The U.S. Labor Department has issued a final rule that will help expand apprenticeships by establishing a system for developing high-quality Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs.
Through IRAPs, individuals will be able to obtain workplace-relevant training and progressively advancing skills that result in an industry-recognized credential, all while getting paid for their work. An IRAP is developed or operated by trade and industry groups, corporations, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, unions, and joint labor-management organizations.
IRAPs will serve as a complement to the successful registered apprenticeship program that has been in place for over 80 years. The National Wood Flooring Association launched such a program last year. The final rule prohibits SREs from recognizing IRAPs in the construction sector, which has the greatest existing utilization of registered apprenticeship programs.
Third-party entities interested in evaluating and recognizing high-quality IRAPs consistent with the department’s standards should follow the process outlined in the final rule to become Standards Recognition Entities (SREs).
The final rule will be effective on May 11, and the department will begin accepting SRE applications through an online portal on that date. Before the rule goes into effect, entities will be able to consult with and receive technical assistance from the department about preparing their applications and can begin putting an application together so it is ready to submit as soon the rule is effective. For more information, please visit www.apprenticeship.gov.
