Apprenti, a leader in workforce development, has partnered with the SHRM Foundation to expand the Human Resources Registered Apprenticeship Program. This collaboration combines Apprenti’s extensive experience in managing Registered Apprenticeship Programs with the SHRM Foundation’s expertise in human resources and talent development, creating a powerful opportunity to build a future-ready HR workforce.
The Apprenti + SHRM Foundation HR RAP is a scalable, earn-and-learn model that provides both employers and job seekers with a pathway to success. It offers a unique blend of paid, on-the-job training and classroom instruction that equips apprentices with real-world HR experience, while providing employers a cost-effective solution to upskill their teams.
Expanding Access to HR Careers
The demand for HR professionals is rising sharply. The U.S. Department of Labor projects 86,200 job openings in HR each year, with the field growing at an 8% rate through 2033—double the national average. However, many employers struggle to find qualified candidates with the necessary combination of skills and experience. HR RAP was designed to bridge this gap by offering a structured, hands-on pathway for both businesses and aspiring HR professionals.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the SHRM Foundation to help expand HR RAP. This collaboration ensures more employers and job seekers have access to high-quality, practical HR training and career advancement opportunities,” said Jennifer Carlson, Executive Director of Apprenti. “By leveraging Apprenti’s national infrastructure, we’re scaling this successful model to reach a broader audience, offering hands-on, work-based pathways into HR.”
A Scalable, Earn-and-Learn Model
HR RAP combines paid work experience with classroom training to provide a comprehensive learning experience for apprentices. Participants not only gain valuable, real-world HR knowledge but also earn a paycheck, making this model an attractive option for those looking to build a sustainable career in HR.
For employers, HR RAP offers a cost-effective way to recruit, train, and retain top talent. Companies benefit from a skilled workforce that is ready to meet the evolving demands of HR while contributing to long-term employee retention and growth.
Strengthening the HR Workforce Pipeline
With Apprenti handling the program’s operational backbone, this partnership will allow HR RAP to scale nationwide. The SHRM Foundation will continue to develop industry-leading HR content and engage employers in the program, ensuring that apprentices receive the most relevant and up-to-date training.
“Partnering with Apprenti is a game-changer for the SHRM Foundation. By working together, we can reach a broader pool of employers and aspiring HR professionals, helping us accelerate the development of tomorrow’s HR leaders,” said Wendi Safstrom, President of the SHRM Foundation.
The Apprenti + SHRM Foundation HR RAP partnership is committed to creating a stronger, more diverse HR workforce for the future. By combining on-the-job experience with formal training, HR RAP is an innovative, scalable solution that addresses the growing demand for skilled HR professionals while offering career-building opportunities to job seekers.
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