Labor unions are most concerned with the interests of union members, which includes keeping their skills current. As the demand for higher skilled workers has increased, unions have often taken an active role in providing training for their members, including both developing and sponsoring a wide variety of training programs. A joint training program is an extension of the management-labor union relationship in which the goal is to provide meaningful training and personal developmental opportunities for union members.

Joint training programs are administered by both the employer and the union and are usually available only to union members. Joint training programs benefit the participating union members, and they can foster better relationships between union leaders and management. Apprentices in joint programs are considerably more likely to complete a program than those in non-joint programs.