Both the private and public sectors operate registered apprenticeship programs. Sponsors include employers, employer associations and joint labor/management organizations. Program sponsors pay most of the training costs while simultaneously increasing the wages of the apprentices as their skill levels increase. Registered apprenticeship training can be competency-based or time-based with training generally ranging from one to six years depending on the needs of the program sponsor. For the apprentice, this translates into an educational benefit worth $40,000 to $150,000. Because the training content is driven by industry needs, the end result of an apprenticeship programs is extremely well trained workers whose skills are in high demand.