If you need to move an apprentice from one occupation to another, the process typically involves cancelling their current enrollment and re-enrolling them in the new occupation. This ensures proper tracking, compliance, and certification.
This article covers:
Standard occupation transfers
Transfers to licensed trades (like electrician)
What to do if an apprentice was added to the wrong occupation
⚠️ Before You Start: Check for Incorrect Initial Setup
If the apprentice was just added to the platform for the first time and placed in the wrong occupation, you should not cancel them.
Instead, follow this process:
Delete the apprentice from the incorrect occupation
Re-add them to the correct occupation using Existing User
This only applies if:
The apprentice has never been in another occupation, and
No time has been tracked for them in any occupation
👉 In this case, deleting is the correct approach because there is no historical data to preserve.
If the apprentice has tracked time or was previously enrolled in another occupation, follow the standard transfer process below.
Standard Transfer Process
Use this process if the apprentice has:
Already tracked time, or
Previously been enrolled in an occupation
Step 1: Cancel the Apprentice in Their Current Occupation
You must cancel the apprentice from their existing occupation before adding them to a new one.
Step 2: Add the Apprentice to the New Occupation
Navigate to the new occupation
Click Add Member
In the pop-up window:
Select Existing User at the top (default is New User)
Enter the apprentice’s email address to confirm they exist in the system
Select the Apprentice role
Enter the new apprenticeship start date
Click Submit
Step 3: Apprentice Completes Onboarding Again
After being added to the new occupation:
The apprentice will receive a notification
They must complete onboarding again, including:
Signing a new agreement
Registering for the new occupation
Step 4: Transfer Is Finalized
Once:
The apprentice has been cancelled from the original occupation, and
They’ve completed onboarding in the new one
👉 Your team will process the transfer.
You’ll be notified when:
The transfer is complete
A new Davis-Bacon certificate has been issued for the new occupation
Transferring to a Licensed Trade (e.g., Electrician)
If you’re moving an apprentice from a non-licensed role (like Craft Laborer) to a licensed trade (like Electrician), there are additional considerations.
This Is Not a Simple Role Change
Instead of recategorizing:
The current apprenticeship must be cancelled
The apprentice must be enrolled in a completely new program
Additional Requirements for Licensed Trades
Licensed trade programs typically include:
A longer duration (often around 4 years)
A required third-party curriculum provider
Possible state licensing requirements, depending on where the apprentice works
This differs from non-licensed roles like Craft Laborer, which:
Are typically shorter (around 2 years)
Often use in-house training for classroom requirements
Confirm Readiness Before Enrolling
Before transferring an apprentice into a licensed trade, make sure:
They understand the time commitment
They’re willing to complete external coursework
You’ve selected a curriculum provider
What Happens to Previous Training?
Your team will review the apprentice’s completed hours
Some credit may be applied, depending on alignment with the new program
Important:
This does not affect IRA hours
It only impacts progress toward the apprenticeship requirements
Quick Checklist
Before expecting the transfer to complete, confirm:
The apprentice has been cancelled from their current occupation (unless they were added incorrectly with no tracked time)
They’ve been added as an Existing User in the new occupation
They’ve completed onboarding and signed the new agreement
(For licensed trades) You’ve reviewed training and curriculum requirements
FAQs
What if I added an apprentice to the wrong occupation by mistake?
If no time has been tracked and this is their first time in the system:
Delete them from the incorrect occupation
Re-add them to the correct one as an Existing User
If they already have tracked time, follow the standard transfer process instead.
Do I need to create a new user for the apprentice?
No—select Existing User when adding them to the new occupation.
Why does the apprentice need to onboard again?
Each occupation requires its own agreement and registration, so onboarding must be completed again.
Will previous hours carry over?
Possibly. Your team will review prior progress and apply credit where appropriate.
Does this impact IRA hours?
No—IRA hours are not affected. Only apprenticeship progress may change.