Overview
Craft's OJL Tracker accommodates a variety of job-embedded training programs, and it’s essential to correctly identify whether a program is a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) or a general Program to ensure compliance and effective management.
Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs)
- Definition: A RAP is a Department-of-Labor-approved apprenticeship program. These are structured and formalized programs with defined standards, often involving collaboration with sponsors such as employers or workforce boards.
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Key Characteristics:
- Includes a structured combination of on-the-job training (OJT) and related technical instruction (RTI).
- Governed by federal guidelines and must meet specific reporting requirements via RAPIDS or other systems.
- Requires tracking and reporting of specific milestones and data points, such as hours logged and competencies attained.
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Examples of RAP Activities:
- Completing a competency-based task required for DOL compliance.
- Logging hours under an industry-certified mentor.
- Completing and reporting progress on structured RTI coursework.
Programs
- Definition: General programs in Craft's OJL Tracker represent broader job-embedded learning activities that may or may not fall under the requirements of a formal RAP.
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Key Characteristics:
- Includes a flexible set of activities or learning objectives tailored to an organization’s or learner’s needs.
- May not require the stringent reporting standards mandated for RAPs.
- Suitable for organizations or teams piloting new training methods, running employer-specific programs, or tracking non-apprenticeship learning goals.
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Examples of Program Activities:
- Logging tasks for professional development or soft-skills training.
- Tracking completion of internal certification requirements.
- Developing personalized career growth plans.
Tying Programs and RAPs to Competency Tags
Competency tags in Craft's OJL Tracker act as a bridge between activities and measurable learning outcomes:
- In RAPs: Competency tags should align directly with the competencies required by the DOL for the given occupation. For information on how to set up competency tags, please see this article.
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In Programs: Competency tags may represent broader organizational learning goals or job-specific skills, such as:
- “Team Collaboration” for a leadership development program.
- “Customer Service Protocols” for an internal sales training program.
When Program Activities Align with RAPs
In some cases, the activities learners complete within a program may overlap with RAP requirements. To ensure accurate tracking:
- Clearly label activities with corresponding competency tags to differentiate RAP-related tasks from general program activities.
- Use the OJL Tracker's dashboard analytics to monitor and report progress by filtering RAP-specific activities.
- Communicate with learners and sponsors to clarify which tasks contribute to RAP compliance versus general training.
If you’re unsure whether your program qualifies as a RAP or a general program, or require assistance setting up competency tags, please reach out to us at support@crafteducation.com.
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