Education and Cultural Resources - Education - Part 255 - Registered Apprenticeship Program - Definitions and Program Requirements

Oct 10, 2026

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Part 255 defines the “Registered Apprenticeship Program” as an industry-based occupational training program registered by the U.S. Department of Labor, covering employment, structured on-the-job learning with related technical classroom instruction, wage progression, and continued employment after apprenticeship. It specifies participant outcomes, including industry skills certificates and high school diplomas, and addresses related exclusions, such as construction apprenticeships. It also sets conditions for school districts to adopt policies allowing eligible students to participate and earn course and graduation credit, postsecondary credit, required substitution approvals, waiver of non-academic requirements, and required reporting to the State Board.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Education

Special Courses of Study

Registered Apprenticeship Program

255.100 Definitions

255.200 Registered Apprenticeship Program

TITLE 23: EDUCATION AND CULTURAL RESOURCES SUBTITLE A: EDUCATION CHAPTER I: STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION SUBCHAPTER g: SPECIAL COURSES OF STUDY PART 255 REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM Section 255.100 Definitions 255.200 Registered Apprenticeship Program AUTHORITY: Implementing Section 2-3.175 of the School Code [105 ILCS 5] . SOURCE: Adopted at 44 Ill. Reg. 14799, effective August 27, 2020. Section 255.100 Definitions "Registered Apprenticeship Program" or "Program" means an industry-based occupational training program of study registered by the U.S. Department of Labor, after standards review, that meets each of the following characteristics: Apprentices in the program are at all times employed by a company participating in the program. The program features a structured combination of on-the-job learning supported by related technical classroom instruction, delivered either by a high school or a public community college. The: apprentices in the program are paid a training wage, of not less than the State minimum wage, that escalates throughout the life of the apprenticeship; and employment continued with the company following conclusion of the apprenticeship for a period of not less than 2 years. Apprentices in the program earn an industry-related occupational skills certificate and a high school diploma. Apprentices in the program may earn postsecondary credit toward a certificate or degree, as applicable. "Registered Apprenticeship Program" does not include an apprenticeship program related to construction, as defined under the Employee Classification Act [820 ILCS 185] . (Section 2-3.175 of the Code) "School Code" or "Code" means 105 ILCS 5. "State Board" means the State Board of Education. Section 255.200 Registered Apprenticeship Program a) Each school district that maintains any of grades 9 through 12 may adopt a policy to allow a student of any high school who is 16 years of age or older to participate in a registered apprenticeship program. b) A school district that chooses to adopt a policy under this Section shall include all of the following in that policy: 1) Allowing a student enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program to satisfy one or more high school courses or academic graduation requirements by successfully completing the program. 2) A definition of a registered apprenticeship program that meets the criteria outlined in Section 255.100. 3) Opportunities for students enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program to earn postsecondary credit toward a certificate or degree, as applicable. 4) Language confirming that successful completion of a registered apprenticeship program may be substituted for a required course or academic graduation requirement under any policy adopted by a school board under this Section unless the student's parent or guardian approves the substitution in writing on a form that the school district makes available on its website. 5) A waiver of all non-academic requirements mandated for graduation from high school under the Code that would otherwise prohibit or prevent a student from participating in the registered apprenticeship program (Section 2-3.175 of the Code) . c) A school district that chooses to adopt a policy under this Section shall: 1) Post the policy on its website for students, parents, and members of the business and industry community to access; and 2) Notify students and parents of the opportunities for registered apprenticeships. At a minimum, a school district must provide this notification through the school district's website and the school handbook. This notification must include: A) a statement that a student may participate in any registered apprenticeship program listed by the school district; and B) a statement that a student may find a registered, but not listed, apprenticeship program with a business or organization, if a registered apprenticeship program is not offered in the school distric

FAQs

What is a “Registered Apprenticeship Program” under Part 255?

It is an industry-based occupational training program registered by the U.S. Department of Labor, combining on-the-job learning with related technical classroom instruction, with paid wage progression and continued employment after completion for at least two years.

What outcomes do apprentices earn in the program?

Apprentices earn an industry-related occupational skills certificate and a high school diploma, and they may earn postsecondary credit toward a certificate or degree as applicable.

How can a school district allow students to participate and earn credit?

Eligible districts may adopt a policy to let certain high school students join registered apprenticeship programs to satisfy high school course and academic graduation requirements by successful completion, include required definitions and opportunities for postsecondary credit, and address written parent/guardian approval for substitutions and waivers of non-academic graduation requirements.

Oct 10, 2026

Uploaded by Putri