Become a Registered
Apprenticeship Training Site
Partner with The SkyBridge Group to build the skilled, loyal workforce your business needs — through a structured, DOL-registered apprenticeship program designed for Alaska employers.
Why Become a Training Site?
Registered apprenticeship is one of the most effective workforce development tools available to employers — and SkyBridge makes it simple to participate.
Build Your Own Talent Pipeline
Stop relying on the open job market. Train workers to your exact standards, culture, and operational needs — then retain them long-term.
Reduce Turnover Costs
Apprentices who earn while they learn are significantly more likely to stay. Structured pathways create loyalty and reduce costly churn.
Nationally Recognized Credentials
Your apprentices graduate with DOL-registered credentials that carry weight across the industry — elevating your reputation as an employer of choice.
Structured, Supported Training
SkyBridge provides the curriculum framework, related technical instruction, and compliance support. You provide the workplace — we handle the rest.
Strengthen Your Community
Training sites create economic opportunity in Anchorage and across Alaska. Hiring locally and investing in workers builds goodwill and community ties.
No Upfront Cost to Employers
Participating as a training site carries no program fees. SkyBridge manages administration, compliance, and coordination on your behalf.
How It Works
From first contact to your first apprentice — here's what the process looks like.
Submit Your Interest
Complete the Training Site Interest Form below. Tell us about your business, your workforce needs, and the roles you want to develop.
Discovery Conversation
A SkyBridge team member will reach out to learn more about your operation, confirm program fit, and walk you through the partnership structure.
Sign the Training Agreement
We formalize the relationship with a straightforward Training Site Agreement that outlines roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
Onboard Your First Apprentice
SkyBridge matches qualified apprentice candidates to your site. We handle orientation, paperwork, and ongoing check-ins so you can focus on training.
Train, Mentor, Retain
Your team provides on-the-job training guided by our competency framework. Apprentices complete related technical instruction alongside their work hours.
Training Site Requirements
Most established Alaska businesses qualify. Here's what we look for in a training site partner:
- Operate a licensed, active business in Alaska
- Employ at least one qualified journey-level worker in the relevant trade
- Commit to providing structured on-the-job training hours
- Designate a workplace mentor or supervisor for each apprentice
- Maintain a safe, compliant work environment
- Agree to pay apprentices at least the applicable prevailing or program wage
Not sure if you qualify? Reach out — we're happy to talk through your situation before you apply.
What SkyBridge Provides
- DOL-registered apprenticeship framework and compliance
- Curriculum and competency standards for each pathway
- Related Technical Instruction (RTI) coordination
- Apprentice recruitment, screening, and matching
- Ongoing check-ins, progress tracking, and support
- Credential issuance upon program completion
- Administrative and reporting support throughout
Common Questions
Answers to what employers ask most before partnering with SkyBridge.
How many apprentices can we take on?
Training sites can start with one apprentice and scale up as capacity allows. SkyBridge will work with you to determine the right pace for your operation.
What industries does SkyBridge currently serve?
Our active registered pathway is in Culinary Arts. A Protective Services Specialist pathway is in development. We are actively exploring additional trades and industries.
Do we need to provide classroom instruction?
No. SkyBridge coordinates all related technical instruction (RTI) — the classroom component of apprenticeship. Your role is on-the-job training and mentorship.
What is the time commitment for our staff?
The primary commitment is providing structured work hours and a designated mentor. SkyBridge handles scheduling, compliance reporting, and administrative coordination.
Can we hire apprentices we already know?
Yes. If you have a candidate in mind — a current employee, a referral, or a community connection — SkyBridge can work with you to enroll them through the program.
Training Site Interest Form
Ready to explore a partnership? Fill out the form below and a SkyBridge team member will be in touch within 2 business days.
Grant Funding May Be Available to You
Employers who participate in registered apprenticeship programs may qualify for federal, state, and workforce development funding that offsets training costs. SkyBridge can help you identify and pursue the opportunities that fit your business.
U.S. Department of Labor
ApprenticeshipUSA Grants
Federal funding through the DOL's ApprenticeshipUSA initiative supports employers expanding registered apprenticeship programs, including costs related to training materials, mentor time, and curriculum development.
Eligibility varies by industry and program size.
State of Alaska
Alaska Workforce Investment Board (AWIB)
Alaska's WIOA-funded workforce system provides employer training grants and incumbent worker training funds to businesses investing in employee skill development — including apprenticeship pathways.
Administered through Alaska's workforce development agencies.
WIOA / Alaska Job Center Network
On-the-Job Training (OJT) Reimbursements
Employers may receive wage reimbursements of up to 50% of apprentice wages during the structured training period through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) OJT program.
Coordinated through local Alaska Job Centers.
U.S. Small Business Administration
Small Business Administration (SBA) Resources
The SBA offers workforce development resources and connections to funding programs specifically designed for small businesses investing in employee training and retention.
Available to qualifying small business training sites.
Federal & State Programs
Industry-Specific Workforce Grants
Certain industries — including food service, hospitality, and public safety — have dedicated workforce development grant pools at the federal and state level. SkyBridge monitors these opportunities on behalf of training site partners.
Availability changes annually; SkyBridge tracks current cycles.
IRS / State of Alaska
Tax Credits & Incentives
Employers may be eligible for federal Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC) when hiring apprentices from certain target groups, including veterans, individuals with barriers to employment, and reentry populations.
Consult a tax professional for eligibility determination.
Important: Grant availability, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts change frequently. SkyBridge does not guarantee funding outcomes. We strongly encourage all prospective training sites to contact us so we can help you assess current opportunities specific to your business, industry, and workforce profile.
Talk to Us About Funding OptionsPrefer to talk first?
Our team is happy to answer questions before you apply.