Creating Registered Apprenticeship Programs for Direct Support Professionals

There is currently a severe shortage of direct support professionals (DSPs) in the United States, due in part to lack of awareness about this profession, lack of training opportunities, and a perception that advancement opportunities are limited. In fact, DSP jobs are the perfect entryway to a variety of careers. Most people in leadership positions in human services and the disability field started their careers as DSPs. Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) can open this door and help meet the demand for direct care workers by recruiting, training, and retaining DSPs in areas of greatest need.

This document provides responses to questions raised by workforce professionals from American Job Centers (AJCs), workforce development boards, employers, and other partners on how to create RAPs for DSPs.

Direct Support Professional Career Exploration

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) support individuals with disabilities, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in developing and strengthening essential life skills that are self-directed and necessary for independent living, community participation, and employment. The DSP Career Exploration Infographic is designed to support recruitment, workforce awareness, and career advancement for DSPs. This tool enables state and local workforce systems to build interest from job seekers in the DSP field, identify career progression opportunities, and improve coordination across education, workforce development, and human services systems. This infographic is intended for DSPs and entities that interact with job seekers interested in DSP careers, including states, community colleges, and employers involved in DSP recruitment efforts.