DOL Issues Final Rule Rescinding IRAPs, Refocusing on Registered Apprenticeship Model

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule to rescind its 2020 regulation that established a process under which the DOL's Office of Apprenticeship (OA) Administrator (Administrator) was authorized to grant recognition to qualified third-party entities, known as Standards Recognition Entities (SREs), which in turn were authorized to evaluate and extend recognition to Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs). The final rule makes necessary conforming changes to the regulations governing the registration of apprenticeship programs by DOL. 

DOL issued the final rule after reviewing the IRAP as required by Executive Order 14016, in which President Biden directed federal agencies to “promptly consider taking steps to rescind any orders, rules, regulations, guidelines, or policies” implemented by Executive Order 13801.

After reviewing the previous rule, DOL determined Executive Order 13801 had created a duplicative, lower-quality system that was not in the best interest of workers and industries. By contrast, the Registered Apprenticeship (RA) system has an established 85-year record of promoting apprentices’ welfare and ensuring program quality in an expanding number of diverse occupations and industries. 

By taking this regulatory action, DOL reaffirms its commitment to the Registered Apprenticeship system and its value in helping U.S. workers.

As part of its final rule, DOL will work with previously recognized SREs and IRAPs to explore opportunities to become program sponsors or intermediaries in the RA system. It will provide IRAP apprentices with resources to connect them with Registered Apprenticeship training opportunities.