For Employers

Employers are at the foundation of every Registered Apprenticeship Program. Learn more about how to start an apprenticeship for your company.

Why apprentices?

A Registered Apprenticeships Program (RAP) is a proven strategy to develop a durable, skilled workforce for your business. Apprenticeships are simply a training method that combines paid On-the-job learning (OJL) with Related Technical Instruction (RTI). Most often, employers are already doing most of these activities when they hire new employees, but without the benefits of a Registered Apprenticeship Program.

Three Reasons: Retention, ROI, Recruiting Savings

• US Department of Labor data shows a 94% retention rate on apprenticeship programs.

• The same data shows that employers receive $1.47 in return for every $1.00 invented in an apprenticeship program.

• Registered apprenticeship programs are much less costly than a traditional recruiting strategy—with an average savings of $4,700 in hiring costs per-employee.

Action Steps

  1. Identify the role or position you need to fill.

  2. Define the essential skills necessary to be successful in the job.

  3. Contact us!

Benefits of a Registered Apprenticeship

  • Simple to start (+ easy to manage)

  • Hire quickly (and scale quickly)

  • Develop a skilled workforce specific to your company's needs

  • Access financial incentives from Federal and State agencies

  • Flexible and adaptable training options for your employees

  • Increase staff productivity

  • Increase employee retention and staff loyalty

  • Open a new talent pipeline (beyond traditional hiring strategies)

  • Capture internal knowledge and best practices (for future use)

  • Increase diversity (veterans, seniors, BIPOC, neurodiverse)

Approved Apprenticeship Roles

  • Office Operations Manager

  • Business Development Representative

  • Quality Assurance Developer/Analyst

  • Software Developer

  • Cloud Support Specialist

  • Web Developer

  • Front-End Application Developer

  • Network/IT Support Specialist

  • Help Desk Tier 1

  • Customer Success Manager

  • Data Analyst

  • Community Outreach Specialist

  • Project Management Specialist

  • Digital Marketing Specialist

  • Youth Activity Specialist

  • Archivist

  • Restaurant Manager

  • Product Manager

  • Cyber Security Specialist

  • Insurance Agent

  • Videographer 

  • Payroll Specialist

  • Landscape Designer

  • Circulation Specialist

  • Direct Support Professional

*Additional roles are in development for high-demand employment opportunities across multiple businesses and sectors.

FAQs

TOP FIVE QUESTIONS ABOUT STARTING AN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

  • YES!

  • The quality, duration, and effectiveness of internships vary widely. Some interns make substantive contributions to a company, others not so much. By contrast, an apprenticeship

  • No. In Tennessee, all employment is “at will,” and apprenticeship is no different. This means local employers are not required to hire their apprentice/s post-apprenticeship.

    That said, more than 90% of apprentices receive full-time employment offers at the end of their Registered Apprenticeship Program. Because apprenticeships are industry-driven and employer-led, the outcomes for job placement and retention are significantly higher than typical education-to-career pathways.

  • Yes. Contact us to find out what your options are!

Hear from Employers Hosting Apprentices

  • “Apprenticeship programs provide a structured approach to develop our manufacturing workforce. This is a proven strategy that benefits our employees and our company. Our apprenticeship programs allow us to develop a highly skilled and capable workforce to deliver safe reliable operations.”

    Eastman Chemical Company

  • “The benefits of our business are many… we are providing another way for employees to improve their skills and create a better life for themselves and their families. We are guaranteeing that we will be able to compete in a global economy for years to come because we are growing a skilled workforce to meet the ever-changing needs of a world-class metal stamping operation.

    NASG (North American Stamping Group, LLC)

  • “Statistics show that over 90% of apprentices continue employment after completing an apprenticeship, further minimizing cost with reduced turnover… one major benefit for Valmont is building a pipeline of skilled talent to meet current and future business needs amid a nation-wide shortage of skilled workers.”

    Valmont Industries, Inc.

How Apprenticeship Works for Sponsors/Employers