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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.

PODCAST

Youth Apprenticeship: Connecting High School Students to Work-Based Learning

 

Feature

Charting a New Course
Serena Lei and Lydia Thompson

 

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Bridging the Gap
Accelerating Opportunity 
Local Workforce System
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Research

Skilling Up: The Scope of Modern Apprenticeship

November 19, 2019 | Ervin Dimeny, Deborah Williamson, Lisa Yates, David Hinson
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Training for Jobs of the Future

October 03, 2019 | Robert I. Lerman, Pamela J. Loprest, Daniel Kuehn
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Registered Apprenticeship in Science and Engineering

June 12, 2019 | Daniel Kuehn, Ian Hecker, Alphonse Simon
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Youth Apprenticeships in Georgia

May 30, 2019 | Robert I. Lerman, Daniel Kuehn, Jessica Shakesprere
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Registered Apprenticeship and Career Advancement for Low-Wage Service Workers

May 28, 2019 | Daniel Kuehn
Urban Wire

Five Common Misconceptions about Apprenticeships

Summary:  Apprenticeships are not only for building or construction trades, but many industries ranging from IT to hospitality.
April 22, 2019 | Jessica Shakesprere
Research

Leading by Example: Public Sector Apprenticeships in Kentucky

March 08, 2019 | Robert I. Lerman, John Marotta, Myca San Miguel
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Apprenticeship and the Justice System

February 22, 2019 | Ian Hecker, Daniel Kuehn
Urban Wire

Apprenticeships can help a divided Congress find common ground on economic mobility

Summary:  Apprenticeships could provide millions of Americans with rewarding job and training opportunities—a shared goal of nearly every policymaker.
November 20, 2018 | Alan D. Dodkowitz
Event

Assuring Quality in Apprenticeships: A Transatlantic Dialogue

October, 2018
Research

The Virtue of Apprenticeship

October 17, 2018 | Robert I. Lerman
Urban Wire

How new competency frameworks can help US policymakers and employers boost apprenticeships

Summary:  Well-defined occupational frameworks can simplify the development and approval of apprenticeships.
July 24, 2018 | Robert I. Lerman, Diana Elliott
Research

The Compelling Case for Youth Apprenticeships

July 18, 2018 | Robert I. Lerman
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Restoring Opportunity by Expanding Apprenticeship

July 18, 2018 | Robert I. Lerman
Urban Wire

Instead of tariffs, try apprenticeships

Summary:  The manufacturing industry is facing a skills gap estimated to result in 2 million unfilled jobs by 2025.
May 8, 2018 | Alan D. Dodkowitz
Research

Sub-baccalaureate STEM Education and Apprenticeship

May 04, 2018 | Daniel Kuehn, Diane Jones
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Implementing Financial Education in Youth Apprenticeship Programs: An Exploratory Study

October 17, 2016 | Andrew Karas, Robert I. Lerman
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The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP): Implementation Study and Feasibility of an Impact Study

December 27, 2015 | Robert I. Lerman, Devlin Hanson, Myra Tanamor, Lorraine Blatt
Research

Youth Apprenticeship: A Hopeful Approach for Improving Outcomes for Baltimore Youth

May 06, 2015 | Robert I. Lerman, Arnold Packer
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Expanding Economic Opportunity for Young Men and Boys of Color through Employment and Training

February 03, 2015 | Shayne Spaulding, Robert I. Lerman, Harry Holzer, Lauren Eyster
Research

Diversity and Inclusion in Apprenticeship Expansion

October 11, 2017 | Daniel Kuehn
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TAACCCT Approaches, Targeted Industries, and Partnerships

March 30, 2017 | Lauren Eyster, Elissa Cohen, Kelly S. Mikelson, Christin Durham
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TAACCCT Goals, Design, and Evaluation

March 30, 2017 | Kelly S. Mikelson, Lauren Eyster, Christin Durham, Elissa Cohen
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Understanding Local Workforce Systems

March 15, 2016 | Lauren Eyster, Christin Durham, Michelle Van Noy, Neil Damron
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State Workforce and Economic Development

November 29, 2016 | Lauren Eyster, Amanda Briggs
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State Workforce and Economic Development Collaboration

May 09, 2017 | Lauren Eyster, Amanda Briggs
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Investments in the Workforce

May 09, 2017 | Norton Francis, Lauren Eyster
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Workforce Development and Low-Income Adults and Youth

September 26, 2017 | Lauren Eyster, Demetra Smith Nightingale
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Building Workforce Success

January 30, 2018 | Lauren Eyster
Research

Can We Upgrade Low-Skill, Low-Wage Occupations? The Case of Apprenticeships in the Long-Term Care Occupations

May 01, 2014 | Robert I. Lerman, Lauren Eyster, Daniel Kuehn
Urban Wire

Appreciating apprenticeships: Trump plan can boost labor quality

Summary:  Apprenticeships are a cost-effective approach to upgrading skills, raising job quality, and widening routes to rewarding careers.
July 3, 2017 | Robert I. Lerman
Urban Wire

Let’s help intermediaries expand US apprenticeships

Summary:  Nearly every country with a large-scale apprenticeship system relies heavily on intermediary organizations. Few US companies are knowledgeable enough about apprent
July 5, 2016 | Robert I. Lerman
Urban Wire

Six things states should know about apprenticeships

Summary:  The White House and the Department of Labor recently announced a $90 million investment in apprenticeships. How can states maximize their grants?
May 3, 2016 | Alexandra Tilsley
Urban Wire

Maryland teams up with England to expand apprenticeships

Summary:  The Children’s Guild is partnering with British training providers who have expanded and improved apprenticeships in a range of occupations.
April 12, 2016 | Robert I. Lerman
Event

Reaching for the Moon: Can America Deliver 5 Million Additional Apprenticeships?

October, 2017
Event

How Did England Generate Two Million Apprenticeships?

October, 2015
MarketWatch

The best use of corporate tax cuts is investing in apprenticeship programs

March 2, 2018 | Robert I. Lerman
Event

Global Lessons in Apprenticeships: An International Seminar

January, 2015