Case in Point: The Colorado Contractors Association, Inc. (CCA) has developed competency-based registered apprenticeship programs in the following areas: Carpentry, Cement Mason, Heavy Equipment Operator, Iron Worker, and Heavy Equipment/Truck Mechanic.  Competency-based training means that instead of a specified period of time over which job tasks must be practiced, the apprentice is judged on the basis of their skill and proficiency at a given task.  The purpose of the CCA Apprenticeship Program is to increase the number of skilled workers in the Heavy-Highway-Utility Construction Industry through formal apprenticeship training.  For more information, visit http://www.coloradocontractors.org/home/Members/Education/Apprenticeships/M
embers/ContentAreas/Apprenticeships.aspx?hkey=0ac3047c-fb43-4676-a475-dba3f
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Case In Point:  The U.S. Department of Labor recently revised the regulations governing the National Registered Apprenticeship System to modernize the system and ensure it remains a highly successful talent development strategy.  Previously, the regulations allowed only a time-based approach requiring the apprentice to complete 2,000 On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Related Technical Instruction (RTI) hours.  Now, program sponsors have three different pathways to choose from: the traditional, time-based approach; a competency-based approach, which requires successful demonstration of acquired skills and knowledge and an OJT component; and a hybrid approach, which requires the apprentice to complete a minimum number of OJT and RTI hours and demonstrate competency in defined subject areas.  The revision is intended to provide a variety of industries with greater flexibility and options for the development of talent using the apprenticeship system.  For more information visit http://www.doleta.gov/oa/regulations.cfm.

Case In Point: In partnership with the Department of Labor, the National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc. has developed a Competency-Based Apprenticeship System for use by the advanced manufacturing industry.  The goal was to transition from the traditional time-based system to a more flexible and efficient competency-based apprenticeship system.  Apprentices and employers both benefit from the new system.  Trainees are not restricted by a rigid set of hours and can demonstrate competence and advance at their own pace.  Employers can monitor and measure competency attainment rather than simply track time requirements.  Major accomplishments of the program include the identification of apprenticeable occupations, defined competencies required for each occupation, and the development of career paths within and across occupational areas.  For more information visit https://www.nims-skills.org/web/nims/4.

Case In Point - The Northeast Biomanufacturing Center and Collaborative (NBC²) at the New Hampshire Community Technical College in Portsmouth is at the hub of a 12 state regional collaborative dedicated to enhancing the advanced biomanufacturing workforce and serving the biotech education community. NBC² developed skill standards for 10 biomanufacturing career paths and a competency-based global biomanufacturing curriculum based on those standards.  In 2006, with U.S. Department of Labor support, NBC² created an apprenticeship program for Biomanufacturing Industry Technicians that enables apprentices to demonstrate the achievement of each set of competencies as defined in the standards and to build a portfolio of biomanufacturing skills.  Currently, NBC² is developing apprenticeships at partner biomanufacturing companies throughout the 12 state region.  The website provides resources to partners, such as information on apprenticeships, job listings, publications, workshops, education and training materials, and courses available for incumbent workers and students.  Learn more about biomanufacturing competencies, skill standards, and apprenticeships at http://www.biomanufacturing.org/

Case in point - The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) defined competencies for workers in the metalworking industry to create skill standards to serve as benchmarks for performance in the industry. The competencies are used to help define a skills and training framework for the metalworking industry nationwide, and serve as the basis for a certification program and an apprenticeship program. For more information on these programs, visit https://www.nims-skills.org/web/nims/7.