WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Labor issued new federal guidance aimed at making it easier for employers and organizations to create Registered Apprenticeship programs, a workforce training model that combines paid job training with classroom instruction.
What This Means for You
- Faster Apprenticeship Approvals: Federal officials say program registrations should now be reviewed within 30 days.
- More Training Opportunities: The changes are intended to help expand apprenticeships across industries.
- Greater Transparency: New online tools will publish data on program performance and completion rates.
The guidance, issued by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, is intended to simplify how apprenticeship programs are registered and managed while creating more consistent rules across states.
Officials said the changes provide clearer instructions for organizations that sponsor apprenticeship programs and define the responsibilities of state apprenticeship agencies and advisory councils.
New Federal Guidance for Apprenticeship Programs
Registered Apprenticeship programs are workforce training programs in which participants earn wages while learning a skilled trade under the supervision of experienced workers.
Apprentices also receive technical instruction, often through community colleges or training providers.
The Labor Department said the new guidance aims to reduce administrative barriers that can slow the creation of new apprenticeship programs.
“We’re removing the administrative roadblocks that have prevented Registered Apprenticeship from scaling to meet demand,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer.
“As we work toward President Trump’s goal of 1 million active apprentices, the Department of Labor’s commitment to faster decisions, clearer standards, and greater flexibility will enable employers across all industries to launch high-quality Registered Apprenticeship programs and help more Americans access high-paying careers,” she said.
Four Policy Documents Issued
The Employment and Training Administration released four separate policy documents outlining the changes.
Circular 2026-01 provides updated guidance on how apprenticeship programs can be structured, including the three approved methods apprentices may use to complete their training.
Circular 2026-02 explains the roles and responsibilities of state apprenticeship agencies and state apprenticeship councils that help oversee programs.
Circular 2026-03 clarifies how apprenticeship completion rates are calculated and used to evaluate program quality.
Bulletin 2026-35 commits the Office of Apprenticeship to issuing final decisions on apprenticeship program registrations within 30 days after applications are submitted.
New Public Data Portal Launched
Alongside the guidance, the Labor Department also launched an online portal that will publish apprenticeship completion rates and other performance data.
Officials said the portal is intended to increase transparency in how apprenticeship programs operate and how quickly new programs are approved.
The agency also launched a webpage that tracks registration timelines and reports whether the government meets its 30-day decision target.
Part of Broader Workforce Strategy
Federal officials said the changes are part of a broader effort to expand apprenticeship training nationwide.
The Labor Department said the guidance supports President Donald J. Trump’s goal of reaching one million active apprentices, outlined in the executive order titled Preparing Americans for the High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future.
Officials say the goal is to increase access to skilled trade careers by making it easier for employers, unions, and training organizations to establish apprenticeship programs.
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