New York State’s Apprenticeship Training Program

A Review of the Recommendations found in the Internal Process Mapping Report and the

External Consultant’s Report

October 2008

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Moratorium

The moratorium was announced on August 28, 2007 to suspend the approval of Apprenticeship Training Programs in all trades.

A thorough review was ordered of the Apprenticeship Training Program.

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Reviews Conducted

Two independent reviews were conducted of the Program. Internal Review – The Process Mapping

Report. External Review – The Coffey

Consultant’s Report.

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Public Forums Public forums were held throughout the

State in August and September to review the recommendations identified in the reports at the following locations:

Albany

Binghamton

Buffalo

Long Island

New York City

Rochester

Syracuse

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Internal Review/Process Mapping Report

Focus group discussions were held with all field and central office Apprenticeship Training staff to review the following: Developing and Registering New Programs Marketing Monitoring Recruitment Registration Completions Database

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Internal Review/Process Mapping Report cont’d…

The Report contains the following: Process map for each topic. Focus group findings. The finding’s impact on the program. Conclusions and recommendations.

In addition, areas were identified that required further research by the Consultant.

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External Review/Coffey Consultant’s Report

Coffey Consulting, LLC, of Bethesda, Maryland was awarded the contract to conduct the external review of the Apprenticeship Training Program.

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External Review/Coffey Consultant’s Report

Coffey Consulting, LLC, was charged with the following tasks: Research and analysis of other state models. Analysis of the current New York State

Apprenticeship Program structure. Conduct interviews with Department of Labor

management staff. Conduct interviews with stakeholders and

partners. Prepare a final report containing analysis and

recommendations.

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Internal and External ReviewsCommon Themes

The majority of the issues and recommendations identified in the External Review/Coffey Consultant’s Report strongly echoed the issues and recommendations identified in the Internal Review/Process Mapping Report.

Apprenticeship Training staff, NYSDOL management, partners, and stakeholders, shared common views of the critical issues needing improvement to make New York State’s Apprenticeship Training Program excel.

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Consistent Recommendations found in both Reports

Ensure consistent application of program regulations, policies and procedures.

Hire a Director to provide leadership. Increase Apprenticeship staff. Appoint State Apprenticeship Training Council

(SATC) members to ensure a full composition of the Council and conduct regularly scheduled Council meetings.

Enhance marketing and outreach efforts. Use technology to increase the efficiency of the

program operation.

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Consistent Recommendations found in both Reports continued…

Explore alternative methods to record job rotation (Blue Book).

Ensure consistent monitoring of programs. Develop a Youth Apprenticeship Program that

provides a talent pipeline for New York’s future workforce.

Improve communication of the Apprenticeship Training Program and it’s stakeholders.

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Key Recommendations Found in the Internal Review

Improve Electronic Processes Current Database

Provide fill-able forms while a new web-based application process is explored.

Establish a system to track pending applications. Develop a New Web-Based Application Process

Research the use of an on-line application system that would ensure timely and accurate processing of forms.

The new on-line system should provide real time data. Electronic Blue Book

Explore options for an electronic record keeping system for apprentices and sponsors to track job rotation and document hours completed for both work and related instruction in lieu of the currently required Blue Book.

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Key Recommendations Found in the Internal Review cont’d…

Marketing Develop a proactive statewide marketing

campaign including outreach to new trades including Green Construction, Nanotechnology and Biotechnology.

Create high quality marketing materials which rival those used by colleges.

Link the Apprenticeship Training Website to Career Zone and the Workforce New York Websites to ensure greater exposure to youth and adults.

Partner with local One-Stops to ensure marketing materials are reaching community-based organizations to attract women, minorities and youth.

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Key Recommendations Found in the Internal Review cont’d…

Monitoring Review the current frequency and intensity of

monitoring visit requirements. Establish corrective action requirements. Provide training to ensure consistent monitoring of

programs. Incentives

Research the various types of incentives that can be made available to employers to participate in the apprenticeship programs, including Apprenticeship Related and Supplemental Instruction Program (ARSIP) funding, Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding, or others.

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Key Recommendations Found in the Internal Review cont’d…

Other Issues: Review current policy that addresses signatories for

new programs as well as the addition of new signatories to existing programs.

Require recertification for all programs at three (3) year intervals.

Establish a two (2) year probationary period for new sponsor applications.

Issue a policy to utilize a written public comment period for new trades and/or new program sponsors.

Allow programs which have voluntarily deregistered due to not having apprentices to be reinstated within a three (3) year time period provided the sponsor still meets program requirements.

Streamline the application review process.

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Key Recommendations Found in the External Review

Work Processes need to be more flexible and updated regularly.

Regulations should be periodically reviewed to ensure they continue to serve the intended purpose despite changes in the program, workforce and economy.

Develop a five (5) year strategic plan for Apprenticeship.

Increase funding for Related Instruction. Apprenticeship should be linked to other credentials

such as an Associate’s Degree.

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Key Recommendations Found in the External Review cont’d…

Reinstitute the statewide apprenticeship conferences.

Change the image of Apprenticeship through marketing and outreach efforts, making it a welcome and viable option for targeted populations.

Review the Apprenticeship-Related Supplemental Instruction Program (ARSIP) funding to ensure equitable distribution.

There needs to be a policy to ensure sponsors and programs are not penalized for having apprentices who quit the program after discovering the trade is not an appropriate employment match.

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Moratorium

October 15, 2008 has been targeted as the date to lift the moratorium.

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Website The Process Mapping Internal Report and

Coffey Consultant's External Report as well as the written public comments received during or after the forums may be found at: www.labor.state.ny.us