The U.S. faces a skilled-labor crisis: 10+ million unfilled jobs across manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and construction drain billions from the economy. Fragmented systems block career pathways. As workforce leaders, you bridge gaps through registered apprenticeship programs—"earn-and-learn" models blending classroom instruction with on-the-job training, delivering rising wages, WIOA compliance, and credentials that boost completions and unlock funding.

Both Craft and Apprentix promise to revolutionize apprenticeship management, but only one delivers the comprehensive, compliance-first platform that transforms programs from administrative burdens into strategic workforce assets. After analyzing both platforms extensively, we've uncovered why decision-makers consistently choose Craft when program outcomes—not just program management—matter most.

Platform Overviews

Craft: The Comprehensive Workforce Development Platform

Craft connects education, training, and employment systems to close the gap between applied learning programs and workforce demands. Built specifically for educational institutions and workforce development boards, Craft serves as future-ready infrastructure designed for degree-bearing programs that demand more than surface-level tracking.

Mission: Revolutionary partnership between state, industry, and academia through a platform that centers learners, not just checklists.

Key Evidence: Michigan's teacher apprenticeship programs using Craft achieved 95%+ completion rates, with 65% becoming teachers in year one and unlocking over $78M in state funding.

Apprentix: The Basic Compliance Tool

Apprentix isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes—it’s built for organizations who want to run, grow, and improve their apprenticeship programs, whether they’re registered or not. The platform automates Department of Labor (DoL) compliance, but goes way beyond: you get easy onboarding, bulk management tools, and real-time dashboards for every user role.

Mission: Make apprenticeship management simple, scalable, and actually useful for sponsors, managers, and apprentices—not just compliance officers.

Key Challenge: Apprentix packs in a ton of features, which can feel overwhelming at first. But once you’re set up, the automation, reporting, and partner management tools save tons of time. Pricing starts at $3,000/year for unlimited users, with plans for multi-employer sponsors and compliance management.

Who is Each Platform for?

Craft: The Versatile Choice for Modern WBL Leaders

Craft is designed for organizations seeking a comprehensive approach to workforce development, particularly those integrating education and employment systems. It supports scalable programs with a focus on outcomes and collaboration.

• Educational institutions and RAP organizers need free, customizable tools for tracking and compliance.
• Workforce development boards (WDBs) align training with labor demand through real-time analytics.
• Multi-partner initiatives require secure data sharing and broad regulatory support.

Apprentix: Focused on Non-Union Shops

Apprentix targets contractors and sponsors needing efficient compliance management, especially for non-union shops handling DOL and IRA requirements. It suits straightforward setups focused on regulatory adherence.

• Small to medium contractors seeking affordable, guided apprenticeship tools with fractional sponsor options.
• Organizations in construction or renewable energy are prioritizing IRA compliance and rapid program launch.
• Employers want basic tracking without extensive customization or integrations.

Why Craft Stands Out: Key Advantages

• Free Access for Core Users: Eliminates financial barriers for educational and RAP organizations, allowing focus on program growth rather than costs.
• Automation: Tools like AutoReg streamline registration and onboarding, reducing manual effort for complex setups.
• Broad Compliance Coverage: Supports WIOA, Title IV, and more, making it versatile for funded programs beyond basic DOL needs.
• Real-Time Outcomes Tracking: Provides customizable analytics and learner feedback, helping demonstrate impact and secure funding.
• Scalable Integrations: Expanding LMS and employer links enable future-proof expansion, ideal for multi-stakeholder collaborations.

Customer Success: The Numbers Don't Lie

Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative: "Craft is our sole documentation tool for standards progress," notes a program manager who oversees 225 future teachers.

Key Metrics:

• 95%+ completion rates vs. industry average of 50-60%
• 65% employment rate within year one
• $78M+ in state funding unlocked through proper documentation
• Unified records eliminate data silos and audit issues

Why we think you'll be better with Craft

Craft's free, innovative tools and focus on integration position it well for programs aiming to scale and measure impact in 2025's evolving workforce landscape. While Apprentix serves compliance needs effectively, Craft's broader capabilities may better support long-term success and collaboration. Ultimately, for those prioritizing outcomes over basics, Craft offers a more comprehensive path forward.

Choosing between Craft and Apprentix depends on your program's focus—compliance, simplicity, or comprehensive development. Craft offers robust tools for outcomes and scalability, while Apprentix provides efficient basics for DOL needs.

The question isn't whether you can afford to choose Craft. It's whether you can afford not to.

Ready to see the difference? Book your demo today and discover why educational leaders choose Craft when outcomes matter most.