The MARC is an official endorsement that acts as a quality stamp for Apprenticeship Readiness (AR) programming. It confirms that an AR program completer has the foundational skills employers suggest are essential for entry into, and successful completion of a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).
MARC endorsement levels are not sequential. They are distinct program endorsements, each with their own specific value.
MARC Level I
This level indicates a person is ready to enter a RAP within a specific industry. Completing a MARC Level I endorsed program can significantly benefit both the individual and the employer. For the individual, eligibility for an interview. For employer RAP sponsors, it speeds up the hiring process by providing a pool of pre-qualified candidates.
MARC Level II
This level indicates a person is both ready for an industry and better prepared for a specific occupation. In addition to eligibility for an interview, individuals hired after completing a MARC Level II endorsed program will receive credit in their RAP for their prior training, both in the classroom (Related Instruction) and on the job (On-Job-Learning). This saves employers valuable time and money by shortening the apprenticeship's duration.
Request a new MARC endorsement
Renew an existing MARC endorsement
Program quality and partnerships will be monitored through the annual renewal of MARC endorsements.
Please complete a MARC annual renewal form for each endorsed industry.
Section I: MARC provider information
Section II: Employer Sponsor/partner information
Section III: MARC endorsement level
Please specify the number of On-Job-Learning (OJL) and Related Instruction (RI) hours that will count toward a Registered Apprenticeship.
Section IV: Documentation of partnership
Documentation serving as proof of partnership is required to process your MARC endorsement request. Examples of accepted documents include the following:
- For a single Employer Sponsor: United States Department of Labor (USDOL) Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) Standards that include your Apprenticeship Readiness program in the selection criteria
- For Group Sponsors with multiple programs: An Appendix D with MARC language outlined in the candidate selection
- For training providers with multiple Employer Sponsor partners: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
To ensure consistency and clarity in documentation, the following sample MARC verbiage should be included in the documents you provide:
- Anyone completing a MARC Level I endorsed program will be eligible to interview for the Registered Apprenticeship Program at [USDOL Employer RAP Sponsor Name].
- Anyone completing a MARC Level II endorsed program will be eligible to interview for the Registered Apprenticeship Program, and if hired will receive credit for prior learning: ___ hours of On Job Learning (OJL) and ___ hours of Related Instruction (RI). (the listed credit for prior learning is minimum)
Section IV: Program highlights
If you would like to share more success stories from your program or highlight a best practice, event or key partner, email them to [email protected] or upload them below.
Section V: Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Certification agreement
