EQTS*

 
 

FEDERAL ACQUISITION WORKFORCE REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

EQTS* (eh-kwee-tays) is a groundbreaking twelve-month registered apprenticeship certification program designed to create a sustainable pipeline of diverse and exceptionally qualified entry-level federal contracting talent.

 
 

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THE PROBLEM

Every year, United States federal government departments, agencies, and partners obligate over $600 billion to acquire, procure, and contract for the goods, services, and infrastructure necessary to fulfill their missions. Yet, there has been an urgent need to develop alternative career pathways for entry-level professionals with the knowledge, skills, abilities, and dispositions required to navigate this complex landscape. For decades, inefficiencies in the American public sector workforce labor market have stifled the human capital management efforts of U.S. federal government departments, agencies, and partners and precluded many citizens, especially those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds (e.g. low-income, rural, minority, etc.), from answering the call to national public service.

 

FOR EMPLOYERS

Persistent human capital management issues, primarily arising from bureaucratic constraints, inhibit federal acquisition workforce recruiting and retention efforts:

→ Inability to successfully market careers
→ Slow recruiting processes
→ Aging workforce (i.e., “silver tsunami”)
→ Qualified talent shortages
→ Increased labor market competition

 

FOR CITIZENS

Several artificial barriers exclude many citizens, especially those from historically disadvantaged communities, from competition for entry-level federal acquisition workforce roles:

→ Limited exposure to career opportunities
→ Difficulty navigating outdated hiring systems
→ Inability to tear the “paper ceiling”
→ Unrealistic prior experience requirements
→ Lack of real-world training opportunities

 

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OUR SOLUTIONS

Our program is built to inspire, empower, and affirm the next generation of federal acquisition workforce leaders. We recognize that the becoming a successful acquisition professional requires pathways other than traditional education. It demands hands-on experience, specialized training, and a clear career trajectory. Through our “hire-train-certify-deploy” (HTCD) model, we ALIGN™ apprentices to emerge fully equipped to serve federal government departments, agencies, and partners in critical entry-level acquisition roles from day one!

 

  • We recruit emerging leaders ready to grow and make an impact.

  • We train and mentor talent to build essential industry skills.

  • We provide relevant work experience through client projects.

  • We serve as the employer-of-record, offering full support.

  • We connect clients directly with job-ready, skilled talent.

 
 

FOR EMPLOYERS

Our program is designed to meet the unique talent needs of the federal acquisition workforce. We partner with you to recruit, train, and retain skilled professionals who are fully prepared for critical acquisition roles. By aligning our training with federal standards, we ensure you have access to top talent equipped with practical skills and certifications. Our tailored program not only builds a pipeline of qualified employees but also reduces administrative burdens, making workforce development seamless.


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for applicants

We are committed to helping you build a fulfilling career in the federal acquisition workforce through valuable training, mentorship, and hands-on experience. Our program is designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and certifications required to excel in this high-demand field. Whether you're beginning your journey or seeking to advance, we offer a clear path to learn while you earn. With our support, you’ll unlock the doors to success, establishing a foundation for long-term career growth.


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FOR EDUCATORS

In today’s rapidly changing world, educators are key to bridging the gap between learning and workforce readiness. By partner with us, you can contribute to the design of registered apprenticeship programs tailored to the federal acquisition workforce and aligned with industry standards. Together, we can jointly expand our impact, strengthen employer relationships, and provide students with alternative career pathways while ensuring they are fully equipped to excel in federal acquisition workforce roles.


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FOR EMPLOYERS

Access the best talent. Expedite the hiring process. Reduce costly overhead.

 

Unlock the potential of your agency with a registered apprenticeship program designed to build skilled, job-ready federal acquisition professionals. Our structured approach helps you find and cultivate top talent, ensuring you select individuals with the right competencies and a public service mindset. Simplify your hiring process by onboarding candidates already equipped with hands-on experience, reducing the time and costs of traditional recruitment. Invest in a workforce strategy that not only meets immediate staffing needs but also establishes a pipeline of future leaders committed to serving the public good.

    • Develop and implement apprenticeship programs tailored to federal acquisition workforce needs.

    • Manage administrative tasks, including compliance with federal guidelines, making the process easy for you.

    • Recruit and pre-screen diverse candidates suited for acquisition and contracting roles.

    • Connect you with government funding and tax credits to support your apprenticeship program.

    • Provide ongoing support, including mentorship resources and progress evaluations throughout the program.

