Grow Your Workforce: Offer a Registered Apprenticeship

Why offer an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships offer businesses the ability to fill gaps in their workforce with high-quality candidates trained within a robust curriculum. Apprenticeships help to build a strong team by combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. This investment helps create highly-trained professionals for your business.

Potential benefits for employers:

• Train candidates at a controlled, high standard for long-term quality.
• Create a safer, more productive workplace.
• Higher retention through reduced turnover and employee loyalty.
• Replenish your skilled workforce at your pace.
• Apprentices learn from journey-level professionals.
• WorkSource and partners may offer funding for training.
• 91% of graduates are employed nine months later.

How to start:

You can -

1. Create your own program by becoming a state-approved Registered Apprenticeship Program which will take an average of six months to start.
2. Join an existing program to become a training agent which can be set up within weeks though it may include tuition and training fees.

Program standards include:

• 1-5 years (minimum 2,000 hours OJT).
• 144 hours RSI per year (online, classroom, college).
• Starting wage that increases with time or competence steps.
• Specific skills outline and learning hours.
• Qualifications, area, non-discrimination, probation, ratios, etc.

Sponsor responsibilities:

• Oversee training and attendance.
• Evaluate progress.
• Recommend certification.

FAQ -

How much does it cost?

• There are no fees to create a Registered Apprenticeship - most of the investment is in time.
• If you use a training agent, they can collect fees for tuition and training.

Are there financial benefits?

• Lower apprentice wages with gradual pay raises.
• 50% tuition waiver at WA community/technical colleges.
• Gain access to commercial projects.

How do I start my own program or become a training agent? What is the difference between the two?

To become a training agent, you would use the Apprenticeship Registration & Tracking System (ARTS) to find programs that operate in your region. You can review each program and use their website or contact information to reach out to them and inquire if they are accepting applications for Training Agents. You would then follow their application rules.

To start your own program, please fill out the form here to let us know you are interested so you can be scheduled for a consultation with our program development team.

How do I fulfill Apprentice Utilization Requirements (AUR)?

Please refer to the AUR page for more information.

How do I file a complaint as an employer?

You can file a complaint using Apprenticeship Complaint Form F 100-505-000.

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