When I started Apprenti in 2015, it was with the drive to strengthen communities across the U.S. by removing barriers and creating clear pathways for individuals to access good jobs. Ten years and over 5,500 apprentices later, we can proudly say that we are building stronger, more resilient talent pipelines.
Apprenti’s success is dependent on many factors, including a truly dedicated team, but one element that really makes us stand out is our one-of-a-kind intermediary support to employers.
Most business leaders care deeply about their workforce, yet few have the time or expertise to rethink how they hire, onboard, and upskill talent. And we all know growth rarely happens without some disruption. Too often employers fall to default workforce strategies like outsourcing, paying ever-rising recruiting fees, and hiring recent college graduates who – let’s be honest – often lack the practical skills businesses need on day one.
This is Where Apprenti Steps In
We work with employers who see the value in investing in their workforce to encourage upward mobility and loyalty, especially as the use of AI continues to automate entry-level roles. Employers want change but don’t necessarily have the time or tools to get there on their own.
At Apprenti we make it easier with a data-driven approach. Drawing from our roots partnering with an industry association, we understand current and projected industry skill needs. We’ve calculated the return on investment for Registered Apprenticeship and can track its long-term impact on both the individual’s career path and the employer’s bottom line. We help business leaders see where a lack of investment in workforce training can eventually hold them back.
Our experience as a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Intermediary has also allowed us to build trusted partnerships at the local, state, and federal levels. We know how to connect employers to available funding streams to build and expand their workforce training programs and provide supportive services for their apprentices. And because we understand how complicated and fragmented the Registered Apprenticeship system can be, we advocate on behalf of businesses to make it simpler while helping them register, launch, and manage their programs effectively.
In a Snapshot
Apprenti’s intermediary services help employers navigate every stage of apprenticeship development, including:
- Comprehensive Program Design: We tailor apprenticeship programs to your workforce needs.
- Candidate Recruitment & Screening: We handle sourcing, assessments, and matching.
- Training & Credentialing: Apprentices complete structured technical training before starting on-the-job learning.
- Ongoing Support & Compliance: We assist with program management, reporting, and employer support.
Running a Registered Apprenticeship program can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. After nearly a decade as an Apprenticeship Intermediary, we’ve seen firsthand how this model transforms talent pipelines, strengthens businesses, and helps employers stay globally competitive.
Coming Soon
In the coming weeks, the head of the SHRM Foundation and I will be releasing a series of recommendations to achieve a 21st century national workforce strategy that places Registered Apprenticeship at its core. To get there, it is no surprise that we need a structure to empower more apprenticeship intermediaries to guide employers through the Registered Apprenticeship process. Growing the role of Registered Apprenticeship Intermediaries is fundamental to scaling and building the workforce we need.
Jennifer Carlson is Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Apprenti.
