Apprenticeships / Trades

Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction to prepare workers for highly-skilled careers.

Workers benefit from apprenticeships by receiving a skills-based education that prepares them for good-paying jobs. Apprenticeship programs help employers recruit, build, and retain a highly-skilled workforce.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s role is to safeguard the welfare of apprentices, ensure equality of access to apprenticeship programs, and provide integrated employment and training information to apprenticeship sponsors and the local employment and training community.

The Office of Apprenticeship within the Employment and Training Administration can help both employees and employers get started with apprenticeship. Information is also available by subscribing to the Office of Apprenticeship's email newsletter.

Virginia Department of Labor and Industry

It is the mission of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industryto make Virginia a better place in which to work, live, and conduct business. We will achieve this goal by promoting safe, healthful workplaces, best employment practices, job training opportunities through registered apprenticeship, the protection of children from hazardous employment, and safe operation of boiler and pressure vessels.

The Registered Apprenticeship section offers information on:

  • Active Virginia Occupations

  • Finding a Sponsor near you

  • Job postings

  • Youth registered apprenticeship information

  • Community and four-year colleges that offer apprenticeship programs

  • Approved online instruction programs

  • List of private providers

Related Webpages

  • Apprenticeship.gov
    The Department of Labor’s one-stop platform to connect job seekers, job creators, training providers, parents, teachers, and federal and local workforce agencies with information and resources to learn more about apprenticeships, how to establish apprenticeship program, and how to access open apprenticeship opportunities.

  • Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs
    An Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program (also known as IRAP) is a customizable model of apprenticeship that has been validated by a proven Standards Recognition Entity.

  • Office of Apprenticeship
    Provides information about apprenticeship for employers and employees that explains what apprenticeship programs are, how employers can establish apprenticeship programs, and how individuals can apply to become apprentices.