PURPOSE: To stimulate and assist industry in developing and improving apprenticeship and other training programs designed to provide the skilled workers needed to compete in a global economy.

DESCRIPTION: Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation. Apprenticeship programs are sponsored by joint employer and labor groups, individual employers, and/or employer associations.

Office of Apprenticeship (OA) registers apprenticeship programs and apprentices in 23 States and assists and oversees State Apprenticeship Councils (SACs) which perform these functions in 27 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Government's role is to, first, safeguard the welfare of apprentices, second, ensure the quality and equality of access of apprenticeship programs, and third, provide integrated employment and training information to sponsors and the local employment and training community.

ELIGIBILITY: Employer applicants include employers or an association of employers with or without the participation of labor unions. Individual applicants for apprenticeship programs must be at least 16 years old and meet the program sponsor's qualifications. Generally, applicants must satisfy the sponsor that they have the ability, aptitude, and education to master the rudiments of the occupation and complete the related instruction required in the program.

ESTABLISHING AN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM: Prospective employers work with OA or SAC field representatives to develop a set of apprenticeship training standards which include the on-the-job training outline, related classroom instruction curriculum and the apprenticeship program operating procedures. The program will be registered if it meets Federal requirements.

HOW TO APPLY: Visit, write, or call the local Job Service Office, the nearest OA or SAC office (listed in the blue pages of the telephone directory), or employer or union engaged in the trade you want to enter.

AUTHORIZATION: The National Apprenticeship Act of 1937 (Fitzgerald Act), as amended PL 75-308, 50 Stat. 664, 57 Stat. 518, 29 U.S.C. 50, 50a, 50b.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Write or call the OA State Offices, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. at (202) 693-3812. You may also contact your nearest OA Regional Office.