Who We Are
The national coordinating body for America’s state apprenticeship agencies
NASTAD Annual Conference
About Us
The National Association of State and Territorial Apprenticeship Directors (NASTAD) is the national coordinating organization for state apprenticeship agencies. Founded in 1950, NASTAD brings together leaders from 38 states and territories, including established State Apprenticeship Agencies (SAAs) and states transitioning toward SAA recognition.
Our members are the public agencies responsible for administering Registered Apprenticeship in their jurisdictions. They work directly with employers, labor organizations, education providers, and workforce partners to register and oversee apprenticeship programs, maintain quality standards, and support apprentices and employers.
Apprenticeship in the United States is administered state by state. NASTAD helps ensure that it functions as one national system by connecting state leaders, sharing effective practices, strengthening agency capacity, and coordinating with federal agencies and national partners.
Through peer learning, technical collaboration, research, and policy coordination, NASTAD helps states address shared challenges, reduce administrative burdens, improve data and operations, and advance a stronger Registered Apprenticeship system nationwide.
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, NASTAD helps others benefit from that experience.
Connect Partners to the System
We help federal, workforce, education, industry, philanthropic, and research partners understand the responsibilities of state apprenticeship agencies and coordinate effectively with the public systems that administer Registered Apprenticeship.
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.