Know your ATR, ie, Apprenticeship Training Representative

If you're new to apprenticeship, there is a lot to learn. In particular, there's a lot of new terms to learn.

We're often approached by someone interested in learning more about apprenticeship. They've done some homework and now have questions they need answered. At this point, they're not sure where to turn.

They should turn to an ATR. This term -- or acronym -- is likely the first you should learn on your apprenticeship journey as it'll unlock many other questions.

The acronym ATR stands for Apprenticeship Training Representative. (Side note, you may find some states use slightly different language for this role such as California DAS's consultants, but ATR is the most universal.)

What's an ATR?

An ATR is like your personal guide into the world of apprenticeship. ATRs are employed by the state or federal apprenticeship agency in your area (remember OA vs SAA). They are your main contact with the apprenticeship system. They can help you make sense of regulations you don't understand, industry standards, and anything else you need to consider as you create your own program.

In short, the ATR is the person who makes the apprenticeship system humane. They'll help you navigate the apprenticeship system because it's their job do exactly that in order to grow the apprenticeship system.

Why you should start with them

If you're new to apprenticeship, your ATR can help you ramp up quickly. Yes, apprenticeship can be complicated. But no, you're not alone. If you've done some research, you might have specific questions to your needs. Maybe you want to do something different than an example you've seen. An ATR can give you a real answer, rather than a hypothetical. They should know if that exception will work with their agency. The other reason you should start with an ATR? In some ways, the apprenticeship system is more subjective than it'd like to admit. It's run by people. These people are often having to read between the lines to define policies. The more you're connected to your ATR, the more likely those policies work in your favor.

How they can help

Your ATR is who will help you submit your standards. They'll explain how they should be constructed, what goes into each section, and give examples where they can. You might find that your occupation isn't yet considered apprenticeable, too. They can help you go through the process to make it so.

That said, your relationship should not end with standards and registration.

They're often sitting in on dozens of apprenticeship committees. They've seen many more examples of programs than you'll ever see, and have broader insight into different types of programs than you could ever have from running a single program. Your ATR might help make you aware of funding opportunities for your program based on your industry or location. Your ATR will likely be involved in reviewing your apprenticeship after a year or two to ensure you're doing what you said you'd do when you submitted your apprenticeship standards. If there's issues with your program, they can help.

How can you find an ATR

This part is easy. Contact information is often easily discoverable on the state's website. Are you looking for ATRs in Wisconsin? Wisconsin's apprenticeship team's contact information is listed on their website. How about an OA state? You can find information from your state office by clicking on your state on apprenticeship.gov.

So what're you waiting for? Connect with your ATR today.