Awareness of Apprenticeships Among Select University Students in the Western United States: Mixed-Methods Study

• In Event: Career and Technical Education Roundtable 1

Abstract

Apprenticeships offer a practical solution to the problem of youth unemployment, growing skills gap, and student debt in the United State by providing a low-cost, high-tech, high-skilled, educated, competitive labor force. Partnerships between government, industry and educational institutions are focused on expanding apprenticeships, however enrollment in the US remains low. Why? One primary factor is lack of awareness. This fixed convergent mixed-method study explored students’ awareness of apprenticeships, sources of influence in choosing an educational path, and depth of understanding. Data was gathered through a single original researcher-designed mixed methods survey. This study found students have limited awareness of apprenticeships; personal growth and family proved to be students’ primary influencers; contrary to self-reported levels, students demonstrated some understanding of apprenticeships.

Author

• Kendra OConnell, The BK Group