Understanding the APCA & LAC Partnership Request Information

LAC, LASCE & The American Pipeline Contractors Association

Our Partnership

Serving as a national association of merit shop pipeline and station contractors, the American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) was founded in 1971 as a regional alliance to promote the mutual interests and address industry concerns of its members and associates.
The scope of services ranges from security issues to providing key industry information and assistance, such as Continuing education on labor, safety, environment, and quality.

The Learning Alliance collaborates with APCA to provide Department of Labor-Registered Apprenticeship Programs and customized educational and training solutions. By equipping members’ workforces with in-demand credentials and ensuring compliance with Davis-Bacon, Prevailing Wage, and Inflation Reduction Act regulations, we enhance productivity and strengthen the overall business’ bottom line.

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National Registered Apprenticeship Program(s) from the Office of Apprenticeship Approved Here:

Learning Alliance State Approved Programs Here:

ERISA Backed Apprenticeship Programs (Davis-Bacon Act Compliant)

The Learning Alliance Corporation (LAC) ERISA-covered apprenticeship program aligns seamlessly with our Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), offering employers a comprehensive solution to meet the requirements of public projects and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) often awarded to unions. Through strategic integration of ERISA standards, RAPs, and Davis-Bacon Act compliance, our program provides unparalleled advantages for employers seeking to compete in the public sector while investing in a skilled workforce.

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Key Benefits of the LAC ERISA Backed Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP)

1. Compliance with Davis-Bacon Act Requirements

The Davis-Bacon Act mandates that contractors on federally funded construction projects pay prevailing wages and benefits, often including participation in approved apprenticeship programs. The LAC ERISA backed RAP’s provides:

  • Prevailing Wage Benefits: Apprenticeship Standards to comply with Prevailing Wage requirements.
  • Certified Apprenticeship Programs: Registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, our programs satisfy prevailing wage apprenticeship standards.

2. Enhanced Competitiveness in Public RFPs

Public projects frequently prioritize contractors with robust training and workforce development initiatives. LAC’s RAPs and ERISA programs help employers:

  • Meet Training Benchmarks: Demonstrate a commitment to workforce training and compliance with apprenticeship utilization requirements.
  • Achieve Preferred Bidder Status: Align with union-level apprenticeship standards, enhancing bid competitiveness.

3. Alignment with Union-Level Standards

Union apprenticeship programs often set the benchmark for skills training and workforce benefits. The LAC ERISA Backed RAP’s delivers equivalent advantages, including:

  • Structured Training Pathways: Comprehensive RAPs that mirror union offerings in quality and rigor.
  • Retirement and Fringe Benefits: The support and system needed to help employers align internal retirement plans and health benefits with ERISA-compliant retirement plans ensures parity with union benefit structures.

4. Streamlined Workforce Development

The LAC ERISA Backed RAP’s integrate workforce development and benefits administration into a single framework, supporting employers in building a pipeline of skilled professionals. This includes:

  • Customizable Training Programs: Tailored to industry needs, ensuring that apprentices meet specific project requirements.
  • Wraparound Support Services: Success coaches, mentors and supportive services to reduce barriers to participation.
  • Skill Certification and Credentialing: Apprentices receive industry-recognized certifications that boost employer credibility and workforce readiness.

5. Cost-Effective Compliance

Our program reduces the cost and complexity of compliance with apprenticeship and benefits requirements by offering:

  • Centralized Administration: Simplifies reporting and management of apprenticeship.
  • Tax Advantages: Contributions to ERISA plans are tax-deductible, offering financial incentives to employers.
  • Long-Term ROI: Investment in the program ensures a well-trained, loyal workforce that reduces turnover and recruitment costs.

6. Support for Economically Disadvantaged Communities

Employers participating in the LAC ERISA Backed RAP’s gain access to a diverse talent pool, including veterans, minorities, and economically disadvantaged individuals. Benefits include:

  • Increased Workforce Diversity: Aligns with public project goals for inclusion and equity.
  • Community Development Impact: Demonstrates corporate social responsibility by investing in underserved communities.

7. Seamless Integration of Retirement Benefits

Employers offering retirement and benefit(s) to employees historically gain the following benefits:

  • Employee Retention: Enhanced benefits improve employee satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Competitive Advantage: Aligning with union-equivalent retirement benefits strengthens employer bids.

