Apprenticeships

Rigorous apprenticeships—that combine structured work-based training, jobs with wages and contributions to production, and related classroom instruction—cost-effectively prepare workers for rewarding careers and upgrading jobs. Studies have documented the positive earnings gains for workers, improved productivity for firms, and significant savings in government spending. The Urban Institute conducts research on the effectiveness of apprenticeships for workers and employers, how to build a robust US apprenticeship system, and the development of competency-based occupational frameworks for apprenticeship.  

Illustration by Shannon Ryan for the Urban Institute.