Registered Apprenticeship is a highly effective form of instruction that combines on-the job training with related classroom courses. The National Apprenticeship Act of 1937 established the basis of federal and state rules ensuring the safety and quality of Registered Apprenticeship programs.

In Ohio, these rules constitute Division 5101:11 of the Administrative Code. The Ohio State Apprenticeship Council (OSAC) is charged with overseeing their enforcement, under Chapter 4139 of the Ohio Revised Code. In 2009, the OSAC recommended updates to Division 5101:11, pursuant to Ohio's five-year review process for rules affecting state boards and commissions. The updates involved no significant change in the substance of 5101:11, but were designed to achieve greater clarity and to alleviate any ambiguity on topics that prompted questions in recent years.