The NOFs are only a starting point. Apprenticeship programs are a flexible training model, and businesses can customize their programs to meet the specific needs of their organizations. Other sections of this guide cover how organizations can modify the frameworks.
NOFs are consensus-based—meaning Urban researchers and partners draft them with the help of business, education, labor, workforce, academic, and association professionals—and approved by the DOL. Businesses and others can use the frameworks at no cost to fast-track the development of their apprenticeship programs.
By fast-tracking the development of apprenticeship programs, employers and partners will save time and money and speed up the process of setting up a high-quality apprenticeship. However, it is important to note that they are not guaranteed to speed up the registration process with the OA or an SAA in all cases. The DOL may consider whether using the frameworks will speed up registration time frames in the future.
The frameworks are a starting point that businesses and others can use to develop high-quality apprenticeship programs, knowing that industry experts have thoroughly researched and vetted the WPS and RTI outline. Businesses will save time, effort, and resources, ultimately streamlining the registration process by not starting from scratch to map job functions and competencies, develop apprenticeship standards, and understand any licensing or other prerequisites.