Apprenticeships are found to be very effective in training a skilled workforce with knowledge specific to the task at hand and can play a critical role in developing an overall competitive workforce. However, this Wall Street Journal article says this workforce training method is often overlooked in the U.S. compared to other competing nations. Countries such as Switzerland, Germany and Austria have more than 55% of their youth are involved in apprenticeships, and other European countries are starting to emulate this model. The article continues to point out “evidence that such apprenticeships can do more than just train young people for future careers: They can also improve student academic performance. In the few U.S. school districts that have offered apprenticeships, high-school juniors and seniors who have been apprentices have improved in the classroom.”

Apprenticeships certainly are an important and effective option in preparing our students for the jobs of tomorrow. Read the full article here.

Gary J. Salamido
Vice President, Government Affairs
North Carolina Chamber