Apprenticeship 2.0

In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, Joe tees up a handful of memorable clips from past episodes of Apprenticeship 2.0. Hear insights from Kathleen deLaski, Founder and Board Chair of the Education Design Lab; Dr. Mallory Dwinal-Palisch, Co-Founder of Reach University and Oxford Teachers Academy, and current President of Craft Education at Western Governors University; Alison Griffin, Principal Consultant at FutureRise; Ryan Craig, Author and Investor behind Achieve Partners and Apprenticeships for America; Jeff Selingo, higher education thought leader and longtime higher ed journalist; and Shalin Jyotishi, Founder and Managing Director of New America's Future of Work and Innovation Economy Initiative. Listen to the full episodes: deLaski: Examining Alternative Higher Education Pathways Dwinal-Palisch: In Pursuit of a More Viable Career Pathway Griffin and Selingo: Rethinking the College-to-Career Pipeline Craig: Reframing the Conversation Around Apprenticeship Degrees and Higher Ed Jyotishi: The Convergence of AI and Apprenticeship Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode, Joe and guest co-host Dr. Anastasia Wickham, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Reach University, chat with Matt Sigelman, President of the Burning Glass Institute, and Mark Schneider, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Stony Brook University. Together, they discuss the intersection of labor and education market data, why employers are dropping bachelor's degree requirements and what that signals for the value of the degree, whether admissions standards truly matter in today's education landscape, barriers to scaling skills-based hiring, how AI is playing into all of this, and much more. Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode, Joe chats with Alison Griffin, Principal with FutureRise, and Jeff Selingo, higher education strategist and longtime journalist. Together, they discuss whether higher education and the workforce are due for radical realignment, what's driving the shift toward apprenticeship and work-based learning, evolving student perspectives on career pathways and how institutions are responding, what needs to happen with higher ed and workforce policy, what a more aligned education-to-workforce system could look like moving forward, and much more. Read these recent articles from Alison: The Jobs Report Tells A Story About The Future Of Work: Are We Listening? The Postsecondary Crossroads: Why America Needs More Than College For All Here's How The Dual Mission College Model Works Check out Jeff's book, Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You. Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode, Joe and guest co-host Laura Hopkins, Executive Director of the Healthcare Training Fund, chat with Dr. Metoka Welch, Executive Dean of the Apprenticeship College of Health (ACH); Dr. Anastasia Wickham, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Reach University; and Melody McKee, Director of Behavioral Strategy at the Healthcare Training Fund. Together, they discuss the impetus and origins of the ACH, why apprenticeship degrees are needed in behavioral health, how the ACH differs from other healthcare apprenticeship pathways, how the ACH will maintain a rigorous curriculum while supporting workers from all walks of life, how the ACH is reinventing how behavioral health employers develop and retain talent, and so much more. Learn more about the ACH at www.healthapprenticeship.org.  Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode, Joe chats with Heather Terenzio, Director of the Incubation practice at JFFLabs, and Carlos Vazquez, Founder of GoSprout. Together, they discuss the upfront questions to answer when starting an apprenticeship program; how startups should think about compliance and governance when launching and growing an apprenticeship program; building apprenticeship into a lean startup, without compromising quality or learner outcomes; how federal and state policymakers can further incentivize employers to expand apprenticeship programs; advice for entrepreneurs looking to create their own apprenticeship programs; and much more. Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode, Joe and guest co-host Dr. Eric Dunker, Chief Engagement Officer at Reach University, chat with Diego Mariscal, Founder and CEO of 2Gether-International (2GI); Philip Minardi, Co-founder of BuildWithin; and Dr. Susan Crystal-Mansour, Interim Executive Director at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Together, they discuss apprenticeship pathways for executives with disabilities; standardization and measurement of registered apprenticeship for startup executives; scaling apprenticeship across massive, high-turnover industries and barriers to expansion; constraints that often break inclusive apprenticeship models at scale; how 2GI's model could serve as a basis for other startup apprenticeship models; and much more. Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode, Joe and guest co-host Dr. Eric Dunker, Chief Engagement Officer at Reach University, chat with Ivy Love, Senior Policy Analyst in the Center on Education and Labor at New America; Laura Love, Senior Vice President, Work-Based Learning, at Strada Education Foundation; and Michael Horn, Author, Adjunct Lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Co-founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation. Together, they discuss the impetus and findings from New America's recent report, Mapping the Landscape of Degree Apprenticeship: Expanding a Promising Model for Mobility; whether work-embedded degree models layer credentials onto existing roles or disrupting the status quo of the relationship between work and higher education; barriers to scaling accessibility, responsiveness, affordability, sustainability, flexibility, and collaboration in work-based learning; effective policy levers for effective degree apprenticeship growth; where this is all headed; and much more. Dive into Mapping the Landscape of Degree Apprenticeship: Expanding a Promisng Model for Mobility. Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode, Joe chats with Matthew McKenney, President and CEO of JobForward. Together, they discuss Matt's background as a welder and a CNC machinist apprentice, how that background connects to the work JobForward is doing now, the organization's customizable-but-scalable approach to apprenticeship, overcoming complexities and upfront barriers in apprenticeship program development, how Matt and JobForward define and track success, opportunities to strengthen apprenticeship pathways moving forward, and much more. Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode, Joe and guest co-host Dr. Holly Smith, Executive Director and Vice President of Apprenticeship Degree and Design at Reach's National Center for the Apprenticeship Degree, chat with Courtney Kinkade, Vice President of Organizational Learning and Workforce Strategy at TRIMEDX, and Danielle McGeary, First Vice President of Healthcare Technology Management at the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Together, they discuss the partnership between TRIMEDX and AAMI in creating an apprenticeship program for aspiring biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs), how their collaboration has evolved thus far, how the program's hybrid model has proved effective, how the model has opened the door to candidates from nontraditional backgrounds, the importance of cultivating a sense of community and belonging among apprentices, and much more. Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode, part two of our two-part year-end roundtable series, Joe and guest co-host, journalist Paul Fain, chat with three of the top reporters in the apprenticeship space: Colleen Connolly, freelance journalist and regular contributor to Work Shift; Rebecca Griesbach, Senior Data Analyst at the Cowen Institute and former reporter for AL.com and Alabama Education Lab; and Kelly Field, freelance journalist and contributor to The Chronicle of Higher Education and The Hechinger Report. The discussions highlight the top developments in apprenticeship and job-embedded higher education from 2025, as well as the top developments to watch for in 2026. Read Colleen's recent articles: "Caring for Patients for 26 Years—and Still Not a Nurse" in Work Shift "In Alabama, Nursing Apprenticeships Aim to Fix a Broken Career Ladder" in Work Shift "Nursing apprenticeships are starting to fix a broken career ladder, amid national shortage" in The Hechinger Report Read Rebecca's recent article for AL.com: "Low-cost Alabama program takes new approach to train teachers: 'Transformational'" Read Kelly's recent articles: "The Slow Rise of the Apprentice Degree" in The Chronicle of Higher Education "The US wants more apprenticeships. The UK figured out how to make them coveted roles" in The Hechinger Report This episode was recorded on Dec. 15.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode, part one of our two-part year-end roundtable series, Joe chats with the top executives at four funders in the apprenticeship space: Keith Witham, President and CEO of Ascendium Education Group; Ruth Watkins, President of Postsecondary Education at Strada Education Foundation; Jamie Merisotis, President and CEO of the Lumina Foundation; and Julie Lammers, President and CEO of American Student Assistance. Keith and Ruth join Joe in the first half of the episode, and Jamie and Julie join Joe in the second half. The discussions highlight the top developments in apprenticeship and job-embedded higher education from 2025, as well as the top developments to watch for in 2026. Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this first-ever Between the Lines edition of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe, Kiko, and Reach University Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Anastasia Wickham discuss several recent news articles on apprenticeship and higher education. Joe, Kiko, and Anastasia discuss the potential impacts of these reports amid an evolving education environment in the United States. The articles are as follows: Read "California greenlights $25M for apprenticeship programs" by Matthew Thibault in Construction Dive. Read "Dismantling of ED Earns Some Praise Amid the Gloom" by Jessica Blake in Inside Higher Ed. Read "It's Too Early to Write Off College Degrees" by Callum Borchers in The Wall Street Journal. Read "Empowering every learner: What the US can learn from the Swiss about apprenticeships," a commentary from the National Governors Association. Read "What the Outrage over Nursing Loan Limits Gets Wrong" by Preston Cooper in AEIdeas.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Kiko chats with Christopher Carter, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Approyo. Together, they discuss Bloomberg Intelligence's projections for a rapidly growing AI market, the importance of AI literacy in apprenticeship and internships, how AI can help employers foster more effective apprenticeship opportunities, how companies like Apprenti are deploying innovative apprenticeship models, how one educator in North Dakota is embracing AI and helping to shape district AI policy, and much more.   