The Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT) is the Federal agency responsible for the administration of the National Apprenticeship System in the United States. BAT was established by the National Apprenticeship Act of 1937, as amended, Public Law 75-308, commonly known as the Fitzgerald Act. This legislation was enacted to secure apprentices' benefits and safeguard the apprentices' welfare. Government plays a supportive role. The BAT is a program office of the Office of Apprenticeship Training and Employer and Labor Services (ATELS) located in the Employment and Training Administration of the United States Department of Labor.

During FY 1999, there were over 431,797 U.S. apprentices receiving registered apprenticeship training in the 36,903 programs. Of these U.S. workers receiving training, 117,380 (27%) were minorities and 31,208 (7%) were women.

The Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training is a service agency that promotes and provides technical assistance to potential and current sponsors in establishing and maintaining registered apprenticeship programs. BAT also provides technical assistance to current sponsors. The BAT also has the responsibility for promoting equality of opportunity in apprenticeship programs registered w/BAT as requirements under Federal Register Title 29 CFR Part 30.

BAT coordinates with the United States Department of Education/Office of Adult Vocational Education on the related theoretical instruction aspect of apprenticeship programs.

BAT provides registered apprenticeship services in all the States. BAT is the registration authority for training programs and apprentices in 23 states. It delegates this registration authority through its Federal-State partnership with State Apprenticeship Councils/Agencies in 27 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

BAT Organization:

BAT organization consists of the following:

The National Office is located in Washington, D.C., and includes the Division of Standards and National Industry Promotion, and BAT's field structure which includes Regional, State and local offices.