Our Members - Apprenticeship System Leaders
Every registered apprenticeship program in the United States must be reviewed, approved, and overseen by a registration agency. In 33 states and territories, this function is performed by a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) — a state agency that works with employers and sponsors to register programs, set quality standards, and issue nationally recognized credentials. In the remaining states, the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship (OA) serves as the registration authority.
Think of it this way: just as a state medical board ensures that doctors meet professional standards, SAAs ensure that apprenticeship programs deliver real results — quality training for workers, a skilled pipeline for employers, and a portable, nationally recognized credential.
NASTAD's members are the directors and senior staff of these 33 state and territorial registration agencies. Together, they oversee more than 70% of all registered apprenticeships in the nation.
Is Your State Considering SAA Status?
Since 2020, four states have established new State Apprenticeship Agencies, choosing to invest in state-level capacity to better serve their employers and workers. NASTAD supports new SAAs with peer learning, operational guidance, and connection to the national network.
If your state is considering establishing an SAA, we’d like to talk.