In December, the department issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to update the rules for the National Apprenticeship System. The voluntary, industry-driven training program was created in the 1930s to promote the establishment of registered apprenticeship programs and provide training and welfare standards for apprentices. More than 460,000 apprentices participate in 28,000 programs nationally. Registered programs are eligible for federal and state contracts, grants, and other assistance.