Apprenticeship is a workforce development strategy that trains a worker for a specific occupation using a structured combination of paid on-the-job training and related instruction. Apprenticeship is one of the oldest forms of training.

The largest federal role in supporting apprenticeships is the administration of the registered apprenticeship system, which dates back to 1937 with the passage of the Fitzgerald Act (known as the National Apprenticeship Act).

In this system, the federal Department of Labor (DOL) or a DOL-recognized state apprenticeship agency (SAA) is responsible for evaluating apprenticeship programs to determine if they are in compliance with federal regulations related to program design, worker protections, and other criteria. Programs that are in compliance are "registered" and apprentices who complete a registered program receive a nationally recognized credential.

Apprenticeship is limited to skilled occupations and trades that meet basic criteria. Apprenticeable occupations are: 1) customarily learned in a practical way through a structured, systematic program of on-the-job supervised training supplemented by related technical instruction; 2) clearly identified and commonly recognized throughout an industry; and 3) involve the acquisition of manual or technical skills and knowledge. There are currently over 950 occupations that have been recognized as apprenticeable, and occupations are continually being added to the list.

Registered apprenticeship programs represent an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential.

According to the US Department of Labor 94 percent of apprentices who complete an registered apprenticeship program retain employment, with an average annual salary of $80,000.

Download this fact sheet for an overview of registered apprenticeship programs.

Registered apprenticeship programs can serve as a valuable pathway for those seeking clean energy and climate careers, and for employers seeking to build their workforce. In 2023, there were 23,949 registered apprentices in the energy industry, a 44 percent increase over the past 5 years.

This website features resources for job seekers and employers who are interested in exploring apprenticeships. If you have suggestions for additional resources contact us at hello@greenjobs.net

Apprenticeships Benefit Employers

Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) are a proven solution for recruiting, training, and retaining world-class energy talent. In 2023, there were 23,949 registered apprentices in the energy industry, a 44 percent increase over the past 5 years.

For employers who invest in RAPs, the average return on investment is $1.47 for every $1 invested in an apprentice. RAPs strengthen workers’ trade skills and knowledge, which increases an organization’s productivity.

RAPs also reduce worker turnover. The three-year retention rate for registered apprentices is 89%. RAPs reduce recruiting costs for companies by building a pipeline of skilled workers to complete clean energy projects.

Companies can enhance diversity and inclusion in their workforce by recruiting from historically underrepresented groups into RAPs. Fostering diversity within an organization can help groups tackle problems creatively by bringing together people with a range of experiences.

RAPs are educational programs, so companies can teach how they value diversity and address issues like harassment early on. This can help workers from historically underrepresented groups feel welcome, increasing representation and retention of historically underrepresented workers.

How to Get Started

If you are a clean enery, green, or climate employer that is interested in offfering an apprenticeship there are organizations and resources that can assist you. These include:

• Interstate Renewable Energy Council - Provides free technical assistance and financial incentives to help clean energy and energy efficiency employers set up or join Registered Apprenticeship programs. Resources include the Apprenticeships in Clean Energy Network and Registered Apprenticeships Toolkit for Clean Energy Employers.
• Apprenticeship.gov - Contains many resources, including this collection for energy employers.
• US Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeships

IREC and the SEIA Release National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards for the Solar Industry

IREC and the Solar Energy Industries Association released new national guidelines for Registered Apprenticeship programs for the solar industry.

These guidelines provide a template that companies, educational institutions, associations, and labor unions can use to create high-quality apprenticeship programs that comply with federal regulations.

The new guidelines are for the U.S. Department of Labor-recognized Construction Craft Laborer apprenticeship occupation. Construction Craft Laborer apprentices working on solar projects perform mechanical tasks and assist other skilled tradespeople on a project site, including electricians, carpenters, ironworkers, and operating engineers.

You can download these guidelines here and learn how to launch an apprenticeship program by connecting with the Apprenticeships in Clean Energy (ACE) Network.

Fervo Energy, Southern Utah University, and Elemental Impact Launch Geothermal Apprenticeship Program

Fervo Energy, Southern Utah University, and Elemental Impact jointly announced the launch of the first geothermal apprenticeship program in the United States. This program will support oil and gas workers and Southwest Utah residents who are interested in joining the growing enhanced geothermal industry. Learn more in the video below.

Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative Launched with Goal of Training 1 Million Apprentices by 2035

The U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of 24 governors representing approximately 60 percent of the U.S. economy and 55 percent of the U.S. population, announced in September 2024 the launch of the Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative. The goals of this initiative are to grow career pathways in climate and clean energy fields, strengthen workforce diversity, and jointly train 1 million new registered apprentices by 2035 across the Alliance’s states and territories.

You can view a video of this announcement below and learn more here.