Apprenti and SHRM Foundation team up to launch Human Resources Apprenticeship Program

With the Human Resources Apprenticeship Program (HR RAP), Apprenti and SHRM Foundation have created a new learning pathway for apprentices.

HR RAP aims to blend a mixture of classroom learning and paid, on-the-job experience leading to long-term careers in human resources. 

The new collaboration brings together apprenticeship intermediary Apprenti’s experience in launching and managing registered apprenticeship programs and HR consultancy the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Foundation’s expertise in human resources. The partnership aims to make it easier for employers to build a future-ready HR workforce - and for apprentices to access high-quality training and career development.

“The SHRM Foundation has created a thoughtful model for HR career development,” explains Jennifer Carlson, Executive Director at Apprenti. “We’re proud to bring Apprenti’s national infrastructure and expertise to help expand HR RAP, ensuring more employers and job seekers can benefit from this hands-on, work-based pathway into the HR profession.”

The U.S. Department of Labour estimates there are a total of 86,200 vacancies for HR professionals each year and this is expected to grow eight percent a year until 2033 - a rate twice the national average. Meanwhile, many employers struggle to recruit candidates with the right skills and experience for these roles. HR RAP aims to fill this skills gap.

“Teaming up with Apprenti allows us to reach more employers and future HR professionals through an established, trusted apprenticeship infrastructure,” adds Wendi Safstrom, President at the SHRM Foundation. “Together, we can accelerate the development of tomorrow’s HR leaders.”