What Is Registered Apprenticeship?

Registered apprenticeship is a proven workforce development model that combines paid employment, structured on-the-job learning, related technical instruction, and mentorship to prepare individuals for successful careers while helping employers build a skilled and sustainable workforce.

Unlike traditional education pathways, registered apprenticeship allows participants to earn while they learn, gaining valuable work experience, industry-recognized credentials, and competitive wages from their first day of employment.

Registered apprenticeship programs are developed in partnership with employers and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency, ensuring they meet rigorous quality standards and prepare apprentices for long-term career success.

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How Registered Apprenticeship Works

  • Paid Employment

    Apprentices are hired by an employer and earn wages from day one, with opportunities for wage increases as they gain skills and achieve program milestones.

  • Structured On-the-Job Learning

    Apprentices develop practical skills through supervised, hands-on training and mentorship from experienced professionals in real work settings.

  • Related Technical Instruction

    Apprentices complete classroom, online, or hybrid instruction that complements their work experience and builds the knowledge needed for long-term success.

  • Industry-Recognized Credentials

    Upon successful completion, apprentices earn nationally recognized credentials that validate their knowledge, skills, and competencies.

  • Employer-Driven Training

    Programs are designed by employers to meet workforce needs while maintaining rigorous federal or state apprenticeship standards.

Why Registered Apprenticeship?

Registered apprenticeship creates value for employers, participants, and communities by expanding career opportunities, strengthening workforce capacity, and improving access to skilled professionals.

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Benefits for Employers

Registered apprenticeship helps employers:

  • Build sustainable talent pipelines.

  • Improve recruitment and employee retention.

  • Develop a workforce with the skills needed to meet organizational needs.

  • Reduce turnover and vacancy rates.

  • Create clear pathways for employee advancement.

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Benefits for Participants

Registered apprenticeship provides participants with the opportunity to:

  • Earn a paycheck while learning.

  • Gain valuable hands-on work experience.

  • Receive high-quality education and mentorship.

  • Earn industry-recognized credentials.

  • Build a rewarding career while minimizing student debt.

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Benefits for Communities

Registered apprenticeship helps communities by:

  • Expanding access to meaningful careers.

  • Strengthening the behavioral health workforce.

  • Increasing access to behavioral health services.

  • Building a workforce that reflects and serves the diverse communities of Cook County.

A Proven Workforce Solution

Registered apprenticeship is one of the nation's most effective workforce development strategies.

Research shows that apprentices experience higher earnings over time than comparable workers, while employers benefit from improved retention, stronger employee engagement, and a positive return on investment through reduced turnover and a more highly skilled workforce.

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Building the Future Behavioral Health Workforce—Together.

The Cook County Behavioral Health Apprenticeship and Retention Hub is an initiative of the Cook County Health Office of Behavioral Health.