Registered Apprenticeship Programs

What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program?

A Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is a proven model of apprenticeship that has been validated by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. RAPs give employers the ability to access a diverse pool of talented potential employees who are prepared to step into entry-level management positions through obtaining paid-work experience, classroom instruction, and nationally recognized qualifications.

Thousands of manufacturers across the U.S. and among our global competitors use the Registered Apprenticeship training model to recruit, train, and retain workers with the right skills. Registered Apprenticeship has been the most effective training model for enhancing companies’ performance and competitiveness.


Through the Women in Manufacturing Association's® (WiM) partnership with Jobs for the Future, WiM Corporate Members, Chapters, and Individual Members have access to a streamlined way of building their own Registered Apprenticeship Program. Jobs for the Future works to connect interested corporations with the appropriate partner to carry out a successful and equitable Registered Apprenticeship Program by providing technical assistance in recruiting, retaining, and training women in manufacturing Registered Apprenticeship Programs.

 Inquire About bulding your own program! Interested in Joining a Registered Apprenticeship Program?


Best Practices Webinar Series

Throughout the year, Women in Manufacturing holds Best Practices webinars. Hear stories of successful programs, Tips and Tricks to starting a RAP, meet women who have gone through the apprenticeship program and so much more! 

Click here to view our Best Practices Webinar Series


Want to see more videos? Check out our RAP Virtual Library!


How Can Registered Apprenticeship Programs Help Companies?
  • Customize training to meet the company’s needs
  • Recruit and develop a diverse and highly- skilled workforce
  • Improve productivity, profitability, and the company’s bottom line
  • Reduce turnover, improve loyalty, and retain top talent
  • Demonstrate investment in the community
  • Create effective and efficient training practices
  • Upskill the company’s current workforce
  • Provide pathways for career advancement




Employer Benefits 
Employee Benefits 
  • Opportunity to invest in employees 
  • Improves retention and makes recruitment easier 
  • Ability to build a program tailored to your needs
  • Know what skills your employees are learning
  • Reduced costs
  • Marketing tool 
  • Know what skills and abilities are needed to progress 
  • Receive nationally recognized, portable certification
  • Learn new sills 
  • Culture of continuous learning

For further questions on Registered Apprenticeship Programs, contact Jen Amburn at jamburn@womeninmfg.org