With a widespread skills gap threatening the talent pool and limiting options for entry-level workers, policymakers are exploring how postsecondary institutions can adapt to help lessen the gap. Specifically, postsecondary institutions can connect students with work-based learning opportunities such as apprenticeships to equip them with the real-world work experience, knowledge, and skills to meet employers’ needs.
This report from the American Enterprise Institute explores how community colleges could play a more active role in growing the number of apprentiships nationwide, examining models from Virginia, Florida and Tennessee. The report summarizes the past and current state of apprenticeships, challenges to community colleges interested in sponsoring apprenticeship programs and potential reforms to help address those challenges.
