This handbook was developed to assist local education agency personnel in establishing and administering high school apprenticeship programs, especially in North Carolina. The guide is organized in seven chapters that cover the following topics: (1) what apprenticeship is; (2) how a registered apprenticeship program works; (3) why employers choose to establish an apprenticeship program; (4) the high school apprenticeship method and its benefits; (5) closing the skills gap with high school apprenticeship; (6) establishing a high school apprenticeship program; and (7) questions and answers concerning such topics as employer role in establishing apprenticeship programs, government role, apprenticeable occupations, insurance for apprenticeships, apprenticeship and further education, and the role of unions. Three appendixes constituting over half the document provide an overview of apprenticeable trades in North Carolina, present samples of apprentice program documents and agreements, and summarize pertinent laws. (KC)