Registered apprenticeship is a training system that produces highly skilled workers that meet the demands of employers competing in a global economy. Apprenticeship is a proven strategy that combines on-the-job training with related theoretical and practical classroom instruction to prepare exceptional workers for North Carolina and America's industry.

Private and public sectors - individual employers, employer associations or joint labor/management sponsors, operate registered apprenticeship programs. Program sponsors pay most of the training costs while also paying progressively increasing wages to apprentices as they gain skills. Registered apprenticeship programs can be competency based or time based depending on program sponsor needs.

North Carolina currently has more than 1,700 registered apprenticeship programs in such industries as construction; manufacturing; transportation, communications, electric, gas, and Technical services. More than 6,700 apprentices are currently registered in apprenticeship programs.

Apprenticeship programs in the State of North Carolina are administered by the N.C. Department of Labor with guidance from the Apprenticeship Advisory Council. Skilled consultants provide technical assistance, monitoring, and consulting services to qualified employers willing to take on the responsibilities and obligations of program sponsorship. (NCDOL Dept. Apprenticeship and Training)

Edited Last: 10/22/2007