Learn more about Chris and Approyo.   Read Bloomberg Intelligence's article, "Generative AI to Become a $1.3 Trillion Market by 2032, Research Finds."   Learn more about Apprenti.   Read Andrew Weeks' article in the North Dakota Monitor, "AI allows more time for students, North Dakota educators say."   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe and Kiko chat with Kelly Field, freelance journalist and author of The Slow Rise of the Apprentice Degree; Ryan Craig, Managing Director at Achieve Partners; and Dr. Pam Eddinger, President of Bunker Hill Community College in Massachusetts. Together, they discuss the impetus behind Kelly's article, the National Center for the Apprenticeship Degree's enrollment goal, funding at the federal and state levels, whether apprenticeship degrees dilute traditional degrees, why teacher apprenticeship degrees have seen such success, why community colleges—not four-year institutions—are leading the way in apprenticeship degrees, and much more.   Read Kelly's article, The Slow Rise of the Apprentice Degree in the Chronicle of Higher Education.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Kiko and guest host Dr. Eric Dunker, Reach University's Chief Advancement Officer and Senior Advisor to the National Center for the Apprenticeship Degree, chat with Nicholas Wyman, Founder and CEO of the Institute for Workplace Skills and Innovation (IWSI) America. Together, they discuss how Nick's chef background led to him becoming an apprenticeship champion; IWSI America's partnership with the California Department of Rehabilitation and the Ready, Willing & Able apprenticeship program, a statewide apprenticeship initiative connecting people with disabilities to paid high-demand careers; how employers can get involved in the Ready, Willing & Able program; the Career Launchpad initiative, which helps high school juniors and seniors in Los Angeles and the Inland Empire explore career pathways and prepare for future skilled pathways; how people can stay motivated and focused on their careers; Nick's recent Forbes piece about a remote work mandate in Australia and whether that could work in America; and much more. Read Nick's article in Forbes. Get Nick's books—Job U: How to Find Wealth and Success by Developing the Skills Companies Actually Need (Crown Business, 2015) and Attract, Retain, Develop: Shaping a Skilled Workforce for the Future (Fast Company Press, 2025)—at www.attractretaindevelop.com. Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe and Kiko chat with Shonda Anderson, Director of Internships and Apprenticeships at the Kansas Department of Commerce; Alise Martiny, Vice President of the Operative Plasterers' & Cement Masons' International Association; and Dr. Jennifer Seymour, Vice President of General Education and Applied Technologies at WSU Tech. Together, they discuss the recent success and immense growth of apprenticeship and employer participation in Kansas; the role of labor unions, state associations, and postsecondary technical institutions in the Kansas' Registered Apprenticeship Program; achieving buy-in on apprenticeship from the state's agricultural sector; developing initiatives to further youth apprenticeship in the state; and much more.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe and Kiko are joined by Dr. Eric Dunker, Co-founder of the National Center for the Apprenticeship Degree and Chief Advancement Officer at Reach University, and Dr. Anastasia Wickham, Provost and Chief Acadmic Officer at Reach. Together, they listen and react to four clips from a panel from the International Convening for the Apprenticeship Degree (ICAD) 2025 at the University of Oxford. The ICAD 2025 panel, titled Global Perspectives: Systems Level Reform Required to Scale Apprenticeship Degrees, was moderated by Dr. Mandy Crawford-Lee, Chief Executive of the University Vocational Awards Council in the U.K., and featured the following panelists: Terence Ho, Deputy Executive Director and Associate Professor at the Institute for Adult Learning at the Singapore University of Social Sciences Dr. Guillaume Morlet, Lecturer in the Department of Management, Technology, and Economics at ETH Zürich Honorable Sven Otto Littorin, former Swedish Minister for Employment Lauren Conceicao, Director of Skills Frontier Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe and Kiko listen and react to three clips from a panel from the International Convening for the Apprenticeship Degree (ICAD) 2025 at the University of Oxford. The ICAD 2025 panel, titled Global Perspectives: The Impact of Political Leadership to Scale Apprenticeship Degrees, was moderated by Luke Rhine, Vice President of Postsecondary Success at the Rodel Foundation, and featured the following panelists: Right Honorable Robert Halfon, former U.K. Skills Minister and Chair of the House of Commons Education Select Committee Melissa Smith, Vice President of Public Policy, Talent, and Workforce Development, Strada Education Foundation Dr. Michael Gessler, Professor, University of Bremen This episode also includes a special message from Joe and Kiko: a thank-you to Apprenticeship 2.0 marketing partners, guests, staff, and others who have supported the show over the first 50 episodes.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe and Kiko chat with Jim Rosapepe, Maryland State Senator, and Jake Hsu, Baltimore-based Tech Investor and Entrepreneur. Together, they discuss how apprenticeship benefits Maryland's economy; the state's progress toward its goal of establishing complete apprenticeships for high school graduates; reimagining apprenticeship in the AI era; barriers to growing apprenticeship in Maryland; how recent funding could bolster apprenticeship opportunities for underrepresented communities; and much more.