Final rule · 2026-22680

Prohibiting Illegal Discrimination in Registered Apprenticeship Programs

The Department of Labor (DOL or the Department) is issuing this final rule to remove the onerous and legally questionable affirmative action requirements that were previously imposed by the Department on Registered Apprenticeship program sponsors. This final rule also streamlines and simplifies nondiscrimination obligations for all program sponsors, while clarifying that sponsors are accountable for compliance with Federal and State nondiscrimination protections. It also makes conforming, technical changes to the Department's regulation that addresses Labor Standards for the Registration of Apprenticeship Programs.