Registered Apprenticeship is a proven workforce development solution that is helping public service employers to recruit and develop well-trained workers in high-demand occupations.
Registered Apprenticeship can be used within existing pay systems to both up-skill the current workforce and to accelerate the productivity of new hires. Using standardized training curricula, which fit readily into existing agency training programs, public service employers can ensure their employees have a comprehensive understanding of both the practical and theoretical components of mission-critical occupations. Apprentices are provided with opportunities for structured on-the job training under the direction of an experienced mentor, incremental wage increases, related educational experience, industry-recognized credentials, and a path towards a definitive career path in public service.
Learn about the Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program for Veterans (CAPV) at the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
Learn about the NASA Langley Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Program from Apprentice Graduates
Public Service Apprenticeship Programs in Your Community
Momentum for public service apprenticeship is building in states and local communities. At the National Governors Association Winter Meeting (2026), Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt announced a new Governors Youth Apprenticeship Program, a multi-state initiative that places recent high school graduates in state agencies while they earn college credit — creating a direct pipeline of young talent into critical public sector roles.
At the local level, the City of Charlotte offers a proven municipal model, with dozens of active apprentices across numerous DOL-approved occupations spanning utilities, transit, aviation, fire, and solid waste. Launched in 2017 and scaled through centralized workforce leadership, the program has drawn replication interest from cities like San Antonio following site visits and staff exchanges.
Other states are developing public service apprenticeship programs as well, including Georgia and Maryland. These programs connect apprentices directly with state agency employers to build a career-ready public workforce. Together, these efforts reflect a growing national commitment to apprenticeship as a cornerstone of public service talent development.
Learn How Federal Agencies are Implementing Apprenticeship
There are over 60 Registered Apprenticeship programs in 10 agencies across the federal government with nearly 120,000 apprentices across multiple sectors including cybersecurity, manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, transportation, hospitality, and construction. Below are some federal agency partner examples.
Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
Learn how BOP uses Registered Apprenticeship to help inmates transition back into the workforce after incarceration.
The Department of War
The Department of War (DOW) has operated the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) for 50 years. USMAP is the largest Registered Apprenticeship program in the country with over 114,000 active duty service member apprentices. DOW recently launched their first civilian Registered Apprenticeship Program with a focus on cybersecurity.
Get your Federal Agency Apprenticeship Program Approved to Provide GI Bill Benefits
If you would like to formally register your program prior to seeking GI Bill approval, visit our Registered Apprenticeship Program page or use our Partner Finder to contact your nearest apprenticeship consultant.
Already registered your apprenticeship program? The next step is to seek GI Bill approval from Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs has a specific approval process for Federal Agency apprenticeship programs. Begin the process by clicking Here.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.