Build Your Pipeline As an Employer with Registered Apprenticeship

Registered Apprenticeship programs are a cost-effective and efficient way to find and train workers who want to learn the skills necessary for success in your business. The Iowa Office of Apprenticeship stands ready to assist you with every step of the process by helping you identify your goals, develop the standards, and ultimately recruit workers from the agency's statewide employment network, IowaWORKS.

Registered Apprenticeship programs follow a proven formula for creating the talent pipeline that employers need both today and long into the future. After program completion, the vast majority of apprentices typically remain at the same company. Why? Supporting skills development also builds loyalty among workers. By the time apprenticeships are completed, workers not only have been trained in the technical skills they need, but they're also bought into the goals of the business.

Quality, trained workers keep businesses competitive. By sponsoring a Registered Apprenticeship program, employers are helping workers earn a nationally recognized credential that signifies competence and credibility. Programs are designed to ensure that apprentices master the skills and knowledge base needed for a successful career. 

Identifying the occupation for which you are seeking to leverage Registered Apprenticeship is a critical step in developing your program. If you're not sure where to start, connect with the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship team at RegisteredApprenticeship@iwd.iowa.gov or 515-725-3675.

Over 1,400 occupations may be utilized for RA, including careers in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, business, health care, information technology, and veterinary care. 

• Explore approved occupations for Registered Apprenticeship: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-occupations
   

Apprenticeship programs largely rely on a strong partnership network to help meet business objectives. Many programs rely on educator partners, or other business sponsors that shared the same objectives of your program and occupation.

Connecting with the IOA is easy, and can be done by filling out the online Business Apprenticeship Interest Form: Business Apprenticeship Interest Form (office.com). After filling out the form, you'll be connected to an Apprenticeship Training Consultant who will help walk you through the Registered Apprenticeship program development stages and ultimately the registration of your program. 

Registered Apprenticeship Programs include seven key components, which are the following: 

• ▶Industry Led – Programs are industry-vetted and approved to ensure alignment with industry standards and that apprentices are trained for highly skilled, high-demand occupations. 
• ▶ Paid Job – Registered Apprenticeships are jobs! Apprentices earn progressive wages as their skills and productivity increase. 
• ▶ Structured On-the-Job Learning – Programs provide structured on-the-job training to prepare for a successful career, which includes instruction from an experienced mentor.
• ▶ Supplemental Education – Apprentices are provided supplemental classroom education based on the employers’ unique training needs to ensure quality and success. 
• ▶ Diversity – Programs are designed to reflect the communities in which they operate through strong non-discrimination, anti-harassment, and recruitment practices to ensure access, equity, and inclusion. 
• ▶ Quality & Safety – Apprentices are afforded worker protections while receiving rigorous training to equip them with the skills they need to succeed and the proper training and supervision they need to be safe. 
• ▶ Credentials – Apprentices earn a portable, nationally recognized credential within their industry.

Creating a successful apprenticeship program doesn't stop when you officially register your program. The Iowa Office of Apprenticeship also offers multiple resources to help you recruit talent, identify funding opportunities, and continue learning and growing from a community of industry and educator peers.

Our staff of apprenticeship experts and network of partners that can provide services to help build a program for success. Connect with us today!