Entities authorized by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to oversee and regulate Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) within their respective states. These agencies function under both state law and in coordination with the federal Office of Apprenticeship (OA) to ensure compliance with national standards. Key functions:
- Registration and Oversight - Register and monitor apprenticeship programs to ensure they meet the requirements of the National Apprenticeship Act and federal regulations (29 CFR Part 29 and 30).
- Standards Approval - Review and approve program standards such as the curriculum of apprenticeship programs, wage progression, and related instruction submitted by employers, labor unions, or training providers.
- Compliance and Equal Opportunity - Enforce rules around equal employment opportunity to include tracking whether programs are inclusive and fair, in line with federal anti-discrimination rules.
- Technical Assistance - Support program sponsors developing, expanding, or improving apprenticeship programs, including guidance on grant funding and partnerships.
- Coordination and Partnerships - Work with community colleges, workforce development boards, industry groups, and employers to align apprenticeship with the broader workforce goals in the state.
In federal apprenticeship states, the U.S. DOL’s Office of Apprenticeship handles registration and oversight directly. In SAA states, the state agency is recognized by the DOL and handles these functions independently under federal guidelines.
As of 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor recognizes SAAs in 29 states and territories: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.