The idea for the Fitness Instructor Apprenticeship emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many gyms were shuttered. Redefine Fitness Founder Anthony Amen recognized the need for consistent standards in personal training, as many trainers possessed only online certifications while some gyms did not require any credentials at all.
To address these issues, Redefine Fitness partnered with Apprenticeship Connections & Consulting, Corp. and worked closely with the New York State Department of Labor’s (NYSDOL’s) Apprenticeship Training Central Office. This partnership was instrumental in establishing the state's first official standards for the Fitness Instructor profession. The program was approved on March 7, 2024.
The comprehensive 12-month apprenticeship attracted Madison Stoddard, who was already serving as an assistant trainer at Redefine Fitness. Madison’s journey began when she realized the potential for Registered Apprenticeship programs having attended classes through the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). In the RA program, she actively participated in testing all aspects of the program, including related instruction and hands-on evaluations, not only enhancing her training experience but allowing her to help refine the program for future apprentices.
Madison successfully completed the Fitness Instructor RA program on September 2, 2025, which also marked another important milestone: a new, credible career path for fitness professionals and a strong step toward elevating how personal trainers are trained, recognized, and respected statewide.
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The October 2025 release of the modernized system to existing NYS RA sponsors has resulted in great success as numerous sponsor representative accounts have been setup and apprentices have been digitally enrolled through the new system. Existing sponsors who are not using the system are strongly encouraged to get authenticated to gain access.
The modernized system is being built in stages and over time will support the transition of all current paper-based processes to digital processes. The next phases include enabling entities interested in becoming a sponsor to apply online through the portal and allowing sponsors to submit revisions to program elements digitally.
Blue Book Reminder
Digital Blue Books are still being designed. In the interim, sponsors should keep paper Blue Book requests only to what is needed. While efforts will be made to fulfill all requests, please understand that additional justification may be required to support paper orders. An alternative to the paper blue book is the Excel version which can be found on our website: https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/publications. Sponsors should contact their Apprenticeship Training Representative (ATR) with any questions.
As the Registered Apprenticeship modernized system moves forward, the New York State Department of Labor would like to remind RA program sponsors that the online “Apprentice Registration” is replacing the Apprenticeship Agreement (AT401) paper form. The online “Apprentice Registration” is acceptable documentation that the apprentice is registered and is equivalent to the paper AT401. We ask that RA program sponsors notify their signatory employers of this update.
Need assistance gaining access to or navigating the new system? Please visit https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship-portal or email NYSRADataSystem@labor.ny.gov.
Office Hours
Regular Office Hour sessions will begin this month! These will be one-hour virtual sessions you can join and ask questions! More information will be posted on our website: https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship-portal. Stay tuned!
Beginning in 2026, NYSDOL will be streamlining the recertification process. The Central Office Recertification team will work directly with sponsors throughout the review process. The sponsor’s ATR will still be conducting a monitoring visit within six months of the recertification due date. This update aligns with system modernization, as we look for ways to expedite and streamline our processes creating an improved customer experience.
The ESATC program wrapped up another successful year! Applications are currently being reviewed, and final tax credit certificates will be issued in early 2026.
Further information, including FAQs, can be found at: Options for Apprenticeship Program Sponsors.
Email our team at ESATC@labor.ny.gov with any questions.
New York State is eager to create RA opportunities within all industries, for both new and existing program sponsors. NYSDOL staff have participated in events throughout the state to expand awareness, the number of businesses operating RA programs, and to recruit youth and adult RA applicants.
A few of the recent events NYSDOL staff participated in include:
- 27th Annual Careers in Construction event
- Long Island Supplier & Workforce Opportunities Conference & Trade Expo
- Mid-Hudson Regional Career Fair
- Healthcare roundtable with SUNY Empire Manufacturing Day at Clinton Community College.
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Mark your calendar for the week-long National Apprenticeship Week celebration to be held April 26 to May 2, 2026. More details to come!
The National Association of State and Territorial Apprenticeship Directors (NASTAD) Annual Conference will be held in Lake George in September 2026. We are excited to welcome our partners from across the country and highlight the impacts and achievements of RA programs!
The NYS Apprenticeship and Training Council (Council) is committed to promoting excellence in RA through adherence to standards, accountability for performance and the pursuit of continuous improvement.
The next Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Details will be shared as they become available and posted on the Apprenticeship and Training Council Department of Labor webpage: https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/atc.
The tentative schedule for 2026 is as follows:
- Tuesday, May 19, 2026
- Tuesday, August 18, 2026
- Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Not able to attend the last Apprenticeship and Training Council Meeting?
Prior Council meeting recordings and meeting reports are available on the NYSDOL webpage: https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/atc.
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As of September 30, 2025:
- 598 sponsors
- 924 programs
- 17,836 active apprentices
- 1,799 Certificates of Completion issued to date in 2025
We are excited to announce the approval of the following apprenticeable trades/occupations:
- Multimedia Producer (Time-based)
- Digital Video Editor (Time-based)
- Digital Archivist (Time-based)
Our complete list of trades/occupations and training outlines may be found here: https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-trades.
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Need to contact us? Have a story to share?
Contact us at ATCO@labor.ny.gov with any questions or suggestions. We want to hear from you!
Prior council meeting recordings and meeting reports are available on the NYSDOL webpage: https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/atc.
The Office for Special Initiatives Apprenticeship Navigator team is available to provide free information, support, and technical assistance with setting up an RA program, as well as assistance with recruiting. For more information or to share details of upcoming RA events, email ApprenticeshipNavigators@labor.ny.gov.
Modernization project resources and updates may be found here: https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship-portal. For questions or technical assistance related to the Modernization project, please email NYSRADataSystem@labor.ny.gov.
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