BAT was established by the National Apprenticeship Act of 1937, as amended, Public Law 75-308, commonly known as the Fitzgerald Act. This legislation was enacted to secure apprentices' benefits and safeguard the apprentices' welfare.
Government plays a supportive role.
During FY 1999, there were over 431,797 U.S. apprentices receiving registered apprenticeship training in the 36,903 programs. The Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training is a service agency that promotes and provides technical assistance to potential and current sponsors in establishing and maintaining registered apprenticeship programs. BAT also provides technical assistance to current sponsors. BAT provides registered apprenticeship services in all the States. BAT is the registration authority for training programs and apprentices in 23 states.