When designing apprenticeship programs, administrators must decide how to measure apprentice progress: through hours completed or skills demonstrated. Both time-based and competency-based models are recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, but they measure success differently. Understanding these approaches helps you structure programs that align with your goals and industry requirements.
Section 1: Understanding Time-Based Apprenticeships
Time-based apprenticeships measure progress through predetermined hours of training. In this model, apprentices complete a set number of on-the-job training (OJT) hours and related technical instruction (RTI) hours to reach program completion. A typical requirement might be 2,000 OJT hours plus 144 RTI hours per year.
This approach offers clear structure: apprentices, employers, and administrators know exactly how many hours are required for completion. Progress is tracked by logging training time, making compliance documentation straightforward. The model provides predictable timelines and familiar benchmarks that have been used successfully across registered apprenticeship programs for decades.
However, time-based models don't account for apprentices who learn at different speeds or bring prior experience to the program. The focus remains on time served rather than skills acquired.
Section 2: Exploring Competency-Based Apprenticeships
Competency-based education (CBE) focuses on demonstrated skill mastery rather than seat time or course completion. Instead of tracking how long apprentices train, this model assesses what they can actually do. Apprentices progress by demonstrating specific competencies through performance tasks and real-world skill assessments.
The competency-based approach recognizes that not all learners need the same amount of time to master a skill. It allows programs to assess real-world skills beyond academic knowledge, letting students progress once they demonstrate mastery rather than after completing a predetermined number of hours. Programs align learning outcomes to registered apprenticeship program (RAP) competencies or industry standards.
Implementing CBE requires shifting from traditional time-tracking to performance-based assessment. Programs need evaluation systems that can validate skill demonstrations consistently and document mastery for compliance purposes.
Section 3: Assessing Your Program's Readiness
Before choosing a model, evaluate your program's capacity using key readiness questions. Do you use performance tasks instead of seat time as evidence of learning? Can students progress once they demonstrate mastery rather than after completing a set timeline? Does your program assess real-world skills, not just academic knowledge? Are your learning outcomes aligned to RAP competencies or industry standards?
These questions help determine whether your program has the infrastructure to support competency-based approaches or should maintain time-based tracking. Many programs discover they're already doing some competency-based practices within their existing structure.
Choose the Right Model for Your Program
Time-based models offer predictable structures with clear hour requirements, while competency-based models focus on demonstrated skills and mastery. Both approaches serve valid purposes in apprenticeship program design.
Craft, a free apprenticeship data management platform, manages both models with automated compliance reporting, real-time dashboards, and audit-ready documentation. Whether tracking hours, validating competencies, or using hybrid approaches, Craft consolidates program data across manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors.
Schedule a demo to see how Craft helps apprenticeship administrators track progress, validate skills, and maintain compliance without manual spreadsheets. The platform's two-way feedback system keeps evaluators and apprentices connected throughout the learning journey.
Download the Craft Apprenticeship Masterclass Playbook for implementation checklists, readiness assessments, and step-by-step guidance on structuring apprenticeship-aligned programs.
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