| Term | Definition |
| Apprentice | An individual who learns a skilled trade or profession through hands-on, on-the-job training through the guidance of experienced professionals and related instruction, while earning a salary and working toward an industry-recognized credential. |
| Apprenticeship Training Representative (ATR) | A U.S. Department of Labor (U.S. DOL) or State Apprenticeship Agency representative that provides technical assistance to develop and register apprenticeship programs, navigate state and federal regulations, and identify potential funding. |
| Employer | An entity that is responsible for providing the apprenticeship program (recruiting and hiring apprentices and providing on-the-job training to support apprentice mastery of competencies) and ensuring it meets the requirements set by the U.S. Department of Labor. The employer can be a local education agency, a community-based organization, a single business, a group of businesses, or a consortium of employers and unions. |
| Journeyworker | An experienced worker who has attained a mastery level of skill, abilities, and competencies required for the occupation and oversees and guides the work of the apprentice in the on-the-job placement. |
| National Guideline Standards (NGS) | A U.S. DOL certified template for a high-quality Apprenticeship Program that can be used to expedite the development of new Registered Apprenticeship Programs. NGS may be adopted without modification or may be customized for the program's local context. |
| Occupation | A grouping of similar jobs based on the tasks and skills required. |
| Office of Apprenticeship (OA) | A unit within the U.S. Department of Labor, specifically under the Employment and Training Administration, that manages and supports the Registered Apprenticeship System. It is the central authority for overseeing and promoting apprenticeship programs across the country. |
| On the Job Learning/Training (OJL) or (OJT) | A training method where employees learn new skills and knowledge while performing their actual work duties. It is a hands-on approach where employees learn through observation, practice, and immediate feedback, often guided by experienced colleagues or supervisors. |
| Program Standards | An agreement (e.g., guidelines and requirements) that comprises the foundational elements of a registered apprenticeship program. |
| Registered Apprenticeship Partnership Information Database System (RAPIDS) | A U.S. Department of Labor central database system for program sponsors to manage apprentices, occupations, and job openings, and for the government to collect data for compliance, oversight, and statistics on apprenticeship activities. |
| Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) | A structured training program recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship that combines on-the-job learning with related technical instruction, providing a paid job for individuals while they develop skills and earn a credential. |
| Related Instruction (RI) or Related Technical Instruction (RTI) | Instruction or training that is supplemental to direct work training. This can include post-secondary coursework or other technical skill development. |
| Sponsor | The administrator of a registered apprenticeship program that is responsible for overall management, registration, and compliance with federal and state apprenticeship standards. |
| State Apprenticeship Agencies (SAA) | State-level organizations that oversee and register Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). They play a crucial role in ensuring that RAPs meet federal standards and align with state-specific needs. |
| Tutor Registered Apprenticeship Program (TAP) | A structured, competency-based, Office of Apprenticeship-recognized program that provides paid on-the-job training and related instruction to prepare individuals for a career as a tutor and to earn a nationally-recognized credential. |
| Work Process Schedule | An outline of the specific skills and knowledge an apprentice will learn on-the-job and through formal instruction to achieve proficiency in their trade. It details the learning plan for an apprentice's on-the-job learning. |