Printable apprentice OJT hours log (free PDF)

What sponsors and the Registration Agency expect

• Program standards must outline the work processes where the apprentice gets supervised on-the-job experience, with the approximate time allotted to each major process.

  Source: 29 CFR 29.5(b)(3), Standards of apprenticeship

• A time-based term means at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning. That minimum covers the whole term, not each calendar year. Competency-based and hybrid approaches are also allowed.

  Source: DOL Office of Apprenticeship Circular 2026-01 (March 9, 2026)

• The regulation recommends, but does not require, at least 144 hours of related instruction per year. Programs may front-load hours, for example more in year one and fewer later.

  Source: DOL Office of Apprenticeship Circular 2026-01

• Standards require periodic review and evaluation of the apprentice's performance on the job, appropriate progress records, qualified training personnel, and adequate on-the-job supervision.

  Source: 29 CFR 29.5(b)(6) and (b)(14)

• Sponsors must keep records of job assignments across all components of the occupation, hours of work and hours of training provided, and make them available to the Registration Agency.

  Source: 29 CFR 30.12(a)(3), Recordkeeping

How long to keep it: 5 years from the date the record was made or the personnel action, whichever is later. 29 CFR 30.12(d)

Not affiliated with the US Department of Labor. Your program standards and Registration Agency decide the exact format and sign-off rules.

Filling it in

1. Copy the work process names from your program's work process schedule so the hours roll up correctly.
2. Log related technical instruction (classroom) hours separately from on-the-job hours.
3. Get the journeyworker's initials each week while the work is fresh.
4. Keep a copy for yourself; sponsors keep their records, but your own copy helps if you change employers.