Wireless Infrastructure Apprenticeship Access Initiative (WIAAI) Consortium

Top 5 Benefits of Registered Apprenticeship for Businesses

1) Reliable Pipeline: RA creates a reliable pipeline of skilled talent for specific business needs. In particular, the on-the-job training feature of RA ensures that the apprentice is trained for the specific skills that are needed and desired by the employer.

2) Recruitment and Retention: The RA model improves recruitment and, therefore, retention by enabling businesses to overcome recruitment challenges while at the same time achieving a higher retention rate at the end of the program by having a “trial run” with the prospect.

3) Industry Recognition and Commitment: Participation in RA enables businesses to be recognized in the industry and sets than apart from competition. Also, it reinforces their commitment to help improve American workforce.

4) Improves Global Competitiveness: RA strengthens the capacity of employers to compete in the global economy. Also, RA provides a unique platform to retain specialized job skills training. Many skills required for some unique occupations cannot be taught in the classroom and could become obsolete if RA model is not available.

5) Diversity Commitment: RA gives the employer a sense of belonging in an elite network of employers/businesses/industries who value the importance of investing in local and diverse workforce.

Value of Registering an Apprenticeship Program with DOL

1) Apprenticeships increase staff loyalty and retention: Apprenticeships encourage employees to think of their job as a career and to stay with the company for a longer period of time.

2) Apprenticeships free up existing staff time: As a business grows, existing staff often find their time is taken up by smaller task which could be delegated to an apprentice. This allows the apprentice to learn and assume more responsibility. Existing staff is then free to focus on key areas of their work.

3) Apprenticeships demonstrate a positive approach to Corporate Social Responsibility: A company that is willing to invest in people by supporting apprenticeships demonstrates a clear commitment to corporate social responsibility goals which is good for attracting both customers and future high-quality staff.

4) Standardizes Job Requirements: Defining occupations through DOL’s guideline helps standardize the job requirements for positions common across multiple industries.

How can Registered Apprenticeship help employers increase diversity in their workplace?

1) Connects Jobs and Communities: RA helps employers to increase overall diversity by connecting local communities with jobs that are unique to their geographic region which they understand better.

2) Facilitates Partnerships: RA helps employers to improve diversity in their workforce by partnering with Equity Partners like the National Urban League, which has affiliates located nationwide, and promoting the RA programs through their regional centers.

3) Pipeline of Diverse Candidates: Most employers have their own goals for diversity and inclusion, but they are not able to reach the numbers due to lack of qualified candidates. RA provides a unique opportunity to hire from a diverse talent pool, and train them through RTI and on-the-job training, increasing the likelihood that they will meet their diversity goals.

Other benefits of Registered Apprenticeship (for States, job seekers etc):

1) Lowers Unemployment: RA lowers the unemployment rate (county and state level)

2) Increases Median Salary and Tax Revenue: RA increases the median salary for the region (and in return increases tax revenue for local government)