Intended primarily for use by employment and training staff--program planners, administrators, and counselors--this action planning guidebook provides an in-depth overview of six essential tasks in planning and implementing apprenticeship programs. It is divided into three parts. The introductory section explains the purposes of the guidebook, defines key terms, and presents an introductory discussion of questions relating to types of apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs, apprenticeship standards, and major benefits of apprenticeships and barriers to coordination. In the second section, the action planning guidelines are detailed. Six essential tasks (and 45 specific activities/subtasks) are identified: (1) study and understand the apprenticeship system, (2) examine other apprenticeship programs, (3) establish linkages with the apprenticeship system, (4) develop cooperative plans and program elements, (5) identify and select potential participants, and (6) guide participants in the apprenticeship system. Action planning worksheets are provided for each task. The final section includes several appendixes dealing with such background information items as federal laws and regulations affecting employment of apprentices and addresses of federal, regional, and state agencies dealing with apprentices. A list of references is provided. (YLB)