The increase in apprenticeships and on-the-job experiences at schools and vocational institutions has increased school administrators' and employers' legal responsibilities. One major legal concern is responsibility for student injury at the training site. While all states have workers' compensation laws, states have varying laws concerning minors. Federal laws may also apply to minors and workers' compensation. Other factors may influence the applicability of workers' compensation laws. If a minor is illegally hired, workers' compensation laws may not apply and the employer may be held liable for injuries. Another contractual question is whether an apprentice is a paid employee or a student learner. If apprentices are paid, they are most likely legally defined as employees and are eligible for benefits, with some exceptions. Violation of child labor laws is another concern that is greater for trade and industrial educators than others. Different states have approached the legal problems concerning apprenticeships in different ways. Some states have provisions in their workers' compensation laws to include minors. Other states regulate insurance companies' ability to limit apprenticeship programs. (Contains 23 references.) (JPT)