Registered Apprenticeship Programs

About the Program

Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience that is valuable for their career.

Benefits for Job Seekers

• Earn a paycheck from day one while learning valuable skills.
• Receive progressive wage increases as you advance.
• Gain classroom instruction alongside on-the-job training.
• Earn a portable, nationally recognized credential.
• Access a defined career path in a rewarding profession.

Benefits for Employers

• Build a talented workforce equipped with skills tailored to your company’s needs.
• Use Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs to recruit and develop well-trained workers in highly skilled occupations.
• Improve retention of a highly-skilled workforce through structured training and career progression.
• Upskill current employees or accelerate the productivity of new hires.
• Ensure employees gain a comprehensive understanding of both practical and theoretical components of their roles through standardized training curricula.
• Offer incremental wage increases, industry-recognized credentials, and defined career paths to apprentices.

Registered Apprenticeships are industry-vetted and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. Iowa has been a national leader in RA programs, utilizing an earn-while-you-learn model to drive success across the economy.

Industries Offering Opportunities

• Information Technology
• Financial Services
• Healthcare
• Transportation
• Energy
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Hospitality

A Registered Apprenticeship is an appropriate option for all job seekers.

Program Development

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds recently signed legislation to create the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship (IOA), a new registration agency that will oversee the creation of Registered Apprenticeships in Iowa. The IOA is currently being developed and will encourage innovation while establishing state-directed standards compliant with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

In the coming months, Iowa Workforce Development will launch the IOA by following a formal process that includes:

• Establishing standards through the U.S. DOL.
• Creating an Advisory Council.
• Outlining policies and compliance measures.
• Establishing staff needs.

Updates will be posted on this page and agency social media channels. For more information, explore the links below or contact Iowa's Registered Apprenticeship staff.

Program Statistics (Fiscal Year 2026)

• 935 Active RA Programs
• 9,289 Active Apprentices
• 2,011 Employer Partners

View data on Registered Apprenticeship Programs in Iowa, including sponsors, occupations, and other related information: View Apprenticeship Data.

Contact Information

Iowa Workforce Development Office
1000 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319

Email: RegisteredApprenticeship@iwd.iowa.gov
Phone: 515-725-3675
Website: Registered Apprenticeship in Iowa

Additional Resources

For more information on RA programs and opportunities, visit apprenticeship.gov.