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Apprentice
A novice employed to learn an occupation on the job from an experienced professional.
Apprenticeship Agreement
A written agreement between the apprentice and the apprenticeship program sponsor (and, if applicable, the employer) that outlines the terms and conditions of the apprentice’s employment and training. In a Registered Apprenticeship, this agreement is filed with the government registration agency of record (US DOL or designated State Apprenticeship Agency).
Apprentice Wage
The hourly wage paid to an apprentice is typically a percentage of the fully trained worker’s rate. In a Registered Apprenticeship, the apprentice wage increases incrementally as the apprentice progresses through the program and becomes more productive on the job.
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Competency-Based Apprenticeship Program
An apprenticeship program in which the apprentice’s progress is measured by the demonstrated mastery of defined competencies or skills, rather than by time spent in training and instruction.
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Earn and Learn
“Earn and Learn” refers to work-based training approaches, such as Registered Apprenticeships and paid internships, where trainees earn a wage while they acquire knowledge and skills from experienced professionals working on the job. “Earn and Learn” programs may also include classroom or theoretical instruction beyond the worksite. The aim is to provide an entry or advancement pathway for an occupation well-suited to practical, hands-on skill development while upholding the fundamental principle of paying workers for their labor.
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Hybrid Apprenticeship Program
An apprenticeship program that combines both time-based and competency-based approaches. Apprentices progress by completing some combination of specified time in training and/or instruction as well as demonstrated competencies.
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Joint Apprenticeship (and Training) Committee (JAC or JATC)
A specific type of joint labor-management committee that is responsible for administering a Registered Apprenticeship Program, including recruitment, selection, training, and evaluation of apprentices. Committees that oversee training outside of an apprenticeship program often add “training” to their title.
Joint Labor Management Committee
A type of committee composed of representatives from labor organizations (unions) and management (employers) that form to address a workplace challenge or topic.
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Mentor
A highly skilled and occupationally proficient worker or seasoned professional who guides less tenured workers. In a Registered Apprenticeship Program, the mentor trains apprentices on the job and oversees their progress.
Mentor to Apprentice Ratio
In a Registered Apprenticeship, the ratio specifies the maximum number of apprentices assigned to each mentor to ensure adequate supervision, safety, and quality training.
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Office of Apprenticeship (OA)
The Office of Apprenticeship (OA) is the federal office within the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) responsible for registering and overseeing apprenticeship programs in states that do not have their own State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA). OA acts as the primary authority for apprenticeship standards, registration, and oversight in those states.
On-the-Job Training (OJT) or On-the-Job Learning (OJL)
Training provided while working at the employer’s work site. In an apprenticeship, OJT is the principal way an apprentice learns skills and competencies required for the occupation from experienced workers. In a Registered Apprenticeship, OJT is also a structured, supervised, and paid work experience.
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Registered Apprenticeship
A Registered Apprenticeship is a high-quality career pathway where novices learn an occupation from seasoned professionals through on-the-job training supplemented by external instruction providing a theoretical or technical foundation and a practice environment. These programs develop formal standards that are reviewed, validated and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) or designated State Apprenticeship Agency. Key elements include:
Related (Technical) Instruction
Classroom and/or other forms of instruction (such as online learning) that supplement on-the-job training. This instruction is intended to provide apprentices with the applied theoretical and technical knowledge necessary for the occupation as well as an environment where they can practice their skills.
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Sponsor (Apprenticeship)
An individual employer, group of employers, joint labor-management organization, or other entity that operates a Registered Apprenticeship Program and is responsible for its administration.
State Apprenticeship Agency (SSA)
A State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) is an agency of a state government responsible for and accountable for apprenticeship within that state. SAAs are recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship (OA) to act on behalf of the federal government to register and oversee Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) in their state. Staff members of SAAs are state employees, and they may use either federal or state-specific documentation and systems for program registration and oversight.
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Time-Based Apprenticeship Program
An apprenticeship program in which the apprentice’s progress is measured by time spent training on the job and in related instruction, often measured in hours. Time-based Registered Apprenticeships have a minimum hours requirement for each year of the program.
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Unregistered Apprenticeship
An Unregistered Apprenticeship (also called non-registered) is any apprenticeship program not formally approved or registered with the U.S. Department of Labor or a designated State Apprenticeship Agency. Without government oversight, these programs will vary greatly in content, structure, quality and safety standards. Since they are often tailored to a single employer’s needs, unregistered apprenticeships do not result in a nationally recognized credential.
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Wage Step Progression
A system of wage increases that can be used in defining an apprentice wage scale as they achieve specified milestones in their training, such as completing a certain number of hours or demonstrating specific competencies, and are able to take on greater responsibility or perform work at a higher level.
Work Process Schedule
A detailed outline of the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) an apprentice is expected to learn during on-the-job training. These KSAs outline the “work process” for the occupation, and the “schedule” specifies the approximate time needed to master each.
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