How the LAC ERISA Backed Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) Works?

1. Registration and Certification

Employers partner with LAC to enroll apprentices in our Registered Apprenticeship Programs. All programs are certified by the U.S. Department of Labor to meet federal and state requirements.

2. ERISA Trust Administration

Employers works with LAC to align internal benefits for compliance. If an employer does not have a benefits solution, the employer will have the option to contribute to the LAC ERISA trust, which manages retirement and fringe benefits in compliance with federal regulations, including:

  • Defined benefit or defined contribution plans
  • Define fringe benefits as required under prevailing wage laws

3. Comprehensive Training Delivery

Apprentices receive training through LAC’s RAPs, which include:

  • On-the-job training under experienced mentors
  • Classroom instruction aligned with industry standards
  • Certification in high-demand skills such as telecommunications, construction, and heavy equipment operation

4. Reporting and Compliance

LAC provides comprehensive support for compliance documentation, including:

  • Benefit allocation reports
  • Program performance metrics

The Learning Alliance Corporation ERISA program offers employers a powerful tool to meet the rigorous requirements of public projects while investing in a future-ready workforce. By aligning with RAPs and meeting Davis-Bacon Act standards, the program ensures compliance, enhances competitiveness, and fosters economic and workforce development. Employers partnering with LAC gain access to a proven framework for success in both private and public sector projects.

Apprenticeships Provided by LASCE

Learning Alliance School of Continuing Education (LASCE) is a rapidly expanding Registered Apprenticeship Program Sponsor in Florida and nationally. As an apprenticeship program sponsor, LASCE serves underrepresented communities through career development pathways in information technology, advanced communications, and renewable energy. All apprenticeships provided by LASCE are approved by the Department of Education, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Some of the apprenticeships provided are:

  • Construction Craft Laborer
  • Heavy Equipment Operator
  • Pipefitter
  • Solar Technician (Only approved by the Florida Department of Education)
  • Construction Craft Labor
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Investing in Workforce Development

All apprenticeship programs are priced at $1,000 per apprentice. This flat rate ensures that every apprentice receives comprehensive training and support, setting them up for long-term success in the industry.

All Renewable Energy Apprenticeship Programs are GRANT funded and come with a $1,000 credit toward apprenticeship services for up to 40 apprentices.

What’s Included?

Each apprenticeship program comes with full support services and resources to enhance the learning experience and improve workforce development:

  • Success Coach – Dedicated guidance to help apprentices stay on track and achieve their career goals.
  • Apprenticeship Coordinator – Manages program logistics and ensures compliance with all Department of Labor requirements.
  • Grant Manager – Helps employers navigate grant opportunities to offset apprenticeship costs.
  • Applicant Tracking System (Unify.ATS) – Streamlined recruitment and tracking for all apprentices.
  • Online Self-Paced Curriculum – Flexible learning options that allows apprentices to complete coursework at their own pace.
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Grant-Funded Instructor-Led Training

We offer Instructor-Led Training options to ensure individuals and teams receive hands-on, expert-led instruction at Learning Alliance Corporation (LAC).

  • Send Individuals to LAC for Training – Perfect for employers who want to upskill their workforce with in-person, instructor-led education.
  • Private Instructor-Led Training – If your company has 5 or more employees, Contact LAC for a Private Instructor-Led Quote to receive a customized training plan tailored to your workforce’s needs.

This initiative is supported by Department of Labor funding, awarded to help launch and sustain apprenticeship programs as a professional development solution. By leveraging this funding, employers can enhance their workforce while reducing training costs.

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Grant Services

Learning Alliance Corporation (LAC) offers comprehensive grant services to support organizations in accessing critical funding opportunities from the Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Education (DOE), and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs. LAC specializes in aligning training programs with federal and state workforce development priorities, ensuring compliance with grant requirements and optimizing funding utilization. By leveraging expertise in workforce readiness, registered apprenticeships, and career-focused education, LAC assists partners in developing and managing proposals that meet the high standards of these funding sources. Through these grant services, LAC empowers communities by expanding access to skills training, enhancing job retention outcomes, and driving economic development through federally supported initiatives.

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