On January 17, 2024, the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration released a proposed rule that would overhaul the registered apprenticeship program.
The proposal:
- Updates key areas related to standards of apprenticeship, including determining occupations suitable for registered apprenticeship; adding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) strategies to recruitment; requiring minimum duration of 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning and 144 hours of related instruction; and revising labor standards (such as prohibition of non-compete and non-disclosure provisions in apprenticeship agreements).
- Adds paperwork requirements including data reporting requirements, and maintains records on credentials, apprenticeship progress, and end-point assessments.
- Proposes a new registered Career and Technical Education (CTE) Apprenticeship program linked to high school, community college, and university levels. This program would require 900 hours of paid on-the-job training and at least 540 hours of CTE apprenticeship-related instruction.
Comments on the proposed rule are due on March 18, 2024.
- Read and comment on the proposed rule.
- View the Overview of Proposed Rulemaking 1205-AC13 National Apprenticeship System Enhancements webinar and presentation on the proposed rule.
- Advocacy contact: Send an email to Janis Reyes at Janis.Reyes@sba.gov.