Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) provide social

and economic benefits to people of all backgrounds and previous economic oreducational experiences. These advantages include minimal standardized testingrequirements, paid training participation, progressive wage increases, and entryinto growing sectors of the economy such as clean energy infrastructuredevelopment. Apprenticeships have the dual benefit of creating a pipeline oftalent for employers and expanding economic opportunities for those without atraditional college degree or previous employment experience. In combination,apprenticeships have uplifting economic and social impacts in local communities.

 

However, apprenticeships remain underutilized by

employers and those entering the workforce alike. On the apprentice side,people may be unaware of what 21st Century apprenticeships look andfeel like; on the employer side, creating an apprenticeship program may be perceivedas too challenging or demanding. Addressing both sides of this challenge willhelp spread apprenticeships and their benefits across the country.

 

Gaining a fuller understanding of apprenticeships, their

benefits, and the resources available at all levels of government and fromnon-governmental organizations to support apprenticeship creation and expansioncan benefit all parties in the apprenticeship world.