5 Mistakes to Avoid with DOL Apprenticeship Regulations

Apprenticeship Programs are a winning alternative for apprentices seeking a successful career and employers looking to fill their talent needs. However, one common roadblock to success is failure to comply with U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) regulations.

The USDOL Office of Apprenticeship provides the framework for what Apprenticeship Programs are, how employers can establish them, and how individuals can apply to become apprentices. All Registered Apprenticeships must adhere to this framework when creating their Standards for Apprenticeship guidelines from the get-go, and stay compliant throughout the duration of the program.

When it comes to Apprenticeship compliance, the following mistakes are easy to make if you don’t fully understand what to have on your radar.

Apprenticeship Regulations and Compliance: What You Need to Know

Just as every sport comes with rules and regulations, so do Apprenticeships. These mandates come from the USDOL and State Apprenticeship Agencies, helping Apprenticeship Programs function well so employers and apprentices succeed. 

The same rules meant to guide programs to success are also among the most difficult parts of launching an Apprenticeship Program. However, with know-how and guidance, following the rules isn’t as complicated as it appears. A Registered Apprenticeship Program is set up for success when all stakeholders are on the same page.

The first step in complying with Registered Apprenticeship regulations is for employers to register their Apprenticeship Program with the USDOL or State Apprenticeship Agency. Employers must make sure their Apprenticeship Program meets the following requirements before registering.

• Equal Opportunities for All. The Apprenticeship Program must not discriminate against applicants based on age, color, disability, race, religion, or sex. 
• Select the Players. How will you choose the apprentices on your team? There should be defined requirements for entry into the Apprenticeship Program.
• Top Training. Just as athletes train, so must apprentices. Every Apprenticeship Program must teach apprentices the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
• Pick Partners. Community colleges and other educational institutions can design curriculum and deliver education that supports the goals of the Apprenticeship.
• Keep Score. Keeping accurate records of all training and instruction, records of the hours worked, and the wages apprentices earn helps keep Apprenticeship Programs on track.
• Safety First. Comply with all applicable federal and state safety standards and OSHA regulations. 
• Make it Pay. Your Apprenticeship Program should pay wages that are equal to or exceed the minimum wage and increase as apprentices progress through the Apprenticeship Program.
• Supervise and Coach. Appoint individuals to supervise and mentor apprentices to ensure they master the skills the occupation demands. Make sure apprentices receive proper training and mentorship by specifying the ratio of journey workers to apprentices.
• Structure the Approach. Every Apprenticeship Program needs a framework that defines program duration and the skills apprentices will acquire as they move through it.

Employers also need to comply with requirements set by state Apprenticeship agencies, which may differ from federal requirements. Guidance and best practices from the USDOL will help your Apprenticeship Program comply with all federal and state mandates.

Five Mistakes to Avoid When it Comes to DOL Apprenticeship Regulations

Mistakes can cost you your Registered Apprenticeship Program. Depending on the problem, your program can lose USDOL registration, state and federal funding, and its reputation and respect. You can stay in compliance with USDOL Apprenticeship regulations by keeping these seven potential mistakes in mind.

1. Failure to train. All Apprenticeship Programs must provide training and instruction to ensure apprentices acquire the skills and knowledge required by the occupation.
2. Missing records. As an Apprenticeship Program Sponsor, you must show that the Apprenticeship Program complies with all USDOL regulations. USDOL requires Sponsors to keep records about the Apprenticeship Program and apprentices, including on-the-job training and instruction, wage progression, and more. 
3. Skipping safety. The USDOL requires all Apprenticeship Programs to meet federal and state safety standards.
4. Setting and sticking to a wage scale. To comply with USDOL regulations, your Apprenticeship Program must pay apprentices minimum wage and provide a progressive wage scale that reflects newly acquired skills.
5. Neglecting supervision. There is no way to know if apprentices are mastering appropriate skills if no one is watching. Every Apprenticeship Program must provide supervision and mentorship to keep apprentices on a path to success.

Standards of Apprenticeship Lay the Groundwork for Success

Meeting all rules and regulations can seem overwhelming, but the USDOL makes it easy by requiring employers to register documents called the Standards of Apprenticeship.

These legally binding documents outline every component of your Registered Apprenticeship Program and are signed by both the employer and the apprentice. Your Apprenticeship Program will comply with federal and state regulations when you prepare and follow this document correctly. 

The USDOL outlines 28 sections in the Standards of Apprenticeship to follow. Understanding this framework and building a program that both meets regulations and is something you can adhere to sets you up for success. Utilizing an Apprenticeship software management tool makes compliance much easier.

Related Content: What are Registered Apprenticeship Standards?

Takeaway: Play by the Rules for a Thriving Apprenticeship Program

A Registered Apprenticeship Program is a successful strategy for today’s skilled labor shortage. But it’s vital to follow the rules to set your program up for long-term gain. 

This process can seem overwhelming, but it boils down to four key steps.

1. Register the program with the USDOL and appropriate State Apprenticeship organizations.
2. Develop Standards of Apprenticeship that hit all rules and regulations.
3. Follow the Standards of Apprenticeship for the long term.
4. Keep accurate records that track the Apprenticeship Program and apprentices. 

When you combine compliance with processes and systems designed to support your Apprenticeship Program, everyone wins. Employers develop a skilled workforce and apprentices journey toward a long-term and well-paying career.