Apprenticeships

Developing Apprenticeship Programs

WorkingSolutions designs and develops effective and structured apprenticeship programs based on three approach options:

• The traditional time-based approach – Requiring minimum of 2000 hours of on-the-job training and related technical (knowledge-based) instruction
• The newly approved competency- based approach – Requiring the apprentice to demonstrate competency by successfully completing required on-the-job learning and related technical (knowledge-based) instruction without regard to time (Federal Register, Dept. of Labor/ETA, 29 CFR, Part 29.5)
• Or new “hybrid” approaches – Requiring the apprentice to successfully complete an established minimum of on-the-job learning and related or blended technical instruction hours to demonstrate competency in defined skill, trade or subject areas (Federal Register, Dept. of Labor/ETA, 29 CFR, Part 29.5)

“You can’t make a good part with a bad print” – That also applies when developing training, assessment and apprenticeship programs.  It’s all in the “design!”  Using proven models, techniques and methods, WorkingSolutions can assist you in designing, creating, developing and implementing an effective apprentice program (registered or not registered) to meet your needs and the needs of the apprentice.

Using job/skill analysis techniques, skill-based learning progressions, structured on-the-job training methods, valid competency assessments and/or credentials, skill standards and portfolios, and related knowledge & technical instruction, WorkingSolutions will design your program and weave related technical instruction (coursework), assessments and/or interim credentials into the fabric of your on-job, skill-based learning progression.  Related instruction can include traditional partnerships with an education institution and/or (as recently approved by the Department of Labor) electronic media such as on-line courses, CD/DVD media, distance learning or virtual class work.

Our systematic approach and development strategies provide a valid, defensible and ISO/TS compliant learning and doing program that creates more flexibility for apprentices and employers.  In addition, our program development design provides for increased and innovative choices and options to meet the needs of industries that have traditionally used Registered Apprenticeship programs, as well as connecting with the workforce demands of new and emerging industries.

For more information, contact Bruce Broman at 216-901-8800 or bbroman@pma.org.

Article also available on the Custom Roll Forming Institute website.