Registered Apprenticeship is a proven approach for preparing workers for jobs while meeting the needs of businesses for a highly skilled workforce.

It is an employer-driven, “earn while you learn” model that combines on-the-job training with job-related classroom/lab instruction. Registered Apprentices are sponsored by their employer and therefore typically work during the day and attend school at night. As Registered Apprentices increase their skills, they also experience an increase in wages.

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Governor John C. Carney proclaims November 13-19, 2023, as Delaware Apprenticeship Week.

Click here to read the full proclamation.

Registered Apprenticeships are offered in a variety of occupations. Most Registered Apprenticeships are four years in length or 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. For each year of training, a minimum of 144 hours of related instruction is required. Upon completion of the required on-the-job training and related instruction, the Registered Apprentice is eligible for Journeyperson papers. A journeyperson is nationally recognized as having a well-rounded ability in all aspects of his/her trade.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

The following are links to help individuals who are employed or are looking for work (jobseekers), and employers/sponsors, education and community partners find information about Registered Apprenticeship occupations, programs, forms, education, lists of registered sponsors throughout Delaware, contractor bids, and more.

• Potential Registered Apprentices (Individuals, Employees/Jobseekers)
• Registered Sponsors (Employers)

Note: Effective September 1, 2020, this office does not register any apprentice that is registered in another state. Any apprentice that was registered before September 1, 2020, but also registered in another state, will still be able to stay a Delaware registered apprentice. Those employers who this affects have been contacted individually to discuss specifics.

BY THE NUMBERS

• 1,716 Registered Apprentices (RA)
• 487 employer sponsors with at least one RA
• 30+ Occupations with a program

TOP 5 OCCUPATIONS

• Electrician
• HVAC
• Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Carpenters
• Construction Laborers

Note: Registered Apprenticeship programs are also available for Early Childhood Education, Auto Technicians and Hospitality

WHAT IS PRE-APPRENTICESHIP?

Being a part of a Pre-Apprenticeship program is ideal for individuals who lack experience or education but want to build a solid foundation to start a successful career. The Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Program complements the existing Registered Apprenticeship programs. Current programs include auto, general construction, and electrical. As Delaware’s unemployment rate drops, disadvantaged and underrepresented populations will be at a greater risk of being left behind. Pre-Apprenticeship opportunities will allow these populations to gain the needed hard and soft skills for a successful career. Pre-Apprenticeship Programs refer to a program or set of strategies designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a Registered Apprenticeship Program. CLICK HERE to review a list of approved Pre-Apprenticeship programs.

RESOURCES

General Lists

• Apprenticeship Occupations, Hours, and Ratios
• Electrical Licensing FAQ
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Search for Registered Sponsors
• Employer Referral Form (Votech & BSR Referrals with A&T Policy & Procedures)
• Sponsor Application Form
• U.S. Department of Labor – Apprenticeship & Training
• Registered Apprenticeship Ratio Relief Request Form

Occupational Lists

• DE Craft Training Occupation List for 29 Del. §6962 compliance – Effective January 1, 2024
• Apprenticeship Occupations By County
• USDOL Apprenticeable Occupation List

Policies & Procedures

• View Rules and Regulations
• Pre-Apprenticeship Policies and Procedures
• DE Craft Training Requirements and FAQs

Marketing Materials

• Registered Apprenticeship: Individuals, Job Seekers, Employees (English | Spanish |Creole)
• Registered Sponsors: Employers (English | Spanish |Creole)
• What is Registered Apprenticeship? Educator Handouts (English | Spanish | Creole)

STAY CONNECTED

• 302-761-8328
• apprenticeship@delaware.gov
• de.gov/apprenticeship

Are you unsure whether you’re considered a Registered Apprentice? Contact apprenticeship@delaware.gov. For more information, or to speak to someone about Registered Apprenticeship, please call the Delaware Department of Labor at (302) 761-8328.

Support for Delaware’s Apprenticeship programs is provided by the 2019-2022 Apprenticeship State Expansion (ASE) Grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. The overall funds of this grant total $714,251.37, of which federal funds comprise 100 percent. The remaining 0 percent is comprised of local state, general, and special funds.

Support for Delaware’s Apprenticeship programs is provided by the 2020-2023 State Apprenticeship Expansion (SAE) Grant awarded by the U.S Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. The overall funds of this grant total $450,000.00, of which federal funds comprise 100 percent. The remaining 0 percent is comprised of local, state, general, and special funds.

Related Topics:  Apprenticeship, Employment & Training, Training, Veterans