The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recognizes apprenticeships under its Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). RAPs are apprenticeships that have been validated by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. On March 11, 2020, DOL published a final rule establishing a system for advancing the development of high-quality, Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs). A copy of the final rule is available here: https://spelusolawoffice.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2020-03605.pdf. The rule took effect May 11, 2020.

Apprenticeships are widely recognized to be a highly effective job-training approach for American workers and for employers seeking the skilled workforce needed in today’s changing workplace. This new rule offers employers, community colleges, and others a flexible, innovative way to quickly expand apprenticeship in telecommunications, health care, cybersecurity, and other sectors where apprenticeships currently are not widely available.

Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia – March 10, 2020

IRAPs are apprenticeship programs recognized as such by a third-party entity called a Standard Recognition Entity (SRE) under standards established by the DOL. To become an IRAP an apprenticeship program must undergo a rigorous evaluation by an SRE and continue to meet the requirements of the SRE.

Many different types of entities may become recognized SREs, including trade groups, companies, educational institutions, state and local governments, non-profits, unions, joint labor-management organizations, and certification and accreditation bodies for a profession or industry. The rule also outlines the responsibilities and requirements for SREs, as well as the department’s standards that programs must meet to obtain and maintain IRAP status and sets forth how the DOL will oversee SREs.

Once recognized by the department, SREs will work with employers and other entities to establish, recognize, and monitor high-quality IRAPs that provide apprentices with industry-recognized credentials. The rule prohibits SREs from recognizing IRAPs in the construction sector, which has the greatest existing utilization of registered apprenticeship programs.

The ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) is in the process of applying to be an SRE.