Employer
General Employer FAQs
What are the benefits of Registered Apprenticeship?
Registered Apprenticeship creates a robust, flexible pool of employees who are trained with specific skills needed in the workplace. It’s a proven and integrated workforce strategy, recognized by the Department of Labor, and allows employers to reduce recruiting and hiring time and save money by selecting and developing a qualified workforce at training wages. Registered Apprenticeship is proven to instill loyalty and increase productivity because employees are in a structured training program that pays dividends through high retention rates. Apprentices also receive vast benefits. Registered Apprenticeship offers them a pathway to a career, education, and income, as well as hands-on experience with portable skills to help launch their career in tech.
What’s the difference between an internship and a Registered Apprenticeship?
Internships offer job exposure for a short period of time, typically 1-6 months, with a variable structure that may include on-the-job training. Registered Apprenticeships offer job experience and begin with the intent to retain. Typically lasting at least one year, the Registered Apprenticeship commitment includes competency benchmarks with structured technical and on-the-job training. Successful completion of Registered Apprenticeship results in a transferable, nationally recognized credential certifying competency as a fully qualified worker in a specific occupational role.
Can we reskill or upskill our current employees with Apprenti?
Yes. Apprenticeship can be used for incumbent workers and Apprenti has effectively filled middle-skill roles with internal candidates to support the growth of existing employees. Registered Apprenticeships are often successful pathways for upskilling incumbent workers, filling skill gaps across an organization, and planning for skill gaps that can occur due to retirement, departmental layoffs, or mergers and acquisitions.
Are employers required to hire apprentices after their apprenticeship?
Employment at the conclusion of apprenticeship is “at will,” so employers are not required to hire their apprentice/s post-apprenticeship. However, more than 8 out of 10 apprentices receive full-time offers at the completion of their program. Employers find their investment in job-specific apprentice training consistently pays off.
Why apprenticeship?
The answer is simple. The United States does not produce enough tech talent to fill growing needs each year. As such, employers require a secondary system in which they can produce and attain talent. We see a future where organizations will have two talent development pipelines: the university system and Registered Apprenticeship. The intent of the U.S. in the elevation of Registered Apprenticeship programs is to help organizations become more confident posting jobs with the requirement of either a college degree or completion of an apprenticeship. Europe and Asia have adopted apprenticeships in nearly every industry and continue to reap the benefits. In the U.S., Apprenti is part of a national apprenticeship ecosystem that is supported by the federal government.
Does Apprenti only work with tech companies? All companies seem to be facing tech talent shortages.
Apprenti works with employers who have tech hiring needs across a wide range of industries—not just tech companies. Among our network of hiring partners, Apprenti serves companies in tech, healthcare, financial services, utilities, higher education, insurance, and more.
Where is Apprenti available?
Apprenti is available nationwide! We are an employer-driven model, so we meet your demand where you need us. Contact an Apprenti representative to find out how we can support your long-term hiring strategies and needs.
What states offer tax credits and tuition support for hiring Registered Apprentices?
Many states offer tax credits and tuition support for hiring Registered Apprentices. Head to this helpful page from the Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship to learn more about what funding might be available in your market.
Does Apprenti require applicants to have a four-year college degree?
No, we do not require a four-year college degree to apply. That being said, some of our apprentices do have college degrees in non-technical majors, and/or are having a hard time getting a job in tech roles. Apprenti helps qualified, untapped talent launch their tech careers.
Life Sciences Employer FAQs
I thought apprenticeships were only for the trades?
They still are, and in fact, ~90% of all US apprentices are employed in traditional trades. But over the past decade substantial progress has been made expanding this proven model to other career pathways. In Europe, apprenticeship has been part of workforce development across all industries – from banking to healthcare – for decades with great success.
Do apprentices have to belong to a union?
No, while trade unions often do sponsor apprenticeships in their traditional industries, this is absolutely not a requirement for non-unionized occupations.
Must each apprentice have a dedicated mentor with them for the entire workday?
