Key Sub-regulatory Guidance for the National Apprenticeship System

Megan Baird, Acting Administrator, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Apprenticeship

Marek Laco, Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration

Cierra Mitchell, Acting Deputy Administrator, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Apprenticeship

Erica Johnson, Acting Deputy Administrator, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Apprenticeship

Ayesha Upshur, Supervisory Program Analyst, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Apprenticeship

This guidance includes:

• Circular 2026-01: Provides updated guidelines for Registered Apprenticeship program design under the three approaches to completing an apprenticeship program.
• Circular 2026-02: Outlines the roles and functions of State Apprenticeship Agencies and State Apprenticeship Councils.
• Circular 2026-03: Clarifies how apprenticeship program completion rates are determined and used to improve program quality and announces a Registered Apprenticeship performance data portal.
• Bulletin 2026-35: Solidifies the Office of Apprenticeship’s commitment to making apprenticeship program registration determinations within 30 days and announces launch of online resource that will promote transparency on registration performance and ensure ETA meets its 30-day program determination commitment.  

Who should attend:

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors and other stakeholders across the National Apprenticeship System, including employers, industry representatives, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, educational institutions, State Apprenticeship Agencies, federal, state, and local government agencies, and other partners involved in apprenticeship programs and workforce development.

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• Posted by: Katie Mehle
• Posted in: Global