    • Build a sustainable talent pipeline for federal acquisition and contracting roles.

    • Access pre-screened, qualified candidates while reducing recruitment costs.

    • Improve retention by training employees in acquisition through the apprenticeship program.

    • Offload administrative burdens by having us manage compliance and program registration.

    • Leverage government funding and tax incentives to reduce the costs of implementing the program.

    • We start with a consultation to assess your federal acquisition workforce needs and business goals.

    • We design a program that blends on-the-job training with academic learning, focused on acquisition and contracting roles.

    • We recruit and pre-screen diverse candidates ready to participate in the apprenticeship program.

    • We handle program registration and ensure compliance with federal acquisition standards.

    • Throughout the program, we provide ongoing support, mentorship, and performance evaluation to ensure success for both employer and apprentice.

 
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FOR APPLICANTS

Learn federal contracting. Earn a full-time salary. Graduate with a credential.

 

Gain the skills and experience you need to thrive in federal contracting while earning a competitive salary from day one. Our registered apprenticeship program blends comprehensive training with real-world, on-the-job learning, and mentorship to prepare you for a successful public sector career. Upon completion, you’ll not only have hands-on expertise but also earn a nationally recognized certification, demonstrating your readiness to take on key roles in federal acquisition. Step into a career that matters, with financial stability and professional credentials that empower you to lead and serve the public good.

    • Offer a registered apprenticeship certification program that combines work experience with academic learning in federal acquisition.

    • Provide personalized career guidance to help you navigate your journey in the acquisition workforce.

    • Match you with employers in the federal acquisition sector who are seeking diverse talent.

    • Offer mentorship and coaching throughout your apprenticeship to ensure success in both work and education.

    • Provide resources and academic support to help you complete your certification.

    • Earn while you learn, gaining real-world experience through the apprenticeship program and earning a federal acquisition certification.

    • Avoid student debt by participating in a fully funded apprenticeship program.

    • Gain a nationally recognized credential tailored to acquisition and contracting roles in the federal government.

    • Receive personalized support, including mentoring and career guidance, to ensure your success.

    • Develop the skills and qualifications needed for a long-term career in the federal acquisition workforce.

    • We assess your career interests and match you with the right apprenticeship opportunity within the federal acquisition workforce.

    • You’ll work with an employer in the federal acquisition sector, gaining hands-on experience and completing academic coursework.

    • We provide mentorship, coaching, and ongoing support throughout the apprenticeship.

    • Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a federal acquisition certification, positioning you for career advancement.

    • You’ll graduate with both a recognized credential and the practical experience needed for success in the acquisition workforce.

 
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FOR EDUCATORS

Empower students. Bridge academia and industry. Lead community impact.

 

Partnering with our registered apprenticeship program enables your institution to provide critical support for developing the federal acquisition workforce. By offering expertise, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities, you’ll help prepare apprentices for key roles in federal contracting and public service. Together, we’ll build a skilled and mission-driven workforce dedicated to serving the nation, expand your institution’s reach, strengthen industry connections, and make a lasting impact on the communities you serve.

    • Collaborate with your institution to deliver apprenticeship certification programs aligned with federal acquisition workforce needs.

    • Facilitate partnerships with employers in acquisition and contracting to provide students with hands-on training.

    • Guide institutions through the accreditation process to ensure programs meet necessary standards for certification.

    • Assist in recruiting diverse students interested in careers in the federal acquisition workforce.

    • Provide continuous program evaluation and support to ensure the program meets workforce needs.

    • Increase student enrollment by offering a twelve-month federal acquisition certification program that combines education with practical experience.

    • Align your curriculum with the specific needs of the federal acquisition workforce, ensuring students are prepared for in-demand roles.

    • Build long-term partnerships with employers in the acquisition sector, offering students valuable real-world learning opportunities.

    • Access additional funding streams and government partnerships to enhance your programs and attract more students.

    • Ensure better student outcomes by offering pathways to certification and employment through the apprenticeship program.

    • We begin by developing partnerships between your institution and federal acquisition employers to deliver the apprenticeship certification program.

    • Work with us to align your curriculum with the skills and competencies required for federal acquisition and contracting roles.

    • We assist in registering and accrediting the apprenticeship program to meet federal acquisition standards.

    • We help recruit a diverse group of students eager to enter the federal acquisition workforce.

    • We continuously evaluate the program to ensure it meets both academic and industry standards, helping students succeed in the federal acquisition field.

 
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