About Us
The National Association of State and Territorial Apprenticeship Directors (NASTAD) coordinates the 33 state and territorial agencies that form the backbone of the U.S. Registered Apprenticeship system — connecting government, employers, and workforce partners to build and maintain high-quality programs. Founded in 1950, NASTAD is the only organization that brings together the leaders of every State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) in the country.
Our members are the state and territorial leaders who work directly with employers, labor organizations, and education providers to register, develop, and oversee apprenticeship programs in their jurisdictions. Together, they oversee more than 70% of the nation's registered apprenticeships — ensuring that programs meet quality standards, serve employer and worker needs, and lead to portable, industry-recognized credentials.
NASTAD members are often the primary points of contact for apprenticeship policy in their states — shaping workforce and economic development plans, managing apprenticeship data systems, coordinating with public and private partners, and in many cases overseeing apprenticeship funding.
As apprenticeship continues to grow nationwide, NASTAD supports states, industry partners, and workforce organizations in building and scaling high-quality programs.
What We Do
Convene State Leaders
We create the space for state and territorial apprenticeship directors to learn from each other, share strategies, and build peer networks. Our annual conference is the only national gathering dedicated to registration agency leadership.
Build State Capacity
We develop shared resources, tools, and operational guidance so states don’t have to reinvent the wheel. When one state solves a problem, we help 32 others benefit from that solution.
Connect Partners to the System
We bridge the gap between registration agencies and the workforce, education, and industry partners working to expand apprenticeship. Funders, intermediaries, and employers gain direct access to the state leaders who shape the system.
Coordinate State and Federal Policy
We facilitate communication between state agencies and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship, ensuring that federal policy reflects the realities of state-level implementation.