About Registered Apprenticeship in Iowa

Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience that is valuable for their career

• For job seekers, becoming a Registered Apprentice means you’re on the path to a rewarding career where you’ll earn a paycheck from day one - your chance to earn and learn. Apprentices can receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally recognized credential.
• For businesses, starting a Registered Apprenticeship Program means you’ll build a talented workforce equipped with the skills that specifically fit your company. RA programs are valuable models that employers can use to recruit and develop well-trained workers in highly skilled occupations.

Registered Apprenticeships are industry-vetted and are approved and validated by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency.

Iowa has been a national leader in Register Apprenticeship programs and has utilized an earn-while-you-learn model to reach success across the economy. However, Iowa also faces significant long-term challenges with building the workforce needed to keep the state competitive, and a modern approach is needed.

Employers can use Registered Apprenticeships as an effective human resources strategy to recruit quality candidates, train employees to the specific needs of their businesses, and retain a highly-skilled workforce. Registered Apprenticeships can also be used to upskill a current workforce or to accelerate the productivity of new hires. Through the use of standardized training curricula, employers can ensure their employees have a comprehensive understanding of both the practical and theoretical components for particular occupations. Registered Apprentices are provided with opportunities for incremental wage increases, industry-recognized credentials, and a defined career path.

New industries are offering opportunities including: information technology, financial services, healthcare, transportation, energy, advanced manufacturing, and hospitality. A Registered Apprenticeship is an appropriate option for all job seekers including women, minorities, youth, people with disabilities, and veterans.