NPGA Launches Registered Apprenticeship Program

As the propane industry has long viewed workforce development as a need to recruit and retain employees, NPGA and PERC have worked together to develop materials and programs that will benefit the industry. One of the tools identified to assist in this area was the creation of an industry apprenticeship program. NPGA spearheaded this effort by applying to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship and ultimately receiving approval for its Registered Apprenticeship Program.

We are happy to announce that the Registered Apprenticeship Program is now open to all interested participants (member and non-member). There are four (4) total apprenticeship programs registered with the Labor Department’s Office of Apprenticeship covering the jobs of:

• Propane Service Technician
• Bobtail Vehicle Driver
• Transport Vehicle Driver
• Utility/Service Vehicle Driver

Unlike some apprenticeship programs that are time-based, which require the completion of a requisite number of hours for instruction and experience, NPGA’s Registered Apprenticeship Program is competency-based. This means the apprentice must learn and demonstrate that they fully understand and can properly perform the on-the-job tasks associated with the given program or job function before earning a Certificate of Completion as an apprentice from the Department of Labor.

Each program area contains a set of core competencies that must be completed with each competency having one or more educational lessons associated with it.  All of the related instruction material is based on PERC’s existing education and training materials.

Visit NPGA’s Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) page to learn more. Here, you will find information regarding enrollment forms, program standards, and much more. We would especially refer you to the Program Guide or Handbook, that provides detailed information on each program’s instruction and experience requirements, among many other things.

Contact us with questions or to submit the necessary information once enrolled in the program.