Apprenticeship 101 for Employers - Event in Anthony, NM - April 29, 2026
- SAWDB Admin
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
America’s Job Center New Mexico, in partnership with Doña Ana Community College, invites employers to attend Apprenticeship 101 for Employers on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in Anthony, NM.
This FREE informational session will provide an overview of Registered Apprenticeships, including benefits for employers, program requirements, and how to get started.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Location: Doña Ana Community College – Gadsden Center, 1700 O’Hara Road, Anthony, NM 88021
Virtual Option: A Zoom option will be available for both sessions for those unable to attend in person.
Have questions? Please contact Joshua K. Stoller at Joshua.Stoller@dws.nm.gov or
Amanda Tapia at Amanda.Tapia@dws.nm.gov
Registration is preferred, but not required.
In-person attendance is encouraged. Seating is limited to 20 in-person attendees each session.
Morning Session: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Afternoon Session: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Learn how your business can start a Registered Apprenticeship program
Learn how an apprenticeship can help you build a skilled workforce tailored to your business needs. Explore the benefits and the process for becoming a Registered Apprenticeship sponsor in the Southwestern Area.
What Employers Will Learn
During this event, employers will learn about:
The benefits of Registered Apprenticeships
How apprenticeships help build a skilled workforce
Program requirements and eligibility
The application and approval process
Resources available to support employers
Who Should Attend
This session is intended for:
Employers interested in developing a Registered Apprenticeship program
Businesses seeking to build a skilled workforce pipeline
Industry leaders exploring long-term workforce development solutions
Presenters
This session will be led by apprenticeship experts from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions:
Katrina Vigil
Ceanna Pettis-Smith
In-person attendees will have the opportunity to connect with Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship leaders, hear from Registered Apprenticeship employers involved in Registered Apprenticeships, and network with community employers/officials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Available from the Department of Workforce Solutions at
How is Registered Apprenticeship different from other types of work-based training?
Registered apprenticeship training is distinguished from other types of workplace training by several factors: (1) participants who are newly hired (or already employed) earn wages from employers during training; (2) programs must meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor (or federally-recognized State Apprenticeship Offices); (3) programs provide on-the-job learning and job-related technical instruction; (4) on-the-job learning is conducted in the work setting under the direction of one or more of the employer's personnel; and (5) training results in an industry-recognized credential.
After completion of an apprenticeship program, the apprentice earns a nationally recognized credential from the Department of Workforce Solutions Apprenticeship Office (in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship) that is portable and stackable. Additionally, an apprentice, along with earning a paycheck throughout the apprenticeship, is also elevated to journeyworker status that leads to increased pay and upward career opportunities.
Is a Registered Apprenticeship a Job?
Yes, apprentices start working from day one with incremental wage increases as they become more proficient. The average starting wage for an apprentice is approximately $15.28 per hour.
How does a Registered Apprenticeship program benefit the sponsor (employer, Labor Management Organization, or Industry Association)?
First and foremost, apprenticeship sponsors develop highly skilled employees. Once established, apprenticeship programs also reduce turnover rates, increase productivity, lower the cost of recruitment, and increase safety in the workplace/job site.
How do I qualify for a Registered Apprenticeship program?
Registered apprenticeship program sponsors identify the minimum qualifications to apply for a program. The eligible starting age can be no less than 16 years of age; however, individuals must usually be 18 to be an apprentice in hazardous occupations. Program sponsors also identify additional minimum qualifications to apply, (e.g., education, ability to physically perform the essential functions of the occupation, proof of age.) All applicants are required to meet the minimum qualifications.
How long are Registered Apprenticeship programs?
The length of an apprenticeship program depends on the complexity of the occupation and the type of program (Time-based, Competency-based, or Hybrid). Apprenticeship programs range from one (1) year to five (5) years, but the majority of programs are four years in length. During the program, the apprentice receives both structured, on-the-job training (OJT) and job-related education. For each year of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will receive normally 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum of 144 hours of related classroom instruction.
Who are typical Registered Apprenticeship Partners?
Through a proven system of public-private partnerships, registered apprenticeship partners with a wide range of organizations including, (but not limited to): businesses, employer and industry associations, labor-management organizations, state and local workforce development agencies, Workforce Investment Boards, two- and four-year colleges that offer associate and bachelor's degrees in conjunction with a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship, U.S. Military, Community Based Organizations and economic development organizations.
