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.
Quick Comparison
Company Overviews
Craft: The Compliance-First Revolutionary
Craft connects systems to close the gap between applied learning programs, higher education, and workforce demands. Built specifically for educational institutions and workforce development boards, Craft's platform 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.
Comparison details:
Pricing & Value: Craft's Transparent Advantage
Craft's Advantage: The free platform for educational institutions eliminates the biggest barrier to entry, while transparent add-on pricing means no surprises. GoSprout's employer-based, monthly fees can quickly escalate costs for large programs.
Program Creation & Onboarding
Both platforms support apprenticeship creation, but Craft's approach revolutionizes the process:
Craft's Superior Features:
- TurboTax-style workflow for new apprenticeship registration
- AI-assisted AutoReg add-on automates Appendix A and Form 671 creation
- Step-by-step wizard with AI-generated text and suggestions
- Live training calls with unlimited support in tailored setups
- Customized standards development via consulting services
GoSprout's Approach:
- Programs can create apprenticeships with or without templates
- Custom standards and requirements per program
- Application process configuration
- No mention of automated job description generation
Winner: Craft - The AutoReg add-on alone saves weeks of compliance paperwork, while AI assistance ensures programs launch faster and with fewer errors.
Registration & Compliance Automation
The Compliance Reality: While GoSprout handles "complex compliance and reporting," only Craft provides complete government form automation. When audit time comes, Craft users submit PDFs while competitors scramble with spreadsheets.
Program & Apprentice Management: Comprehensive vs. Mobile-First
Craft's Management Strengths:
- Rubric-based evaluation with progress milestones
- Two-way messaging between learners and mentors
- Self-reporting with verification and supporting documentation
- Custom reporting for funding, compliance, and audits
- Automated reminders and approval workflows
GoSprout's Management Approach:
- Mobile app for OJT hour tracking (gamified like Duolingo)
- Sentiment analysis captures dropout insights
- Automated workflows notify mentors of submissions
- Real-time review and feedback systems
- Consolidated dashboards for program sponsors
The Verdict: GoSprout's gamified mobile app drives engagement, but Craft's comprehensive tools for tracking and reporting make it the better choice for scalable management.
Mobile & Learner Experience: Different Philosophies, Both Effective
Winner: Tie - Both handle multi-employer scenarios well, with Craft better for workforce boards and GoSprout stronger for direct employer sponsors.
User Roles & Permissions: Comprehensive Security
Craft's Edge: The inclusion of regulators and workforce boards as distinct roles shows deeper understanding of apprenticeship ecosystems.
Reporting & Outcomes: Where Results Matter Most
Craft's Proven Results:
- 95%+ completion rates in Michigan teacher apprenticeships
- 65% become teachers in year one
- $78M+ in state funding unlocked
- 10+ admin hours saved per apprentice via automation
- Custom reporting for funding, compliance, and audits
GoSprout's Results:
- 82% retention vs. 30% national average
- 500,000 records digitized for Volvo Trucks
- Real accountability and progress monitoring
The Reality: Both platforms improve outcomes, but Craft's comprehensive approach to work-based learning, workforce development boards, and compliance-driven programs delivers higher completion rates and funding success.
Integrations & Expandability: Different Strengths
Craft excels with complex integrations for compliance-focused environments. GoSprout offers standard business connections, while Craft integrates government and educational systems essential for serious programs.
Support & Customer Experience: Craft's Unmatched Commitment
Craft's Decisive Advantage: The commitment to unlimited onboarding and training in tailored setups means programs actually succeed, not just launch.
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.
Why Craft Stands Out: Key Advantages
Craft's edge lies in its nonprofit roots, free access, and results-driven design—surpassing GoSprout's mobile focus for scalable WBL. Here's a concise breakdown:
- Nonprofit-Driven Free Access: Zero costs for public programs (unlimited users); eliminates barriers for WDBs/educators. Pros: Scales without budgets; fosters equity. Unlike GoSprout's fees, it unlocks adoption, yielding $78M+ funding.
- AutoReg Compliance Automation: AI auto-fills DOL forms (e.g., ETA-671); cuts admin by 10+ hours/apprentice. Pros: Error-free audits; WIOA/FERPA alignment. GoSprout alerts help, but Craft's integration prevents delays.
- Unlimited US-Based Support: Endless training/check-ins; white-glove migrations. Pros: Ensures success, not just setup. Outshines GoSprout's chat model for complex WBL.
- Proven High-Impact Outcomes: 95%+ completions; learner-focused analytics. Pros: Drives ROI like Michigan's teacher pipelines. Prioritizes growth over GoSprout's sentiment tools.
- Cross-System Innovation: Unites OJT/RTI/policy; rubric feedback pioneers unity. Pros: Transforms WBL into career engines, emphasizing accountability.
Customer Success: The Numbers Don't Lie
Michigan Case Study: "Craft is the only place we document standards progress," reports a program manager overseeing 225 new teachers entering the pipeline next year. The program achieved 95%+ completion rates while unlocking over $78M in state funding.
Key Metrics:
- 10+ hours saved per apprentice through automation
- Unified records eliminate data silos
- Real-time compliance prevents audit issues
- Scalable infrastructure supports program growth
Getting Started with Craft: Your Path Forward
Ready to transform your apprenticeship program from administrative burden to strategic asset? Here's how to begin:
Step 1: Experience the Platform
Book your personalized demo to see how Craft's compliance-first architecture works with your specific program requirements.
Step 2: Start Free
Access the full Craft Connect platform at no cost for educational institutions and registered apprenticeships. No credit card required, no user limits, no time restrictions.
Step 3: Scale with Confidence
Add AutoReg and consulting services as your program grows, with transparent pricing and unlimited support to ensure success.
Ready to get started?
- Platform Access: Start using Craft Connect free today
- Demo Booking: Schedule your personalized demonstration
- Contact: info@crafteducation.com | (801) 274-3280
Conclusion: The Choice Is Clear
When program outcomes matter more than engagement metrics, when compliance drives funding, and when learner success trumps administrative convenience, Craft emerges as the decisive choice for forward-thinking workforce development leaders.
GoSprout offers solid mobile-first management for enterprise programs, but Craft delivers the revolutionary partnership between education, industry, and government that modern apprenticeships demand. With proven results, unmatched support, and a platform that grows with your ambitions, Craft doesn't just manage apprenticeships—it transforms them into strategic workforce assets.
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.
