The New Era of Apprenticeships
Our 2025 publication is designed to help organizations strengthen their workforce development initiatives and ensure employees are prepared for the evolving job market,” said Nicholas Wyman, co-author and IWSI America President. “The New Era of Apprenticeships offers businesses and government organizations a clear framework for building effective registered apprenticeship programs, along with practical insights on how these initiatives can empower individuals to succeed.
The publication’s highlights include:
Replicable Models and Case Studies: Featuring success stories from organizations that have implemented impactful apprenticeship programs, the report presents practical blueprints for businesses and organizations of all sizes.
Program Guidance: Step-by-step instructions on starting high-quality apprenticeship programs, with a focus on creating opportunities for employees to develop new skills, gain career expertise, and advance professionally.
Recruitment, Retention, and Rewards: Best practices for attracting and retaining talent, including strategies for opening up an organization's talent pool and the importance of offering mentorship and other career development opportunities.
Soft Skills Development: The report underscores the role apprenticeships play in fostering essential workplace soft skills, preparing workers for leadership roles, and improving overall productivity.
Workforce Development for Younger Generations: With an emphasis on high school students, the report explores how apprenticeships provide a strong foundation for young workers who are newly entering the job market.
Dispelling Apprenticeship Myths - The New Era of Apprenticeships disproves the antiquated perceptions that apprenticeships are limited to entry level, lower paying jobs in manual-labor focused industries. Rather, there are opportunities for leadership roles in industries ranging from IT to engineering to healthcare and everything in between.
Apprenticeships, often seen as a thing of the past, have experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years. Since 2012, the number of apprenticeships has increased by 63%, and between 2016 and 2023, more than 15,900 new apprenticeship programs were registered across the U.S., onboarding over 1.3 million apprentices.
This growth is largely due to federal grants totaling over $500 million since 2016, which have helped states position apprenticeships as a go-to talent solution for employers and workers alike.Not only do apprenticeship programs help businesses recruit and retain skilled workers, but they also play a critical role in addressing the evolving needs of the workforce. With the rise of automation, AI, and remote work opportunities, continuous training, upskilling, and reskilling are essential for ensuring employees stay competitive and adaptable in an ever-changing environment.