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Educator Information

Why Build a Registered Apprenticeship Program?

When it comes to learning, we’ve discovered we can’t always use a one-size-fits-all model. Registered Apprenticeship programs offer students an alternative path toward reaching their educational goals and a chance to succeed. By partnering with local businesses, your school district can create more opportunities for learning and growth in high-demand jobs, while still supporting a student’s success at school.

Teacher Discussing Apprenticeship Opportunities

What will Students Receive through a Registered Apprenticeship?

Students in a Registered Apprenticeship program will not only get technical on-the-job training, but also a paycheck for their work. A Registered Apprenticeship program will also keep the students involved in learning because they will graduate with a High School diploma and a portable credential from the program. Additionally, students may earn college credits through their Registered Apprenticeship if they wish to continue their training. Those who complete a Registered Apprenticeship will also earn a nationally recognized certificate.

Create a Program: How to Get Started

School districts can partner with local businesses to create a Registered Apprenticeship program in many fields such as healthcare, IT, advanced manufacturing, finance, hospitality, construction, energy, and more. As educators, you hold a vital role in preparing students to be the workforce of our future. Registered Apprenticeship Programs will help students get credentials in high-demand jobs while bringing us closer to the Future Ready Iowa goal to have 70 percent of Iowans with education or training beyond high school by 2025. The U.S. Department of Labor/Office of Apprenticeship is the first step to registering a RA program and can assist with getting a program started. To create a program, you may contact Director Greer Sisson at 515-283-4690 or sisson.greer@dol.gov.

Learn more about starting a High School Registered Apprenticeship Program: Video Resources

 

  • Earn & Learn Playbook

    A registered apprentice welder

    Explore High School Registered Apprenticeship programs with our interactive playbook.

 

Funding

 

High School Registered Apprenticeship programs qualify various state and federal funding.  Learn More

Learn From the experts

  • How to Start a Registered Apprenticeship Program

    March 2, 2020 (10:00-11:00 am CST)
    Guest Speakers: Linda Fandal, Governor Reynolds’ Office, Greer Sisson, Director, US Department of Labor/Office of Apprenticeship and David Ottavianelli, Director, Strategic Projects-Labor Relations John Deere

  • Advanced Manufacturing Discussion

    March 12, 2020 (10:00-11:00 am CST)
    Guest Speakers: West Delaware Community School District, North Scott Community School District, and participating employers

Age Requirements

Registered Apprentices must be at least 16 years of age and hired by a RA Sponsor to participate in a Registered Apprenticeship program.

Child Labor Laws: Under the Child Labor Provisions for Non-Agricultural Occupations under the Fair Labor Standards Act, Child Labor Bulletin 101, there are limited exceptions to the Hazardous Occupation Orders for 16-and 17-year-old who are Registered Apprentices. Registered Apprentices employed under the following conditions are exempted from the Fair Labor and Standards Act related to Hazardous Occupation Orders:

  • Registered Apprentice employed in a craft recognized as an apprenticeable occupation;
  • The work of the apprentice in the occupation declared particularly hazardous is incidental to his or her training;
  • Such work is intermittent and for short periods of time and is under the direct and close supervision of a journeyman/mentor as a necessary part of such apprentice training;
  • the apprentice is registered by the U.S Department of Labor/Office of Apprenticeship under a written apprenticeship agreement

Child Labor Law Provisions and Details

Student Benefits:

In Their Own Words

  • West Delaware High Schoolers Getting Hired as Welding Apprentices

    No matter if you're a high school student or someone looking to make a jump to a new career field, registered apprenticeships are a great option to help you earn and learn.

  • Apprentices at Broadlawns Medical Center Getting Head Start on Health Care Career

    See the incredible opportunities in Healthcare that are offered for Registered Apprentices.

  • IT Registered Apprentice Showing How Students Can Make a Big Impact for Professional Companies

    IT professionals have never been more important. An innovative partnership between a Des Moines school and an Iowa transportation company allows students to earn a living while learning how to apply their skills in the real world.

Benefits of Participating in Apprenticeship Programs

You can easily get the skills and experience you need for your future career. These programs combine your current high school classes with critical on-the-job training from a local employer. When finished with the program, you will earn a credential that recognizes the dedication you put forth and the skills and experience you now have in a particular career field without student debt.

Getting Started

Students should reach out to their local guidance counselor to start the conversation.

Expectations of the Registered Apprentice

A Registered Apprenticeship program is a commitment to completing both classroom and on-the-job training. Students will work with local employers and their schedules.

More About Apprentices

List of Programs

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High School Registered Apprenticeship programs

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Quality Pre-Apprenticeship programs