National Occupational Frameworks: A Guide to Using the Frameworks to Develop and Register High-Quality Apprenticeship Programs

Toolkit Year
2023
Toolkit Publisher
Urban Institute
Toolkit Purpose

This guide provides business, education, workforce, and other professionals with a better understanding of the National Occupational Frameworks (NOFs), which are documents describing an occupation and the benchmarks for on-the-job training and related instruction that apprentices should complete in a registered apprenticeship program. It also details how NOFs are created, and how to use them to develop and register high-quality apprenticeship programs.

Summary of Toolkit Approach

The NOFs for this guide were created through a process that involves identifying occupations for the frameworks, conducting extensive research on the occupations, vetting the frameworks with experts, and submitting to the U.S. Department of Labor for review.

Toolkit Intended Audience

Partners and Stakeholders in the Workforce Investment System, Including Workforce Investment Boards, One-Stop Career Centers, Business and Industry, Economic Developers, Educators and Training Providers, and Professional Organizations.

Toolkit Based On

Research conducted by Urban Institute and American Institutes of Research.

Toolkit Target Population
Workers: Both Entry-Level and Those Looking to Advance in Their Careers.
Primary Career Pathways Element Addressed
Design education and training programs
CP Get the toolkit
https://www.urban.org/apps/national-occupational-frameworks