The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) quietly withdrew its proposed revisions to the nation’s registered apprenticeship programs on Nov. 27. The proposed regulations, introduced in December 2023, were criticized by employer groups as being overly burdensome with new record-keeping and administrative requirements, biased in favor of organized labor, and too focused on diversity goals.
We’ve rounded up articles and resources from SHRM and other outlets to provide more context on the news.
Burden to Small Employers
Detractors of the DOL proposal pushed back on the rule’s implementation of a time-based model for apprenticeship completion. The model would require apprentices to complete a certain number of hours on the job as well as in-classroom time, eliminating the option for apprenticeships to be completed by proven competency alone. Those opposed to the rule said that it would be especially burdensome for small employers, which may not have the resources to structure training programs the same way larger businesses would.
(HR Dive)
Tit for Tat
The Biden administration’s latest apprenticeship overhaul would likely not have withstood the incoming Trump administration’s regulatory review. Similarly, the DOL in 2022 rescinded the Trump administration’s industry-recognized apprenticeship program (IRAP) model that allowed employers and trade groups to create and oversee their own apprenticeship programs. Former President Trump’s IRAPs could now make a return.
IRAPs Drew Support, Criticism
The IRAP model was cheered by employer groups and Republicans for its emphasis on giving employers more flexibility in providing on-the-job training without the red tape of the registered apprenticeship process. But the initiative garnered significant criticism from worker advocates and Democrats, who worried that outsourcing oversight of the programs to third parties would undermine wage and employment protections.
(SHRM)
Workforce Development Overhaul Will Need Cooperation from All Stakeholders
Ensuring that the incoming generation of workers has the skills needed to thrive will require an updated workforce development system, stronger partnerships between industry and higher education, and the advancement of a skills-first continuous learning mindset.
(SHRM)
Apprenticeships, Career Pathways Can Fill Talent Pipeline
New approaches to apprenticeships are needed, a recent report stated. The Burning Glass Institute and Multiverse evaluated the potential scope of apprenticeships beyond traditional trade occupations and identified 425 occupations that typically don’t offer apprenticeships but have high potential to upskill workers for better jobs.
(SHRM)
SHRM Foundation’s HR Apprenticeships
To address talent skills gaps and workforce diversity needs, the SHRM Foundation has developed the Human Resource Registered Apprenticeship Program, made possible through a grant from the DOL to the Foundation.
This funding allows the Foundation to develop, implement, and sponsor registered apprenticeship programs, providing employers and apprentices with high-quality programs that meet national independent standards for quality and rigor. These programs may also qualify for federal or state financial resources.
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