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe and Kiko chat with Shalin Jyotishi, Founder and Managing Director of New America's Future of Work and Innovation Economy Initiative, where he specializes in the intersection of science, workforce, and industrial policy and their implementation. Together, they discuss the White House's AI action plan and what that could mean for apprenticeship; the potential for AI apprenticeships in secondary and postsecondary education; the role of state workforce development departments and regional and state associations in advancing AI and apprenticeship; and much more. Shalin can be found on LinkedIn, X, and Bluesky. Related resources: https://dcjournal.com/how-community-colleges-can-realize-the-promise-of-ai-action-plan/ https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/edcentral/whats-new-in-ai-focused-skilled-technical-workforce-education/ https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/in-the-news/we-need-more-bottom-up-efforts-to-build-workforce-capacity-at-community-colleges/ https://www.newamerica.org/center-education-labor/events/online-ai-education-at-community-colleges-the-state-of-play-and-policy-needs/  https://www.forbes.com/sites/shalinjyotishi/2025/01/15/work-based-learning-for-emerging-technologies-and-advanced-industries/ Get AI First: The Playbook for a Future-Proof Business and Brand here. Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe and Kiko chat with Conor Freeley, Director of External Engagement at CareerWise, and Beth Antunez, Director of Career Pathways Initiatives at the American Federation of Teachers. Together, they discuss the Education and Apprenticeship Accelerator, a new coalition of states and industry partners aimed at strengthening career and technical education by expanding apprenticeship opportunities for youth across the U.S. You'll hear Conor and Beth's insights into how the initiative was started, what it means for employers, how states are getting on board, and where it's all headed and much more. To learn more and get involved with the Education and Apprenticeship Accelerator, contact Conor at [email protected] or Beth at [email protected]. Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

 In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Kiko leads interviews with apprenticeship leaders at the inaugural convening of the International Center for the Apprenticeship Degree at the University of Oxford. Guests include Mariel Bastello-Kennedy, Agency Partner Manager at Amazon; Dr. Reetika Dhawan, CEO of Entrepreneurial College and Vice President of Workforce and Healthcare at Arizona Western College; Luke Rhine, Vice President for Postsecondary Success at Rodel; and Melissa Smith, Vice President of Public Policy, Talent, and Workforce Development at Strada Education Foundation. Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Kiko leads interviews with apprenticeship leaders at the inaugural convening of the International Center for the Apprenticeship Degree at the University of Oxford. Guests include Dr. Kelleny Berchuck, Global Head of Workforce Solutions at Siemens Healthineers; Dr. Sandy Gibson, Professor of Counselor Education and Chair of the Department of Online Counselor Education at The College of New Jersey; and Lauren Conceicao, Managing Director of Skills Frontier. Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe and Kiko chat with Nick Beadle, publisher of the Jobs That Work newsletter, Founder and CEO of Jobs That Work Solutions, and a leading expert on jobs policy, workforce development, and public investment. Together, they discuss Beadle's previous roles over three administrations at the U.S. Department of Labor, including helping to lead the Good Jobs Initiative; how federal grants and public investment can be optimized to support scalable apprenticeship models; how apprenticeship can uplift underserved populations; how the passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act could affect the future of college; and much more.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe and Kiko chat with Dr. Lauren Holubec, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association, and Tara Loew, Director of the Apprenticeship and Training Office at the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. Together, they discuss the role apprenticeship plays in solving the commonwealth's most pressing workforce challenges; how Pennsylvania supports the registration and quality assurance of pre-apprenticeship programs; how their organizations are supporting alignment across state policy, local needs, and employer-driven apprenticeship models; how apprenticeship can be seen by younger generations and underrepresented populations as a viable first choice, not a fallback; and much more.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe chats with Cory McCray, Maryland state Senator and author of The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life. Together, they discuss McCray's book and journey, why apprenticeships remain undervalued in American society, how apprenticeship candidates can be more prepared for interviews, where McCray sees apprenticeship headed, and much more.   Coming Sept. 30, preorder The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life at apprenticeshipcheatcode.com, tinyurl.com/nhhvxmye, or wherever you get your books.