Applying to the Department of Labor
Executive Summary
You will need to determine whether your program needs to be registered with your state apprenticeship agency or the U.S. Department of Labor, be prepared before approaching them, build relationships with them, and then submit a thorough application.
Where to Submit Your Application
Some states have their own state apprenticeship agency (typically through their state department of labor); others work directly with the U.S. Department of Labor. Consult this list to determine which applies to your state.
Best Practices in Engaging Your State Apprenticeship Agency or the U.S. Department of Labor
Be prepared. Whether you are working with your state’s department of labor or the U.S. Department of Labor, you will want to bring an understanding of the type of program that you intend to create, your goals, and how registered apprenticeship programs work.
Build relationships. The process of developing a registered apprenticeship Program and securing approval takes time and includes complexities. Having a positive working relationship with the people within the department of labor will help to smooth the process.
Share information about K-12 education. The expertise of department of labor personnel is industry agnostic. They are experts in registered apprenticeship programs and are often not experts in the K-12 environment, so plan to share context and information with this audience in mind.
How to Submit a Great Application
A strong application for a registered apprenticeship program for the K-12 teaching occupation will be based on an intentional design and will include the following elements:
Minimum qualification requirements for apprentices. This might include minimum age, level of high school completion required, and ability to meet certain admissions requirements.
Whether you will utilize a time-based, competency-based, or hybrid training approach.
Whether or not credit for previous college credits will be granted and if so what the requirements will be.
Duration of any probationary periods for apprentices.
The ratio of apprentices to workers who have mastered the skills and competencies necessary for the occupation to ensure adequate supervision.
Apprentice wage schedule that reflects appropriate increases.
Selection procedures.
Complaint procedures.
On-the-job learning competencies required, and the number of hours required for each and/or required proficiency levels for each.
Related instruction coursework requirements and progression, and sample course schedule.
Apprenticeship registration and agreement form.
Application for certification of completion of the apprenticeship.
Any other elements required and/or requested by your state apprenticeship agency or the U.S. Department of Labor.
Examples of hours requirements and competency requirements follow.
