Developing State Governance Models for Youth Apprenticeship
Description
While youth apprenticeship has no federal definition, programs are built on partnerships that include employers, high schools, and providers of postsecondary education. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of youth (16- to 24-year-olds) enrolled in Registered Apprenticeship programs per year increased by 113 percent. However, only a small number of these apprentices enrolled in youth apprenticeship programs; the vast majority participated in traditional Registered Apprenticeships designed to serve adults.This growing interest in apprenticeship presents an opportunity for states to expand and strengthen pathways to improve postsecondary and workforce outcomes for youth. To do so effectively, states will need to be intentional in designing apprenticeship programs and the systems to support them. This brief provides a framework and case studies to help states develop governance structures to support YA.