New York State Website

Registering an Apprenticeship Program

Registered apprenticeship is a formal training relationship between an employer and an employee for a specified period of time, during which the worker or apprentice learns a trade.

In addition to structured on-the-job training, the apprentice also participates in related instruction.  This instruction is often in a classroom, teaching the techniques of the trade and the theory, as well as tried and true methods and safety precautions.

The sponsor of an apprenticeship program plans, administers, and pays for the program. Apprenticeship programs and apprentices must be registered through the New York State Department of Labor.  The State Labor Department requires written agreements with the sponsor to establish a program.  Every apprentice must sign a written agreement with the sponsor.  This assures that all parties understand the commitment and ensures that the program will operate in accordance with apprenticeship standards, Federal regulations and state laws.

At the completion of training, all apprentices receive certificates of apprenticeship issued by the Department of Labor.

In order to start an apprenticeship program, an employer; group of employers or joint venture of employers and unions should contact the apprenticeship training representative (ATR) at one of the regional offices listed on this site. (See Contact Us at left) The ATR will schedule a meeting to review the requirements of the program and conduct an initial assessment of the position.

If the occupation meets the requirements or is already classified as apprenticeable,(see Active Trades at left) the ATR will guide the prospective sponsor through the application process.  This will include reviewing the minimum program standards or standards for joint apprenticeship programs and/or obtaining collective bargaining agreements and side letters.  The sponsor must also confirm that the State Education Department approves the related instruction.  The ATR will help coordinate this step with your designated local educational agency.

If you chose to establish an apprenticeship program you must submit an application containing all the required forms to officially register your program and apprentices with the New York State Department of Labor. Your ATR will help you prepare these forms and help develop your affirmative action/non-discrimination plan. The ATR will assure that your organization has the support in place to ensure successful training. This will include a facility inspection and may include interview with journey workers and outside worksite inspections.

Your responsibilities include:

  • Program
  • Recruit and select apprentices.
  • Provide skilled Journey workers to train apprentices.
  • Meet or exceed the area apprentice-to-journeyworker ratio requirements for the trade.
  • Evaluate apprentices’ prior trade experience and award appropriate credit toward program completion.
  • Ensure apprentices are properly trained and receive proper job rotation.
  • Ensure sufficient work to allow apprentices to complete their program.
  • Instruct apprentices in safe and healthful work practices.
  • Ensure that related instruction is available and accessible.
  • Evaluate the progress of all apprentices at least every six months.
  • Provide wage increases to apprentices in accordance with the agreed wage progression.
  • Notify the Department of Labor of any changes in your program or apprentices.

Administrative:

  • Maintain records, as advised by ATR and Sponsor’s Handbook.
  • Submit all program modifications, revisions or reports to the Department of Labor within 30 calendar days of the change.
  • Ensure apprentices are hired without any direct or indirect limitation, specification or discrimination as to race, color, religion, national origin, sex disability, marital status, age, arrest record or veteran status.
  • Follow and comply with all applicable statutes.
  • Post a copy of the EEO complaint procedure and assure that all apprentices are aware of its provisions.
  • Ensure training is provided in facilities and other environments that comply with applicable safety and health standards.

Other details available from your ATR.