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, created in collaboration with the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), Joe and Kiko chat with Amy Shields, Executive Director of ACCE Foundation and Vice President of Programs at ACCE; Donny Jones, Executive Vice President and Chief Workforce Officer at the Chamer of Commerce of West Alabama and Executive Director of West Alabama Works; and Erik Williams, Director of Community Development at the Vail Valley Partnership in Colorado. Together, they discuss how chambers are helping smaller rural communities to implement apprenticeship; challenges these communities face in implementing work-based opportunities; strategies, initiatives, and support systems local chambers can utilize to help overcome those challenges; and much more.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, created in collaboration with the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), Joe and Kiko chat with Amy Shields, Executive Director of ACCE Foundation and Vice President of Programs at ACCE; Erin Riffle, Senior Director of Apprenticeships at the Greater Cleveland Partnership; and Mike Holland, Director of Workforce Development Strategy at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Together, they discuss why chambers are invested in work-based learning opportunities, how apprenticeship is expanding in Ohio and Massachusetts, how intermediaries can support Registered Apprenticeship programs, and much more.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, created in collaboration with the Healthcare Career Advancement Program (H-CAP), Joe chats with Madeline Boehm, Program Manager of Registered Apprenticeship at H-CAP; Terrie Ridgeway-Olmos, Assistant Director, Workforce Planning & Development, at SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West; Janet Cloke, Registered Nurse at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Idaho; and Angela Baker, Business Development and Marketing Manager at the Special School District of St. Louis County's Adult Education Department. Together, they discuss healthcare apprenticeships' unique characteristics compared to other industries, unions' roles in apprenticeship programs, connections between adult education and registered apprenticeships, the rural impact of healthcare training initiatives, implementation challenges, and more from their diverse perspectives.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, created in collaboration with the Healthcare Career Advancement Program (H-CAP), Joe and Kiko chat with Madeline Boehm, Program Manager of Registered Apprenticeship at H-CAP; Julie Trott, Director of the Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) Training Program at SpecialtyCare; Dr. Johaun Jackson, Director of Nursing Education Research and Development at Loretto Health and Rehabilitation; and Laura Hopkins, Executive Director of the SEIU Healthcare 1199NW Multi Employer Training & Education Fund. Together, they discuss healthcare regulation's impact on apprenticeships, common implementation barriers, shifting industry momentum, keys to successful healthcare apprenticeship programs, and much more.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe and Kiko chat with Eric Dunker, Founding Executive Director for the National Center for the Apprenticeship Degree at Reach University; Tom Bewick, British educationalist, consultant, policy advisor, journalist, and academic and a senior advisor at Reach University; and Jane Hadfield, an award-winning leader and National Lead for Talent for Care at NHS England. Together, they discuss Reach's newest venture, the establishment of the International Center for the Apprenticeship Degree; the agenda and goals of the ICAD2025 event; why it's important to have wide representation in the ICAD initiative; England's evolution in the apprenticeship space; how the United States can learn from English and other European apprenticeship models; and much more.   Learn more and register for ICAD 2025: www.ncad.org/icad-registration    Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe and Kiko chat with Denise Miller, Ed.D., director of Apprenticeship Colorado at the Office of the Future of Work in the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. Together, they discuss the advantages of state-level administration for employers and apprentices, how Apprenticeship Colorado has adapted the registered apprenticeship framework to address the state's specific workforce needs and economic priorities, how Colorado's state-administered system supports the expansion of apprenticeship into new fields, and much more.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe chats with Akua Amaning, Director of Criminal Justice Reform at the Center for American Progress. Together, they discuss why apprenticeship and job training opportunities are important for incarcerated individuals, obstacles that formerly incarcerated individuals face when returning to their communities, why the general public should be supportive of job and apprenticeship opportunities for incarcerated individuals, and much more.   