The U.S. skilled-labor crisis looms large: 10+ million unfilled jobs in manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and construction drain billions from the economy. This stems from fragmented education, training, and employer systems blocking pathways. As deans, program directors, and WDB leaders, you bridge these via registered apprenticeship programs (RAPs)—"earn-and-learn" blends of OJT and RTI, with rising wages, WIOA compliance, and credential paths boosting completions and funding.

Both Craft and GoSprout 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.

GoSprout: The Mobile-First Digitizer

GoSprout focuses on mobile-first apprenticeship management with gamified experiences modeled after apps like Duolingo. Their strength lies in digitizing large-scale programs and providing real-time sentiment analysis across the apprenticeship lifecycle.

Mission: End-to-end ecosystem management through mobile-first technology.

Key Evidence: GoSprout customers report retention rates up to 82% versus the national average of 30%, with successful implementations at enterprise clients like United Airlines and Volvo Trucks.

Who Is Each Platform For?

Craft: The Versatile Choice for Modern WBL Leaders

Craft has evolved beyond traditional education boundaries to become the premier platform for any Work-Based Learning (WBL) initiative. It's designed for organizations ready to scale compliant, impactful programs across diverse sectors. Here's who thrives with Craft:

• WDBs and Intermediaries: Perfect for managing multi-employer networks, tracking WIOA outcomes, and unlocking funding with seamless reporting—delivering 95%+ completion rates and millions in investments.
• Employers and Sponsors in Any Industry: Ideal for building customized OJT/RTI pathways in manufacturing, healthcare, IT, or beyond, with free access, AutoReg automation, and unlimited support to minimize admin burdens.
• State Agencies and Policy Makers: Essential for cross-system alignment, real-time analytics, and compliance that drives policy—empowering scalable WBL ecosystems without cost barriers.
• Training Providers Across WBL Models: Suited for apprenticeships, internships, clinical, or hybrid programs needing learner-centered tools, granular tracking, and expert guidance for sustainable growth.

With its no-cost foundation, AI-driven compliance, and proven ROI, Craft is the strategic partner for forward-thinking leaders transforming WBL into high-reward career engines.

GoSprout: Focused on Employer-Centric Mobile Management

GoSprout remains rooted in mobile-first digitization, best fitting specific enterprise needs. It serves:

• Large-Scale Employers: Great for companies like airlines or manufacturers needing quick mobile tracking and gamified retention in fast-paced environments.
• Sponsors Prioritizing Engagement: Suitable for those emphasizing sentiment analysis and mobile alerts over broad WBL integration.
• RTI-Focused Providers: Works for educators handling multi-partner logistics, though limited in free access and advanced compliance automation.

While solid for retention metrics in dynamic fields, GoSprout suits those comfortable with per-learner fees and less emphasis on educational or policy alignment.