When most people hear “Registered Apprenticeship,” they think of electricians, plumbers, or others in building and construction. But apprenticeship is no longer just for the skilled trades. It is an employer-driven workforce strategy that can help CPA firms and other employers build, train, and retain talent in today’s competitive hiring environment.

A Registered Apprenticeship is an employer-driven training program that allows employees to earn a wage while developing the practical skills and technical knowledge required to succeed in your business.

Apprenticeships are now expanding into professions like accounting and finance—fields where licensure, certifications, and educational requirements can sometimes make workforce entry more complex. However, Registered Apprenticeships are uniquely positioned to establish a strong and robust workplace through hands-on training. 

For firms facing staffing shortages or growing service demands, apprenticeship offers a practical solution. It enables employers to:

• Develop entry-level talent in a structured, mentored environment
• Upskill or reskill current employees
• Strengthen retention through clear career pathways
• Expand access to the profession for individuals who may not otherwise enter accounting

Every Registered Apprenticeship consists of two key components:

1. On-the-job training, where an employee (yes, apprentices are employees) works alongside a more experienced coworker to learn the ropes and build real-world competency.
2. Related technical instruction, delivered through classroom or online education, which may be required before or concurrently with on-the-job training.

This model aligns well with the accounting profession’s long-standing commitment to mentorship, ethics, and competency-based development. In fact, Registered Apprenticeship formalizes what many CPA firms and other employers already do—train and mentor the next generation—while providing a structured framework and a nationally recognized credential from the U.S. Department of Labor for apprentices who complete the program.

Even in occupations that require some level of training or education prior to entering, apprenticeship programs can open doors and create new career pathways for those who otherwise would not be poised to advance in the profession. Students who are allowed to earn a paycheck while they learn career-ready skills are more likely to remain in their community and stay with the same employer long term—often for five years or more after completing the program.

Examples of apprenticeship opportunities in accounting and finance include:

• Tax preparers
• Financial managers
• Credit analysts
• Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks
• Payroll specialists
• Staff accountants

Getting started is simple. Employers may register their own program as a sponsor or partner with existing statewide apprenticeship programs.

To learn more, contact ndol.apprenticeship@nebraska.gov or visit the Nebraska Department of Labor website.

Registered Apprenticeship is not just for the trades—it is a forward-looking workforce strategy that can help Nebraska CPA firms and businesses strengthen their talent pipeline and invest in the future of the profession.

Don’t delay. Get started training today!