Key resources from this episode: Stand Together article: https://standtogether.org/stories/strong-safe-communities/why-unique-restaurant-only-hires-formerly-incarcerated-youth Center for American Progress article: https://www.americanprogress.org/article/second-chance-policies-help-individuals-leaving-incarceration-build-financial-security/ Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay. Sound Effect from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Kiko chats with Brent Parton, President of CareerWise; Christopher Grant, Product Designer at Mastercard and CareerWise Youth Apprenticeship alumnus; and Jennifer Kral, Director of Alternative Licensure at Morgan County School District in Colorado. Together, they discuss the immense value of youth apprenticeship in the U.S., particularly for folks like Chris; how youth apprenticeship is an effective answer for filling workforce gaps; misconceptions about teacher apprenticeships; what could be on the horizon for apprenticeship in the U.S.; and much more.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay. Sound Effect from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe speaks with Greg Morris, CEO of the New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC). Together, they discuss NYCETC's mission, how the coalition is tackling the city's unique workforce development challenges, and its efforts to close skills gaps in emerging industries—such as artificial intelligence—through initiatives like apprenticeships. Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay. Sound Effect from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe and Kiko welcome back Ben Wildavsky, visiting fellow at Harvard's Graduate School of Education, and Paul Fain, a seasoned journalist focused on the intersection of education and work. Together, they discuss Joe's recent trip to Germany, where he gained invaluable insights into the apprenticeship landscape in the country. Ben and Paul offer their reactions, leading to a discussion on varying apprenticeship models and approaches, including where the U.S. continues to fall short of its European counterparts.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay. Sound Effect from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe and Kiko chat with Dr. Robert Lerman, Chairman of the Board for Apprenticeships for America, and John Colborn, Executive Director of Apprenticeships for America. Together, they discuss the state of play on U.S. apprenticeship in 2025, where the U.S. stands with youth apprenticeship and apprenticeship degrees, the potential for law enforcement and other public sector apprenticeships, driving policy change that supports apprenticeship growth, and much more.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay. Sound Effect from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe chats with Anna Fontus, Program Officer at ECMC Foundation; Laura Love, Senior Vice President at Strada Education Foundation; Michael Horn, Education Author, Speaker, and Co-Founder and Distinguished Fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation; and Brent Orrell, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Together, they discuss each of their top three developments in apprenticeship in 2024, as well as their top three developments to watch for in 2025.   This episode was recorded in December 2024.   Editor's note: The date ranges regarding workforce entry were miscommunicated in this episode. The correct time periods to compare are 2007–2012 and 2017–2022.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay. Sound Effect from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe chats with Kathleen deLaski, Founder and Board Chair of the Education Design Lab, which works with colleges, states, and employers to design shorter, more targeted forms of higher education. Together, they discuss Kathleen's new book, Who Needs College Anymore?, and where apprenticeships fit in; policy and political barriers in the current higher education and apprenticeship funding landscape; and much more.   Preorder Kathleen's book, coming out Feb. 25, at www.whoneedscollegeanymore.org.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay. Sound Effect from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Kiko chats with Laura Roussel, Chief Academic Officer for Teaching and Learning in Jefferson Parish Schools in Louisiana; Dr. Tamika Duplessis, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at Delgado Community College; and Dr. Joshua Barnett, Chief Executive Officer for the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET). Together, they discuss promoting student equity and academic success in underserved communities, how their organizations are supporting teachers' professional development, a recent grant awarded in partnership with Reach University, and much more.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay. Sound Effect from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Kiko chats with Mark Hedstrom, Executive Director of Skilled Careers Coalition (SCC), and Chelle Travis, Executive Director of SkillsUSA. Together, they discuss differing career pathways for young people, key findings from recent research from both organizations, the apprenticeship "knowledge gap," how apprenticeships compare to traditional education pathways in terms of career readiness and skills development, how industry and business can connect students to apprenticeship opportunities and provide equal opportunities, and much more.   Connect with SCC at www.skilledcareers.org, and check out the Skills Jam at www.skillsjam.com.   See what's happening with Skills Jam on social on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.   Check out these SkillsUSA initiatives and resources:   The Drive to 65 Strategic Plan   SkillsUSA National Signing Day   The SkillsUSA Advantage Report   Apprenticeship Week Success Stories   SkillsUSA Flyer for National Apprenticeship Week   Follow us SkillsUSA on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay. Sound Effect from Pixabay.

