US Needs National Apprenticeship Structure
Date Posted: June 9, 2019
Posted In: Workforce,
From Industry Week: A large reason for the strength of Germany’s manufacturing sector can be attributed to its well-established and highly structured apprenticeship program. This model has been brought to the U.S. through German companies with divisions or has been adopted by American businesses.
Although U.S. programs have been successful in implementing apprenticeship programs, they usually only address the needs of specific companies or industries such as manufacturing. Even with support from the U.S. Department of Labor, including an official certification process, apprenticeship opportunities remain limited.
A broader, national strategy is needed.
“Like other countries, in the U.S. we have the same strong manufacturing tradition,” says Brent Parton, deputy director of the Center on Education & Skills, at New America, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. “But unlike those other countries, we lack a national strategy that prioritizes youth apprenticeship as an effective talent pipeline to boost the sector’s competitiveness and spread economic opportunity across the country.”
Providing economic opportunity through manufacturing historically was key to creating a middle class. Currently, that middle class is shrinking, and now policy leaders are turning their attention back to this field. Apprenticeships offer a direct route to economic prosperity according to New America.
“Apprenticeships can promote a more inclusive economy while also meeting the needs of business,” says Parton.
“How do you build equity pathways?” asks Parton. “It has to be done intentionally. You have to ensure that everyone is hearing the message about these opportunities. The message needs to be heard at an early age and then acted upon in high school. Guidance counselors need to point students in this direction. Employers need to be ready to support the success of young apprentices even if they don’t look like them or their current employees.”