Administering a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is the responsibility of the sponsor and costs vary based on how the sponsor decides to provide training to the apprentices. For example, the sponsor could incur different costs by choosing to provide the Related Training Instruction in-house or by partnering with a local community college. Maintaining the program is also typically the responsibility of the sponsor, although Federal, state, and local offices that support economic expansion, as well as community partners, may choose to contribute funds to help reduce the sponsor’s cost.
Federal workforce development funds through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) may be used to offset costs and encourage more employers to invest in RAPs, and to prepare and support workers in RAPs. Although workforce development funds are limited, employers and RAPs may be eligible to receive these funds. Actual funding decisions are made at the state and local levels.
More specifically, workforce system resources from WIOA may be used to support key components of RAPs including:
Assistance with instructional training and tuition costs;
Support for on-the-job training expenses;
Assistance with support services; and
Assistance with recruitment.
Under WIOA, a RAP seeking funds to support participants in the related instruction component specifically must apply to be on the Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List. All RAPs are automatically eligible to be included on the relevant statewide ETP List and must be given the opportunity to consent to their inclusion.