If you're planning to launch a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), one of your first steps is understanding whether your state operates under a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) or the federal Office of Apprenticeship (OA). This distinction determines which agency you'll work with to register and oversee your program.
While the terminology might seem confusing at first, knowing your state's designation is straightforward—and essential for moving your program forward.
What Are SAA and OA?
The U.S. apprenticeship system operates through two types of oversight structures:
State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA): A state-level body that registers and oversees apprenticeship programs in SAA states. If your state has an SAA, you'll register your program and maintain compliance through this state agency.
Office of Apprenticeship (OA): A U.S. Department of Labor office that manages apprenticeship registration in states without an SAA. In OA states, the federal government directly handles program registration and oversight.
Both pathways lead to fully recognized Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Whether your state is SAA or OA, your program will meet the same federal standards—the difference is which agency manages your registration and compliance.
Why This Matters for Your Program
When you're ready to formalize your apprenticeship program, you'll need to know your state's SAA or OA status to connect with the right contacts and understand which registration system applies to your program. This information shapes your planning from the earliest stages.
As you develop your program structure, align curriculum with industry standards, and prepare documentation like your Appendix A (the program standards document required for DOL registration), you'll need to work with your appropriate oversight agency—either your state's SAA or the federal OA office.
How to Find Your State's Designation
The U.S. Department of Labor provides a straightforward tool to identify whether your state is SAA or OA:
SAA/OA State Lookup Tool: Visit https://www.apprenticeship.gov/about-us/apprenticeship-system to find your state's current designation and connect with the appropriate oversight agency.
This federal resource is regularly updated and provides the most reliable information about which agency manages apprenticeship programs in your location.
Understanding Related Terms
As you navigate the apprenticeship landscape, you'll encounter several key terms alongside SAA and OA:
RAP (Registered Apprenticeship Program): A formal training program approved by either the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) or a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA). RAPs combine paid on-the-job training with related technical instruction.
Appendix A: Part of the program standards documentation required for registering your RAP. This document outlines your program structure, competencies, and compliance framework.
IRAP (Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Program): These programs were stopped under the previous administration due to lack of organized oversight, as unions and industry leaders could approve their own programs. While this model may return, currently SAA and OA structures are the primary pathways for apprenticeship registration.
Next Steps
Understanding your state's SAA or OA designation is just the beginning of building a successful apprenticeship program. The complete process involves developing employer partnerships, creating competency frameworks, aligning curriculum, and establishing compliance systems—all while navigating federal and state requirements.
The Craft Apprenticeship Masterclass Playbook provides comprehensive guidance on every stage of this process, including:
- Step-by-step planning frameworks for building RAPs from CTE programs
- Partnership development templates and outreach tools
- 90-day roadmap for launching your pilot program
- Curriculum crosswalk tools and compliance checklists
- Comprehensive glossary of apprenticeship terminology
Download the Masterclass Playbook to access the full guide, templates, and resources that will help you move from planning to launching your registered apprenticeship program.
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