As the public sours on the value of a college degree as the default pathway to success, it’s sweetening on the value of multiple pathways to success, especially earn-and-learn models such as apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are the new learning campuses, where paid work and education combine to jump-start careers.
Vice President Kamala Harris captured this sentiment during her 2024 presidential campaign: “For far too long, our nation has encouraged only one path to success: a four-year college degree. Our nation needs to recognize the value of other paths—additional paths, such as apprenticeships and technical programs.” I call this approach to creating additional paths to success opportunity pluralism.
This week, the nation celebrates the 10th annual National Apprenticeship Week. As we commemorate this celebration, it’s useful to take a look at America’s growing appetite for an increasing array of earn-and-learn apprenticeship programs.
