I am an Employer/Sponsor looking to register new apprentices/pre-apprentices, perform program maintenance, or make changes

Registered Apprenticeship

Sponsors are required to complete and submit to the ATO an Apprentice Agreement for every new apprentice that is registered in your program. Sponsors are also required to upload this information in the Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Data System (RAPIDS), the federal system of record for apprenticeship programs. Detailed guides on how to use the RAPIDS system are available below. Your ATR can also provide technical assistance if you run into trouble.

Pre-Apprenticeship

Sponsors are required to complete and keep on file a Pre-Apprentice Agreement for every new pre-apprentice that is registered in your program, but are not required to submit this information to the Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO). Periodically the ATO may request pre-apprentice start and completion data as well as specific information in regards to employment outcomes.

Resources

Apprentice Agreement Template
This template should be used for registering new apprentices.
Pre-Apprentice Agreement Template
This template should be used for registering new pre-apprentices.
Employer Application Form- Group-sponsored Programs
The Employer Application Form provides group sponsors with additional details about companies wishing to join their programs. Employers applying to join a group-sponsored apprenticeship program could be asked to complete and return this application to the group sponsor.
Journeyworkers and Mentorship in Apprenticeship Quick Guide
This is a fact sheet for employers and sponsors that defines what a journeyworker is and how to determine who can be a joourneyworker for ratio purposes. Additionally, this guide discusses the key part that effective journeywork mentorship plays in apprenticeship and provides suggestions on mentoring best practices.
Apprenticeship & Training Committee (ATC/JATC) Information Form
Apprenticeship and Training Committees (ATCs) provide structure and oversite for apprenticeship initiatives and are recommended for all programs. For employers with employees represented by a bona fide collective bargaining agent(s), the sponsor must establish a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) to carry out the responsibilities and duties required of a program sponsor. This document is for sponsor use and acts as a record of committee membership and other meeting details.
Registered Apprenticeship Change Request Form
This form is used to notify the ATO of any changes administrative or otherwise to your Registered Apprenticeship program, such as adding or removing competency categories in your Work Process or changes in your RTI courses or provider.
Pre-Apprenticeship Change Request Form
This form is used to notify the ATO of any changes administrative or otherwise to your Registered Pre-apprenticeship program, such as adding or removing competency categories in your hands-on-learning overview or changes in your curriculum.
Rapids Video Series 1: Logging into Rapids and Accessing User Guides
This video shows sponsors how to set up their user account and access useful written user guides on how to complete different functions within the DOL Rapids system for PA Registered Apprenticeship Programs. For more information contact Apprenticeship@pa.gov.
Rapids Video Series 2: Verifying Program Information
This video shows sponsors how to verify their program information is entered correctly into the DOL Rapids system upon approval and registration of a PA Registered Apprenticeship program. For more information contact Apprenticeship@pa.gov.
Rapids Video Series 3: Registration, Cancellation and Suspension of Apprentices
This video shows sponsors how to register, cancel or suspend an apprentice associated to their PA Registered Apprenticeship program within the DOL Rapids system. For more information contact Apprenticeship@pa.gov.
Rapids Video Series 4: Adding Employer and Employer Agreements
This video shows sponsors how to add and update employers and employer agreements within the DOL Rapids system. For more information contact Apprenticeship@pa.gov.
Rapids Video Series 5: Adding RTI Providers
This video shows sponsors how to add and update Related Technical Institute (RTI) providers into the DOL Rapids system for PA Registered Apprenticeship Programs. For more information contact Apprenticeship@pa.gov.
Rapids Video Series 6: Adding Wage Schedules
This video shows sponsors how to add and update Wage Schedules into the DOL Rapids system for PA Registered Apprenticeship Programs. For more information contact Apprenticeship@pa.gov.
Rapids Video Series 7: Updating Journey Worker Count
This video shows sponsors how to update Journey Worker Counts into the DOL Rapids system for PA Registered Apprenticeship Programs. For more information contact Apprenticeship@pa.gov.
Rapids Video Series 8: Updating Apprentice Information and Generating 671
This video shows sponsors how to update Apprentice Information and Generate a 671 Apprentice Agreement and Prevailing Wage form in the DOL Rapids system for PA Registered Apprenticeship Programs. For more information contact Apprenticeship@pa.gov.
Rapids Video Series 9: Completing an Apprentice
This video shows sponsors how to complete an apprentice in the DOL Rapids system for PA Registered Apprenticeship Program upon completion of their program. For more information contact Apprenticeship@pa.gov.
Sponsor Recruitment Survey
Sponsor recruitment survey is a survey for Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors to complete and provide recruitment information on their apprenticeship program. This is a resource for Workforce Development Staff to utilize on helping job seekers across the Commonwealth on which programs are actively recruiting and how to assist the job seekers on the application process for entry into an apprenticeship program.
Understanding the Affirmative Action Plan Builder
This demonstration video provides an overview of the Affirmative Action Builder. Sponsors are required to develop Affirmative Action Plans if they 1) have 5 or more apprentices and 2) do not already have an approved EEO plan in place. For more information on AAP requirements, please visit apprenticeship.gov/help/what-affirmative-action-program.
Developing Affirmative Action Programs and Plans: A Guide for Registered Program Sponsors
An Affirmative Action Program establishes the specific steps sponsors will take to ensure all qualified applicants and apprentices receive equal opportunity to be selected for – and succeed in – Registered Apprenticeship Programs. This document provides sponsors with information on how to prepare to write an Affirmative Action Plan.

Funding Opportunities

Registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships have access to a growing number of federal and state funding programs that can support your training, including the GI Bill (which provides supplemental support to veterans engaged in apprenticeship), Pell Grants (which can cover the cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies) and the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (which may provide wage reimbursements to the employers or wrap around services for apprentices). The PA Department of Labor & Industry also makes supports apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs through its PAsmart and Apprenticeship State Expansion (ASE) funding initiatives. Please refer to the resources below for the latest opportunities.

Resources

Funding for Apprenticeships- Quick Guide
Provides an overview of funding resources available for apprenticeship programs in PA.
Federal Resources Playbook for Registered Apprenticeship
This quick guide provides information for companies, employers, labor, apprenticeship sponsors, educators, workforce professionals, intermediaries and community-based organizations on using Federal funds and resources to support registered apprenticeship.

Find Your Local Office