Degree Apprenticeships in the U.S.: A Typology of Emerging Models, Challenges, and Implementation Strategies

Apprenticeships have recently gained renewed attention as an effective means to prepare individuals for the world of work even though this method of instruction dates back to 1937 with the passage of the National Apprenticeship Act. An even more recent development is the growth of degree apprenticeships, the aligning of postsecondary degree programs with apprenticeships. Community colleges are leading the way in this area, as well as some four-year institutions that are beginning to explore the effectiveness of this approach. This study sought to explore the current models, challenges, and strategies in the implementation of degree apprenticeships. Through structured interviews conducted over a three-month period with 13 community and technical colleges across 17 states, as well as eight intermediary organizations that support apprenticeships, this study identified four distinct models for integrating apprenticeships into postsecondary degree programs. The study also examined postsecondary institutions’ motivations for developing degree apprenticeships, the occupations involved, the challenges to implementation, and the strategies used to address those challenges. The study concluded with recommendations to further expand these efforts.