Requesting Apprenticeship Programs

Key details to include when requesting Apprentices to meet IRA compliance

For apprenticeship requests, be sure to do so through DOL-registered apprenticeship programs: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-job-finder

• This means your request to a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) must be sent no later than 45 days prior to when the apprentice would begin work on the project. Requests made fewer than 45 days in advance will not qualify for Good Faith Effort documentation.

In your request, it is recommended to include the following details to strengthen compliance with the IRA’s apprenticeship requirements:

• The number of apprentices you’re requesting
• The trade classification (e.g., millwright, coil winder, electrician)
• An estimate of the total hours of work the apprentices would be needed for (Referencing the 15% requirement does not give the registered program enough information to act on.)
• The expected dates of employment or general timeframe
• The location of the worksite (city, county, and state)
• The project name and the contractor or subcontractor making the request
• A clear point of contact in case the program needs to follow up
• A note explaining that the request is being made in connection with IRA apprenticeship compliance
  • "The request must also state that the request for qualified apprentices is made with an intent to employ qualified apprentices in the occupation for which they are being trained and in accordance with the requirements and standards of the registered apprenticeship program and to employ qualified apprentices consistent with the expected number of hours and dates of employment specified in the request.A note explaining that the request is being made in connection with IRA apprenticeship compliance" 

Keep documentation of everything, both the request itself and any response (or no response) from the program.

If you don’t hear back within 5 business days, or if they confirm they can’t fulfill the request, that can support your Good Faith Effort.

Recommended Email Template for Requests:

Subject: Registered Apprenticeship Request – [Project Name], [City, State]

Dear [Apprenticeship Program Contact Name],

We are [Your Company Name], a contractor working on the [Project Name] located in [City, County, State]. We identified your program through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeship directory (apprenticeship.gov) and are submitting this formal request for apprentices in connection with our compliance obligations under the Inflation Reduction Act’s apprenticeship requirements.

This request is made with the intent to employ qualified apprentices in the occupation for which they are being trained, in accordance with the requirements and standards of your registered apprenticeship program. We also intend to employ qualified apprentices consistent with the expected number of hours and dates of employment specified below.

We are requesting apprentices for the following occupations:

• Trade Classification: [e.g., Electrician, Cement Mason]

• Number of apprentices requested: [Insert number]

• Expected work period (start date must be at least 45 days from today): [Insert start date] to [Insert end date]

• Estimated total hours: [Insert total hours or weekly hours × number of weeks]

(Repeat the bullet list above for each trade as needed.)

We confirm that [Your Company Name] will comply with all apprentice-to-journeyworker ratios, supervision requirements, and all rules and procedures established by your registered apprenticeship program.

Please confirm whether your program can dispatch apprentices for this project. If additional details are needed, we are happy to provide them promptly.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Project Contact Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company Name]
[Phone]
[Email]