National Registered Apprenticeship System:  The U.S. Department of Labor 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.

Northeast Biomanufacturing Center and Collaborative (NBC²):  The Northeast Biomanufacturing Center and Collaborative (NBC²) is a regional collaborative dedicated to preparing a world-class sustainable biomanufacturing workforce. To support that goal NBC² developed skill standards for 10 biomanufacturing career paths and developed a competency-based curriculum using the standards.   NBC² also developed standards of apprenticeship providing overview and background for biotechnology apprentices at partner biomanufacturing companies throughout the 12 state region.  For more informaton visit http://www.biomanufacturing.org/index.html.

National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Skill Standards: The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) defined competencies for workers in the metalworking industry to create skill standards that 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.

NIMS Competency-Based Apprenticeship System: The National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc. (NIMS), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor,  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.

The Colorado Contractors Association, Inc. (CCA): 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
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