In this bonus episode, coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week, Apprenticeship 2.0 shares the stories of four outstanding leaders in the space, as well as insights into their apprenticeship programs. They are Sai Pachava from ApprenticePath; Aaron Linson from the Blind Institute of Technology; Amanda Wells from the Naval Shipyard Institute; and Lisa Johnson from FHI 360.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe and Kiko chat with Chad Rountree, CEO of Propel America. Together, they discuss why apprenticeship is one of the most viable career pathways for careers in healthcare, how apprenticeship benefits young people and employers, the launch of a new Propel model in 2025, and much more.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay. Sound Effect from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe and Kiko chat with Paul D. Steiner, the Administrator for Virginia's Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Adult and Community Education (ACE); and Joseph Wolfe, an Electrical Apprenticeship Instructor for FCPS ACE and an Electrical Construction and Engineering Instructor at FCPS' Edison Academy. Together, they discuss FCPS ACE's apprenticeship program and the impact it has had on the community. Paul and Joseph break down current and future growth opportunities for the skilled trades and what that positive outlook means for FCPS ACE's apprenticeship program, students, employers, and the greater region. They also get into what motivates them and the challenges they face as an administrator and instructor in skilled trades, including the need to still overcome common misconceptions, and much more.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay. Sound Effect from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe and Kiko chat with two Reach University superstars: Ko Kim, Senior Vice President of Candidate Affairs, and Gene Lee, Chief Operations Officer and Head of Candidate Affairs. Together, they talk about the challenges working adult learners face in apprenticeship program and how to overcome those challenges, finding the right support systems to keep apprentices engaged, key strategies to improve apprentice retention, and much more.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay. Sound Effect from Pixabay.

In this bonus episode, Kiko meets with several leaders in the apprenticeship space at the 2024 National Youth Apprenticeship Summit in Indianapolis, Sept. 17–19. Those leaders are Marie Mackintosh, President and CEO of EmployIndy; Yennifer Mora, Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator at Career Launch Chicago; Taylor White, Director of Postsecondary Pathways for Youth at New America; Brent Parton, President of CareerWise; and Claire Fiddian-Green, President and CEO of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation.   The 2024 National Youth Apprenticeship Summit was hosted by CareerWise, as well as New America's Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA).   For more about CareerWise's work in youth apprenticeship, visit careerwiseusa.org.   For more on New America's PAYA, visit newamerica.org/PAYA.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe and Kiko chat with Dr. Reesha Adamnson, Associate Dean of the College of Education at Missouri State University, and Dr. Kristina Smith, Director of Special Education Services at Hollister R-V School District in Missouri. Together, they talk about an apprenticeship model that's filling teaching roles in the district—and elsewhere in the state—and how the model further supports K–12 school and workforce pipeline development. Plus, they discuss how this model differs from traditional teaching career pathways, challenges Drs. Adamson and Smith have had to overcome to make the program successful, and much more.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay. Sound Effect from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe and Kiko chat with Dr. Heath Grimes, Director of Partnerships at Reach University, and Inocencia Guarcas Cua, English Language Aide at Russellville Elementary School in Alabama and student at Reach. Together, they talk about the evolution of teacher prep in the United States, how Reach's teacher prep program came to be, how Guarcas Cua discovered the program and how its helping her achieve her goal of becoming a full-time educator, and much more.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay. Sound Effect from Pixabay.

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe chats with David Day, Director of Pryor High School Innovation Center in Pryor, Oklahoma, and Bridget Quinn, Workforce Development Coordinator at the NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center in Portland, Oregon. Together, they talk about their respective pre-apprenticeship programs, the role of pre-apprenticeship programs in workforce development in their areas, connecting education with apprenticeship, and much more.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay. Sound Effect from Pixabay.

 In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe chats with Dr. Mallory Dwinal-Palisch, Founder and Chancellor of Reach University. Together, they talk about Mallory's journey and vision for the apprenticeship degree, dating back to her days at Oxford University; how she and Joe came together to imagine and bring Reach to life; the qualities that make up an apprenticeship degree and why they work; and much more.   Music by Evgeny Bardyuzha from Pixabay. Sound Effect from Pixabay.