale, better motivation and increased job satisfaction.