Commonly referred to as the “Field Training Officer Concept”, apprenticeship training is used for law enforcement, communications, and corrections personnel. Educators, administrators and other criminal justice practitioners are also encouraged to participate.

NAFTO was created as a resource for law enforcement, corrections, and communications trainers throughout the United States and beyond.  NAFTO encourages the exchange of ideas and communication in order to promote “Field Training Program” related issues, which are unique to apprenticeship training models.

Those who choose a career in law enforcement, communications, corrections, and EMS, do not have the skills necessary to simply show up and perform the job in a proficient manner.  These career fields have a basic training requirement, such as an academy.  This training is basic and provides the foundation of learning.  However, it does not provide all the skills necessary to ensure candidates are ready to perform the duties required to do the job in a solo or proficient status.

Apprenticeship training, also known as “The Field Training Officer Concept” is necessary to provide training to new candidates.  Field Training Officers known as FTO’s, are experienced officers who attend organized and established training that provides the skills necessary to evaluate and train career candidates.

NAFTO is a resource for Field Training Officers, agencies and departments for developing, and growing field training programs.   NAFTO hosts an annual national training conference.  This annual training conference features break-out sessions, guest speakers and more.  Field training officers in various career fields exchange ideas and solutions for field training programs within their own organization.