Apprenticeship Training Representatives (ATRs) and Business Services Representatives (BSRs) are key in system alignment for Registered Apprenticeship (RA) and the workforce system. By collaborating, ATRs and BSRs can rapidly accelerate effective employer outreach and engagement in RA nationwide. While both ATRs and BSRs have their own unique set of responsibilities, the overlap in their respective roles related to employer engagement presents a natural opportunity to collaborate for accelerating industry’s understanding and adoption of RA to build talent pipelines which will, in turn, benefit job seekers who are served by Local Workforce Development Board case managers.

This “capstone” training session was the culmination of the first four sessions which were developed for each stakeholder group focused on educating each group on the other’s work. This session included interactive learning from workforce experts and features effective ATR and BSR partnerships.

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Broad and robust partnerships give value to expanding Registered Apprenticeships that ultimately help meet program outcomes and increase engagement with employers. Building on the knowledge gained from the first Apprentice Training Representative (ATR) session, this training included how to engage with Business Services Representatives (BSRs) to develop strategies for effective, collaborative outreach to industry in developing new and expanded Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs; promising practices for engaging with BSRs and other Local Workforce Development Board staff; and what successful collaboration between ATRs and the workforce system can look like.

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In cooperation with the USDOL’s Office of Apprenticeship (OA) and its Division of Indian and Native American Programs (DINAP), the Center of Excellence hosted a webinar series featuring Safal Partners, a U.S. DOL funded Cyber and Tech Industry Intermediary and Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program sponsors in Washington State. Presenters gave details about their RA programs and application process to professionals representing Native American jobseekers, Tribal college career centers, one-stops, and other workforce offices to show how to connect their workforce program participants and students to federally RA opportunities in the State of Washington.

Each webinar session consists of three different apprenticeship programs sharing their program’s occupations, application dates, application process, expectations, wages, cost, benefits, work/school location(s), and other pertinent details and includes a short Q&A period. This recruiting opportunity is designed to benefit Native American jobseekers and to bridge partnerships between RA programs and tribal organizations.

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This second Business Services Representatives’ (BSRs) training session featured how Registered Apprenticeship (RA) bolsters the success of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) business services, the RA System and the role of Apprenticeship Training Representatives (ATRs), and how to coordinate and collaborate with ATRs and Navigators.

RA is an ideal solution for many employers that are partners with workforce boards and American Job Centers. This online training explored innovative ways that apprenticeship ties in with WIOA business services. It also equipped participants to connect with and leverage the support of the apprenticeship system on behalf of employers.

By connecting intentionally and regularly with ATRs, WIOA business services can better engage employers, place candidates in well-paying RA employment, and increase positive WIOA performance metrics.

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Is your workforce board considering how to get started in adopting Registered Apprenticeship (RA) or supporting RA programs in your area? Have you taken a few first steps but wondering what a higher level of workforce/RA system alignment could look like? The Center created a draft tool designed to help boards visualize "levels" of RA alignment and self-assess their current alignment status. This special interactive session shared the draft tool and walks through the proposed "levels" of alignment, including indicators and next steps.

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The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) provided an opportunity for the public workforce system to come together to ensure that we build an economy that works for all. The ETA Vision 2030 convening was an opportunity to highlight and uplift existing programs, build partnerships and break down silos, catalyze success by scaling up together, and create strategic plans to meet the needs of the future. 

The Center presented, Effectively Leveraging Partnerships; Tools to Expand Registered Apprenticeship (RA), providing a step-by-step model on how to effectively leverage partnerships and tools to expand RA through system alignment, outreach and education, and system building.

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2023 ApprenticeshipPA brought together industry, education, workforce, and stakeholders across Pennsylvania that wanted to strengthen apprenticeship employment and work-based models of training and development.

The Center presented, U.S. DOL Registered Apprenticeship Technical Assistance Center of Excellence Strategic Partnerships and Systems Alignment. This presentation provided an overview of knowledge gaps based on the results of the Registered Apprenticeship baseline knowledge report, as well as discussing system alignment tools, and how to leverage the services provided by the Center of Excellence.

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Center partner, the California Workforce Association, held their national workforce development conference, Meeting of the Minds, focusing on training, growth, and America’s economic future. CWA's Meeting of the Minds is where national and local leaders, workforce boards, policymakers, and business partners come together for a convening dedicated to advancing workforce development as a key driver of economic progress.

The Center held an interactive session, Keys to Effective Apprenticeship Partnerships, providing background information on Registered Apprenticeship and key stakeholders, as well as covering information on what is required to make an Registered Apprenticeship programs effective.

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This webinar provided assistance for workforce development boards regarding becoming a Registered Apprenticeship (RA) sponsor.

Safal Partners and FASTPORT subject matter experts spoke about how workforce development boards can help a business start a Registered Apprenticeship and become a sponsor. Additionally, current sponsors from workforce development shared their expertise in becoming a sponsor.

Participants heard how organizations made the decision to become an RA sponsor, best practices for engaging all stakeholders in the process, and the pros and cons of becoming an RA sponsor.

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Katie Adams, Chief Delivery Officer, and Melissa Aguilar-Southard, Director and Subject Matter Expert, from Safal Partners presented on behalf of the Center at the National Association of Workforce Development national conference. This presentation strengthened participants' knowledge of Registered Apprenticeship by providing some insight, basic apprenticeship information, and actionable next steps to move forward. Katie and Melissa pointed out four major knowledge gaps from a recent Workforce System Registered Apprenticeship Baseline Knowledge Assessment Report including funding support through co-enrollment and sharing knowledge about Registered Apprenticeship.

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