Apprentices, like any new employee, need supervision. This does not mean the same person must shadow the apprentice full time. An apprentice may have different mentors / supervisors / managers who oversee different aspects of the job. Each mentor / supervisor / manager may interact with several apprentices over the course of a day or week. This model ensures each apprentice receives guidance and training from the most qualified experienced workers.
It seems risky to have to commit to training an apprentice for a whole year. What if they do not work out?
Apprenticeships typically last one full year, however, all employment is at will. If an individual is truly not a good fit, they may be let go. However, the front-loaded education coupled with Apprenti’s proven system for candidate assessment and selection and their team of support specialists has been proven to result in very high retention and satisfaction.
Are employers committed to hiring all apprentices at the end of their apprenticeship?
Employment at the conclusion of apprenticeship is “at will,” so employers are not required to hire their apprentices when the program is complete. However, more than 8 out of 10 apprentices receive full-time offers at the end of their apprenticeship. Employers find their investment in job-specific apprentice training consistently pays off.
Our new hires always come in as temporary contractors. Can Registered Apprenticeship compete financially with this model?
Contract staffing is often seen as an easy lift for employers, yet hiring managers often admit that high turnover rates create a constant, expensive cycle of rehiring and retraining. Apprenti has options that can help employers manage apprentices while you train and evaluate them, saving you valuable headcount.
Additionally, as a non-profit, Apprenti can apply for and secure funding from state, federal, and private philanthropic sources on your behalf. These funds can be applied to further reduce costs of future apprenticeship cohorts at your company.
FAQ: Building Tribal Digital Sovereignty
Through Apprenticeship
General Overview
What is Apprenti?
Apprenti is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides a proven “earn while you learn” model to bridge the gap between untapped talent and businesses.
Why is this program needed for Tribal Nations?
While Native Americans make up ~2.9% of the U.S. population, they represent less than 0.1% of the IT/Cybersecurity workforce. This program creates a local, skilled workforce to support tribal governments and enterprises.
What is "Digital Sovereignty" in this context?
It refers to developing internal expertise to reduce reliance on external entities for critical IT services, protecting tribal data with a trusted local workforce, and utilizing technology in ways that respect Native cultures.
For Potential Employers & Partners
How does the apprenticeship model work?
It combines technical instruction with one year of on-the-job training and mentorship. Apprentices receive progressive wage increases as they gain skills.
What is the "Apprenti" advantage for my business?
- Reduced Costs: Lower recruitment and training expenses.
- Customized Talent: Training is tailored to meet your specific business needs.
- High Retention: Apprentices are historically loyal and skilled employees who stay within their communities.
What administrative support is provided?
Apprenti handles program design, Department of Labor registration, compliance reporting, and coordinates Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI) with trusted providers.
Which industries can benefit?
Any sector requiring secure infrastructure, including Government Contracting, Telecomm, Healthcare, Gaming/Hospitality, Energy, and Manufacturing.
Occupations & Roles
What roles can we train for?
Common roles include Cybersecurity Analyst, Software Developer, Cloud Operations Specialist, Systems Administrators, Technical Sales, HR Specialist, AI Associates, Data Analyst, and IT Support Professional, but many more options are available.
Are there non-technical roles available?
Yes, the model also supports roles such as Technical Sales, HR, Marketing Manager, and Customer Success Manager.
Next Steps & Contact
How do we get started?
Contact Natalie Miller to discuss actionable steps for your community.
Contact Information:
Natalie Miller, Business Development Regional Director (West)
Phone: 503-799-5362 | Email: nmiller@apprenticareers.org
Can we help shape the program?
Yes. We are seeking partners for our Tribal IT Advisory Board to ensure the curriculum remains culturally relevant and meets specific community needs.
Bellevue College received $147,143 of funding from the U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Building America grant. Read more about USDOL grant funding at esd.wa.gov/usdol
Are you ready to change the way you build talent?
Apprenti is revolutionizing how businesses develop skilled workers through Registered Apprenticeships
Are you a career seeker looking to start an apprenticeship? Click here to learn more.