Apprenticeships for America

Today, Apprenticeships for America released its analysis of a report to Congress from the U.S. Department of Labor on the feasibility of a pay-for-success apprenticeship funding model. Scaling up apprenticeship in the United States requires a different funding model than we have been using. We know from other countries that a reliable funding model that pays for results will dramatically expand apprenticeship opportunities. AFA found the report ultimately landed on actionable work that could help advance the Pay for Apprenticeship idea. Specifically, the Department suggested the possibility of testing a pay-for-performance funding approach in a handful of states or in targeted industries or professions. AFA will work with its partners at America Forward to encourage the Department and Congressional leaders to develop some of the pilot ideas suggested in the report. We'll also continue to advocate for a scaled Pay for Apprenticeship policy. You can access the DoL report here: https://lnkd.in/g7TMDu4c You can access AFA's response here:https://lnkd.in/gTWu72Zs

Happy National Apprenticeship Week! Last week, my Board Chair and friend, Robert Lerman, was recognized by the MCGRAW FAMILY FOUNDATION for its prestigeous McGraw Prize in Education. Check out Bob's award video at the link below. My favorite line is from Jim Rosapepe, who said "Bob has been so successful at answering the why (of apprenticeship), that we are now focused on the how." https://lnkd.in/gu6jfnb5

On the occasion of his recognition by the MCGRAW FAMILY FOUNDATION, my colleague and friend, Robert Lerman, gets the Michael Bernick treatment in Mike's most recent Forbes piece. Mike's profile highlights Bob persistence and tenacity. And if you ony know Bob from his prodigious output of research papers, you'll learn a bit of Bob's background. Recommended read. https://lnkd.in/gwdxTS_q

Many of us have questions about how to apply the Swiss approach to apprenticeship in the US, but here's a story that should occasion a second look. Colleen Connolly in Work Shift has done a deep dive on some exciting developments in Indiana. With a strong boost from civic leaders, Indiana is experimenting with a deep integration of apprenticeship with secondary education, building on broader movements towards strengthening career-connected learning opportunities. Apprenticeships for America member CareerWise USA has provided some of the inspiration for a bold goal to generate 50,000 youth apprenticeships. This is definitely a story to watch. https://lnkd.in/gtGkBKDG

Apprenticeship colleagues: Join me Wednesday, October 16th at 2:00 PM ET for a one-hour Zoom conversation about new tech tools that help prospective apprentices, intermediaries, and employers connect.  I’ll be moderating a webinar for Apprenticeships for America featuring product demos and Q&A with leaders from three innovative companies: Patrick Cushing from WorkHands Tim Johnson from GoEducate Joel Goldberg from Apprenticeship.com Please note: You must be a member of Apprenticeships for America to attend, but it’s free to join their network. Hope to see you there! AFA Member Registration: https://lnkd.in/eUnsM_ua Register for the Webinar: https://lnkd.in/e4T7_4FW

The electoral season has raised up a range of voices on apprenticeship. Preston Cooper at American Enterprise Institute offers some higher education policy ideas, including a few policy levers that would better connect higher ed funding with apprenticeship and other nontraditional pathways. Provocatively, Cooper says: "The federal funding exclusion of nontraditional postsecondary options such as apprenticeships, workforce training, and industry certifications shelters traditional colleges from competition and leads to employer overreliance on four-year degrees as a signal of worker quality." https://lnkd.in/gi_bEf9A

"Apprenticeships are clearly on the minds of politicians and thought leaders this election season," writes Sara Weissman at Inside Higher Ed. Check out her article out today on politics and apprenticeship. Great commentary from (ahem) me, but also Shalin Jyotishi at New America, Jason Riley of the Manhattan Instiutute, and Curran McSwigan at Third Way. https://lnkd.in/gjgtN8R7