The three conditions
| Condition | What it means | If it fails |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Individually registered in a program registered with DOL's Office of Apprenticeship (OA) or a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) recognized by OA. A probationary worker certified as eligible counts for the first 90 days. | Pay the full rate for the classification of work performed |
| Program rate | At least the percentage of the journeyworker rate the program sets for the apprentice's level | Back wages up to the program rate |
| Ratio | Apprentices to journeyworkers on site, per craft, no higher than the program's ratio (or the local ratio when working outside the program's area) | Apprentices over the ratio get the full rate for the work performed |
"Helpers" and unregistered "trainees" are not apprentices. Someone listed at an apprentice rate who isn't registered must be paid the full journeyworker rate (29 CFR 5.5(a)(4)(i)).
Wages, worked through
Electrician on the wage determination: $40.00 basic + $14.00 fringe. The program pays a 3rd-level apprentice 60% of the journeyworker rate.
| Item | Calculation | Per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Basic rate | 60% × $40.00 | $24.00 |
| Fringe, program sets 60% | 60% × $14.00 | $8.40 |
| Fringe, program silent | Full wage determination fringe | $14.00 |
| Overtime basic | $24.00 × 1.5 | $36.00 (+ fringe at the straight rate) |
The rule: apprentices get fringe benefits "in accordance with the provisions of the apprenticeship program"; if the program doesn't specify, they get the full fringe on the wage determination. Fringe credit for apprenticeship program contributions follows the annualization rules.
Ratios, worked through
The program allows 1 apprentice per 3 journeyworkers in the craft. HUD's handbook says ratio compliance is generally checked day by day on the job site.
| Day | Journeyworkers | Apprentices | Allowed | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | 3 | 1 | 1 | OK |
| Tue | 6 | 2 | 2 | OK |
| Wed | 2 | 1 | 0 (2 ÷ 3 rounds down)* | Over ratio: that apprentice is owed the full rate for Wednesday |
| Thu | 3 | 2 | 1 | One apprentice over: one of them is owed the full rate for Thursday |
*How fractions and the first apprentice are treated depends on the program's ratio language; many programs allow one apprentice for the first journeyworker. Read your program's standards, and ask the agency how it decides which apprentice counts as over the ratio.
Working outside the state where your program is registered? Use the ratios and wage percentages that apply where the project is. If there are none, your program's apply (29 CFR 5.5(a)(4)(i)(D)).
Showing apprentices on the WH-347
- Page 1, column 2: "RA" for registered apprentice with the level, for example RA 3; "J" for journeyworkers.
- Page 1, column 3: the classification the apprentice is learning, such as Electrician.
- Page 1, column 6A: the apprentice's actual rate, not the journeyworker's.
- Page 2, statement box 4: check it only if someone was paid as an apprentice that week.
- Page 2, apprenticeship programs: program name, registered with OA or SAA, and the labor classification. Three fit on the form; use an addendum for more. With no apprentices, write "N/A".
- Paperwork: many agencies want a copy of each apprentice's registration and the program's wage and ratio schedule with the first payroll that lists them.
In the free generator, add an apprentice level column to your file (or set it per worker), and it prints "RA n" and fills the program table on page 2.
California public works
California's apprenticeship rules for public works are separate and stricter, under the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS):
- Threshold: public works contracts of $30,000 or more carry the apprentice obligation, for every contractor and subcontractor on the project, even if their own part is smaller.
- DAS 140: send contract award information for each apprenticeable craft to the apprenticeship committees.
- DAS 142: request apprentices at least three business days before they're needed.
- Hours ratio: employ one hour of apprentice work for every five journeyman hours per craft.
- Training fund contributions at the amount in the prevailing wage determination.
On the eCPR XML, each apprentice classification has employeeLevel = "apprentice" and an apprenticeLevel from 1 to 10. The generator fills both from the same column.
Sources
- 29 CFR 5.5(a)(4): apprentices
- HUD Handbook 1344.1, chapter 4 (4-6, 4-11.F)
- California DAS: public works apprenticeship requirements
General information as of November 2026, not legal advice. Your apprenticeship program standards, contract and wage determination govern.
Related guides
- Find and read your wage determination
- How to fill out the WH-347, field by field
- Certified payroll for subcontractors
- California eCPR XML V2 and free checker
Questions
Can I pay an unregistered "apprentice" a lower rate?
No. Without individual registration in an OA or SAA program (or the 90-day probationary certification), they're owed the full rate for the work they do.
Do apprentices get fringe benefits?
Yes: as the program says, or the full wage determination fringe if the program is silent.
How do I show apprentice level on the WH-347?
"RA" plus the level in column 2, for example RA 3, and list the program on page 2.
Are pre-apprentices or helpers apprentices?
Not unless individually registered in a registered apprenticeship program.