When building and implementing a registered apprenticeship program at your college, it is crucial to understand how state policies and legislation may influence program design and operations. One key factor to consider is the presence of right-to-work laws. In states with right-to-work legislation, workers cannot be required to join or maintain membership in a labor union as a condition of employment. While these laws do not directly affect the design or registration of a registered apprenticeship program, the level of union involvement in the program can significantly impact its structure and implementation.
Understanding Program Registration Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provides four standard registration pathways for apprenticeship programs, depending on the involvement of employers and intermediaries, such as labor unions:
- Individual, Non-Joint: This pathway applies to programs involving a single employer with no intermediary, such as a labor union.
- Group, Non-Joint: This option is used for programs involving multiple employers without an intermediary.
- Individual, Joint: Programs in this category involve a single employer and an intermediary, such as a labor union.
- Group, Joint: This pathway applies to programs with multiple employers and an intermediary.
The table below simplifies the determination process:
| Program Structure | No Intermediary | With Intermediary |
| Single Employer | Single Employer Program | Jointly-Managed Single Employer Program |
| Multiple Employers | Employer Consortia Program | Jointly Managed with Multiple Employers Program |
These federal pathways provide a framework for program registration, although specific requirements may vary in states with State Apprenticeship Agencies (SAAs). Colleges operating in SAA states should consult their state apprenticeship representatives for guidance before finalizing documentation.
The Role of Union Involvement
While your state’s position as a right-to-work or non-right-to-work state does not have direct impact on how you design your registered apprenticeship program, it does shape the involvement of unions. Registered apprentices are considered employees of their sponsoring employers, and in programs where apprentices are union members, the apprenticeship program will be classified as “jointly-managed.” In such cases, the union participates in both the registration process and program governance.
By understanding the nuances of state legislation and leveraging the appropriate registration pathways, colleges can effectively design and implement registered apprenticeship programs that align with their community needs and institutional goals.
Successful Stories and Promising Practices
- Colleges and promising practices in Right-To-Work States
- Colleges and promising practices in Non-Right-To-Work States
Other Resources
- opens in a new windowNational Conference of State Legislators Right-to-Work Resources
- Learn About Right-to-Work Lawsopens PDF file
- Right to Work – AFL-CIOopens PDF file