Apprenticeship Training Program for Administrators & Local Education Agencies
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Overview
Apprenticeship training is designed to prepare and train individuals for careers in the skilled trades and crafts. Apprenticeship combines on-the-job training supervised by experienced journeyworkers with job-related classroom instruction in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly-skilled occupation.
Apprenticeship training programs are sponsored by joint employer and labor groups, individual employers, or employer associations. An apprenticeship training program seeking funding from Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) must be under the direction of an apprenticeship committee consisting of sponsor representatives.
The purpose of the TWC’s apprenticeship training program is to stimulate and assist industry in developing and improving apprenticeship and other training programs designed to provide the skilled workers needed to compete in a global economy.
TWC Funding Role
As authorized in Texas Education Code, Chapter 133, TWC provides funds to local education agencies (LEAs) and apprenticeship committees to support the costs of job-related classroom instruction in registered apprenticeship training programs. Registered apprenticeship training programs must partner with with an LEA or their own apprenticeship committee, which act as fiscal agents for ATP funds. The LEA and the apprenticeship committee are the funding link between the registered apprenticeship training program and TWC.
To qualify for funds, apprenticeship training programs and apprentices must be registered with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Apprenticeship.
If you are an employer, local education agency, or registered apprenticeship training program seeking information regarding funding for job-related classroom instruction, contact the Texas Workforce Commission at apprenticeship@twc.texas.gov.
Registered Apprenticeship Training Programs
Apprenticeship programs deliver training to eligible apprentices who are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Apprenticeship and who are full-time, paid employees of partnering private-sector employers. Training programs identify training needs, deliver training, assess apprentices’ achievement of skills, and upon successful completion of apprenticeship training classes DOL Office of Apprenticeship issue certificates that are recognized nationally and often globally.
An information package explaining the processes for submitting the preliminary estimates form and an application may be obtained by contacting the TWC Apprenticeship Training Program staff at apprenticeshipATP@twc.texas.gov. The deadline for receipt of preliminary estimates forms for FY24 apprenticeship training programs is no later than Noon (C.S.T), Friday, June 30, 2023.
Registration and Standards
Registered apprenticeship is a well-established method for training and developing employees in industries that require professional knowledge and technical and mechanical skills. Examples of industries with apprenticeship include building trades, construction, manufacturing, millwrights and telecommunications.
The DOL Office of Apprenticeship registers apprenticeship training programs that meet specific standards of proven practices. The standards require that an apprentice participate in at least 2,000 hours of structured on-the-job training under the guidance of qualified journeyworkers, and a recommended minimum of 144 hours per year of job-related classroom instruction from a qualified training program. Apprentices start at entry-level wages and follow a progressive wage scale based on their progress.
For assistance in registering an apprenticeship training program with the DOL Office of Apprenticeship, please contact your State Office of Apprenticeship.
Additional Information
For additional information on Apprenticeship, see the following resources from the DOL:
