For Employers

Employers are at the foundation of every Registered Apprenticeship Program. Learn more about how to start an apprenticeship for your company.

Why apprentices?

A Registered Apprenticeships Program (RAP) is a proven strategy to develop a durable, skilled workforce for your business. Apprenticeships are simply a training method that combines paid On-the-job learning (OJL) with Related Technical Instruction (RTI). Most often, employers are already doing most of these activities when they hire new employees, but without the benefits of a Registered Apprenticeship Program.

Three Reasons: Retention, ROI, Recruiting Savings

• US Department of Labor data shows a 94% retention rate on apprenticeship programs.

• The same data shows that employers receive $1.47 in return for every $1.00 invented in an apprenticeship program.

• Registered apprenticeship programs are much less costly than a traditional recruiting strategy—with an average savings of $4,700 in hiring costs per-employee.

Action Steps:

  1. Identify the role or position you need to fill.

  2. Define the essential skills necessary to be successful in the job.

  3. Create an account to match with apprentice candidates

Benefits of a Registered Apprenticeship

  • Simple to start (+ easy to manage)

  • Hire quickly (and scale quickly)

  • Develop a skilled workforce specific to your company's needs

  • Access financial incentives from Federal and State agencies

  • Flexible and adaptable training options for your employees

  • Increase staff productivity

  • Increase employee retention and staff loyalty

  • Open a new talent pipeline (beyond traditional hiring strategies)

  • Capture internal knowledge and best practices (for future use)

  • Increase diversity (veterans, seniors, BIPOC, neurodiverse)

Approved Apprenticeship Roles

  • Office Operations Manager

  • Business Development Representative

  • Quality Assurance Developer/Analyst

  • Software Developer

  • Cloud Support Specialist

  • Web Developer

  • Front-End Application Developer

  • Network/IT Support Specialist

  • Help Desk Tier 1

  • Customer Success Manager

  • Data Analyst

  • Community Outreach Specialist

  • Project Management Specialist

  • Digital Marketing Specialist

  • Youth Activity Specialist

  • Archivist

  • Restaurant Manager

  • Product Manager

  • Cyber Security Specialist

  • Insurance Agent

  • Videographer 

  • Payroll Specialist

  • Landscape Designer

  • Circulation Specialist

  • Direct Support Professional

*Additional roles are in development for high-demand employment opportunities across multiple businesses and sectors.

FAQs

TOP FIVE QUESTIONS ABOUT STARTING AN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

  • YES!

  • The quality, duration, and effectiveness of internships vary widely. Some interns make substantive contributions to a company, others not so much. By contrast, an apprenticeship

  • No. In Tennessee, all employment is “at will,” and apprenticeship is no different. This means local employers are not required to hire their apprentice/s post-apprenticeship.

    That said, more than 90% of apprentices receive full-time employment offers at the end of their Registered Apprenticeship Program. Because apprenticeships are industry-driven and employer-led, the outcomes for job placement and retention are significantly higher than typical education-to-career pathways.

  • Yes. Contact us to find out what your options are!

Hear from Employers Hosting Apprentices

  • “Apprenticeship programs provide a structured approach to develop our manufacturing workforce. This is a proven strategy that benefits our employees and our company. Our apprenticeship programs allow us to develop a highly skilled and capable workforce to deliver safe reliable operations.”

    Eastman Chemical Company

  • “The benefits of our business are many… we are providing another way for employees to improve their skills and create a better life for themselves and their families. We are guaranteeing that we will be able to compete in a global economy for years to come because we are growing a skilled workforce to meet the ever-changing needs of a world-class metal stamping operation.

    NASG (North American Stamping Group, LLC)

  • “Statistics show that over 90% of apprentices continue employment after completing an apprenticeship, further minimizing cost with reduced turnover… one major benefit for Valmont is building a pipeline of skilled talent to meet current and future business needs amid a nation-wide shortage of skilled workers.”

    Valmont Industries, Inc.

How Apprenticeship Works for Sponsors/Employers