Registered apprenticeships are formal training programs approved by a government registration agency, such as the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. Because they are officially registered, they must follow federal standards for how the training is structured.

Registered Apprenticeships:

• Must meet requirements for on-the-job learning hours

• Require specific amounts of related classroom instruction

• Include progressive, structured wage increases

• Require qualified mentors or supervisors

• Lead to a nationally recognized apprenticeship credential

• Are monitored for quality and compliance

• Often qualify employers for grants, tax credits, or other incentives

• Involve more administrative work and less flexibility due to regulations

Completing a registered apprenticeship provides a portable, industry-recognized credential, but the program must adhere to established rules and reporting requirements.

Unregistered Apprenticeships

Unregistered apprenticeships are created and run entirely by employers or industry groups without seeking government approval. Their structure is defined solely by the organization offering the training.

Unregistered Apprenticeships:

• No required standards for training hours or instruction

• Highly flexible in length, content, and structure

• Can be changed or customized quickly to meet employer needs

• Do not result in a nationally recognized apprenticeship credential

• Do not typically provide access to government incentives

• Have no external oversight or quality monitoring

• Are easier and faster for employers to set up

These programs offer freedom and simplicity, but their quality varies and the credentials earned are not portable outside the employer or organization.

Summary of the Difference

Registered apprenticeships provide formal recognition, standardized training, oversight, and access to incentives, but with more structure and administrative requirements. Unregistered apprenticeships offer flexibility and low burden but lack official credentials, standardization, and external quality assurance.