Thinking about an apprenticeship but drowning in acronyms? You're not alone. Workforce development is full of jargon that can make anyone's head spin. This glossary breaks down 17 essential terms so you can confidently navigate conversations about apprenticeships and work-based learning.
Phase 1: Before You Start – Understanding Your Options
When exploring apprenticeships, start here:
Apprentice: An individual enrolled in a RAP, receiving paid training on the job and classroom instruction to build industry skills.
RAP (Registered Apprenticeship Program): A formal training program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency combining paid on-the-job training with related technical instruction. This is the gold standard—DOL-certified and nationally recognized.
IRAP (Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Program): Industry-led programs that were stopped under the previous administration due to lack of organized oversight. This model may return under future policy.
Pre-Apprenticeship: A structured pathway that prepares students for entry into a RAP. Must include work exposure, aligned curriculum, and a direct link to a RAP sponsor.
SAA (State Apprenticeship Agency): A state-level body that registers and oversees apprenticeship programs in states with their own systems.
OA (Office of Apprenticeship): A U.S. Department of Labor office that manages apprenticeship registration in states without an SAA.
Your takeaway: Look for RAP certification from DOL or your state agency—that's how you know a program is legitimate.
Phase 2: Getting Started – How Programs Are Structured
Understanding program structure:
RAP Sponsor: The entity that takes responsibility for the administration and operation of the RAP. This can be an employer, joint labor-management organization, educational institution, or third-party intermediary.
GNJ (Group non-Joint): Multiple employers can sign under a single sponsor, sharing apprentices and resources.
INJ (Individual non-Joint): A single employer sponsor that runs their program internally.
OJL (On-the-Job Learning) or OJT (On-the-Job Training): Supervised, hands-on training at a real workplace. Must total at least 2,000 hours in a RAP.
RTI (Related Technical Instruction): The educational or classroom component of a RAP that supports technical skills needed for the occupation. Can be delivered in person or online, often fulfilled by CTE courses or dual enrollment programs.
Your takeaway: Expect at least 2,000 hours of workplace training plus classroom instruction—that's your commitment.
Phase 3: During Your Apprenticeship – How You'll Learn & Advance
Once you're enrolled:
Time-Based Model: Apprentices complete a predetermined number of hours of OJT and RTI (for example, 2,000 OJT hours + 144 RTI hours per year).
CBE (Competency-Based Education) or Competency-Based Model: A learning model that focuses on demonstrated skill mastery rather than seat time or course completion.
Wage Progression: Apprentices must receive wage increases as they gain skills or complete program benchmarks, often tied to a percentage of the journeyworker rate.
ATR (Apprenticeship Training Representative): The Department of Labor employee who is responsible for approving apprentices in RAPIDS and audits sponsor programs. Each state has at least one ATR.
Stackable Credentials: A series of short-term credentials that build toward a larger certification, degree, or license.
CPL (Credit for Prior Learning): A way to award college credit for skills or knowledge gained through work, certifications, or life experience.
Your takeaway: You'll hit milestones tied to skill mastery and wage increases, with clear tracking and regular evaluations.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Now that you speak the language, it's time to turn knowledge into action. Download the free Craft Apprenticeship Masterclass Playbook—your complete guide to launching or joining an apprenticeship program. Inside, you'll find step-by-step frameworks, planning templates, and real-world case studies that walk you through everything from program readiness to implementation.
Download the Free Masterclass Playbook
Whether you're an educator exploring apprenticeships for your students or someone ready to start your own apprenticeship journey, this workbook gives you the tools to move forward with confidence.
.png)