The Workforce Solutions Connection

New Mexicos Department of Workforce Solutions LogoThe Department of Workforce Solutions sponsors the Film Apprenticeship Program. DWS is an active part in the planning, administration, and pays for the program. Sponsors of apprenticeship programs can be employers or employer associations and sometimes involve a union. The National Apprenticeship Act of 1937 (also called the Fitzgerald Act) authorized the Secretary of Labor to work with the State apprenticeship agencies, the Department of Education, and the representatives of labor and management for the welfare of the apprentices. This Act also promotes the establishment of apprenticeship programs.

Apprenticeship programs are registered with the Federal Government or a federally approved state agency. Registered programs meet federally approved standards relating to job duties, related instruction (a minimum of 144 hours), wages, and safety and health conditions. Apprentices who successfully complete registered programs receive certificates of completion from the State Apprenticeship Council.

Apprentices are in registered programs sponsored jointly by employers and labor unions or operated by employer/employer associations. The administrative body in such programs is called an Apprenticeship and Training Committee. Representing the union and management, the Apprenticeship Committee reviews applications for apprenticeships and interviews applicants. The Committee also consults with the State Apprenticeship Council, reviews applications for apprenticeship, and works with the regional representative of Federal Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT) concerning apprenticeship standards, equal employment opportunity, safety and similar duties.

A registered apprenticeship program meets standards approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. Graduates of registered programs increase their potential job mobility because employers have greater confidence in the quality of the training received in registered programs.

For additional information, please go the the Department of Workforce Solutions website.