This study was conducted by staff from Abt Global, which co-administers CLEAR. The review of this study was conducted by ICF, which co-administers CLEAR and is trained in applying the CLEAR implementation study guidelines.
Citation
Highlights
- The study’s objective was to examine the implementation of the American Apprenticeship Initiative (AAI) grant program which provides grants to organizations to establish and expand registered apprenticeship programs.
- The study authors conducted an implementation evaluation using data from surveys administered to 45 grantees, site visits with 10 grantees, and performance reporting data.
- The study found that most grantees managed apprenticeship programs in the field of manufacturing, followed by information technology and healthcare. The study also found that overall, apprenticeship programs were newly registered rather than expansions of pre-existing programs. Additionally, the study found that employer needs and skills shortages largely determined the occupational focus of most programs and grantees used financial supports or incentives to recruit employers.
- The authors did not provide detailed information about steps taken to ensure data quality and their approach to data analysis.
- There was no companion impact study.
Intervention Examined
American Apprenticeship Initiative (AAI) Grant Program
Features of the Intervention
- Type of organization: Governmental organizations; Colleges; Nonprofit organizations
- Location/setting: Multi-state
- Population served and scale: Veterans; Women; Racial/ethnic minorities; Individuals with disabilities; Non-college aged adults; Incumbent workers
- Industry focus: Advanced manufacturing; Health care and social assistance; Information Technology; Construction
- Intervention activities: On-the-job learning (OJL); Related technical instruction (RTI); Supportive services
- Organizational partnerships: Local employers
- Cost: Not Included
- Fidelity: Not Included
The American Apprenticeship Initiative (AAI), funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), awarded five-year grants to 46 public and private organizations to expand registered apprenticeship in the U.S. to sectors with few apprenticeships. Targeted sectors included healthcare and information technology (IT). AAI also focused on populations underrepresented in apprenticeship (e.g., women, Veterans, racial or ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, non-college aged adults). Registered apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine classroom instruction (related technical instruction; RTI) and on-the-job learning (OJL) provided by mentors at employer worksites. During their apprenticeship, participants are productively employed during their training and earn higher wages on a progressive schedule.
Features of the Study
The study authors conducted an implementation evaluation during the fourth year of the AAI grant program and collected data through site visits, grantee surveys, and performance data. The study assessed program inputs, services, and contexts to identify potentially promising implementation practices and challenges to inform policy and program design. Additionally, the study aimed to provide context for three other planned studies. Study authors did not provide specific details regarding the methods of analysis.
Findings
Intervention Activities/Services
- The study found that most grantees were government agencies, followed by colleges and nonprofit organizations. The remaining grantees included sector-based organizations such as industry associations and labor organizations.
- Apprenticeship program duration and structure varied by occupation and employer. Typically, these programs delivered RTI and OJL at the same time. Also, more than two-thirds of grantees provided supportive services.
- Almost 75 percent of grantees implemented a pre-apprenticeship program to improve access to apprenticeship and established base-level skills required to be successful in an apprenticeship program.
- The study found that almost 70 percent of apprentices were from populations underrepresented in apprenticeships (i.e., women, Veterans, and racial or ethnic minorities).
- Most grantees had a dedicated staff member responsible for employer outreach, and often contacted employers directly to establish and expand apprenticeship programs.
- Most apprenticeship completers earned a short-term credential or license in addition to a DOL or State completion certificate.
Implementation Challenges and Solutions
- The study found that more than 60 percent of grantees reported reluctance among employers to adopt apprenticeships.
Considerations for Interpreting the Findings
The study primarily relied upon surveys and site visits. However, the study authors did not provide a detailed description of the analysis and quality assurance methods of the site visits and surveys.