Apprenticeship is an arrangement that includes a paid-work component and an educational or instructional component, where individuals obtain workplace-relevant knowledge and skills.

Registered Apprenticeships are high-quality, work-based learning, and post-secondary, earn-and-learn models that meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor (or federally-recognized State Apprenticeship Agencies).

Registered Apprenticeship training is distinguished from other types of workplace training by several factors: (1) participants who are newly hired (or already employed) earn wages from employers during training; (2) programs must meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor (or federally-recognized State Apprenticeship Agencies); (3) programs provide on-the-job learning and job-related technical instruction; (4) on-the-job learning is conducted in the work setting under the direction of one or more of the employer’s personnel; and (5) training results in an industry-recognized credential.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship, works in conjunction with State Apprenticeship Agencies to administer the program nationally. These agencies are responsible for registering apprenticeship programs that meet federal and state standards; protecting the safety and welfare of apprentices; issuing nationally-recognized and portable Certificates of Completion of Apprenticeship to apprentices; promoting the development of new programs through marketing and technical assistance; assuring that all programs provide high-quality training; and assuring that all programs produce skilled and competent workers. In addition, a wide variety of stakeholders exist – including state organizations, industry associations, educational organizations (both secondary and post-secondary), workforce development organizations, economic development organizations, community-based organizations, and others. These stakeholders have a substantial interest in its success of registered apprenticeship.

The length of an apprenticeship program can vary depending on the employer, the complexity of the occupation, and the type of program. Registered Apprenticeship programs typically range from one year to six years. During the program, the apprentice receives both structured, on-the-job training and job-related education. For each year of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will normally receive 2,000 hours of on-the-job training, and a recommended minimum of 144 hours of related classroom instruction.

If you would like to meet with someone from the Mississippi Apprenticeship Program, please email apprenticesinfo@mdes.ms.gov or call 601-321-6000.