Benefits of Apprentice Sponsorship

Business Benefits

Looking to boost your workforce and cultivate skilled employees? Starting your own Registered Apprenticeship program, or enrolling your business in an existing program, could be the solution. Get more information here on how to get started.

Quick Look

Cost-effective way to develop a skilled workforce
Opportunity to train and mentor future employees to fit company culture and needs
Improved employee retention and loyalty
Increased productivity and efficiency due to skilled workforce
Positive impact on company reputation and brand image
Access to government grants and tax incentives for sponsoring apprenticeships
Potential to fill skills gaps within the company
Opportunity to diversify the workforce through apprenticeship programs
Long-term investment in the success and growth of the company.

The Details

Sponsoring apprentices can be a great investment for employers. By offering apprenticeship programs, you can gain access to a pool of motivated and talented individuals who are eager to learn and contribute to your organization. Additionally, apprenticeships can help you to build a skilled workforce able to meet your specific business needs. By investing directly in your workforce in this way, you are able to improve employee recruitment and retention, helping to save you money in the long run.

As you consider planning a program, you should be aware of costs that are typically associated with a Registered Apprenticeship program:

Wage & fringe benefits for apprentices (apprentice wages are generally factored as a percentage of the journey-worker/skilled worker wage). As required by Vermont law, an apprentice's entry wage can't be less than the higher of minimum wage or 50% of the journey-worker rate, unless a higher wage is required by law or collective bargaining agreement [21 V.S.A. 1117(c)(1)].
Stipends for apprentice mentors, supervisors, and training instructors
Employment insurance costs (e.g. worker's compensation, unemployment)
Tuition for related coursework
Books, materials, and equipment necessary for related coursework and training
Job related equipment

Apprenticeships also provide a cost-effective way for you to train and develop your staff. The State of Vermont offers a variety of grants to employers with registered programs. Grants can help offset the costs of training and provide a return on investment. The Vermont Department of Labor administers the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit - a tax incentive programs for businesses who hire employees who meet certain criteria.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit

Vermont Department of Labor Grants

Overall, sponsoring apprentices can be a win all around. Employers gain access to skilled workers who are eager to learn and grow, apprentices gain valuable skills and experience that can help them advance their careers, and the community at large becomes more economically robust and socially diverse.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Registered Apprenticeship Program is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity regulations. These regulations ensure that all individuals have equal access to apprenticeship opportunities regardless of their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, or disability.

Learn about veteran resources for apprenticeship here.