As an alternative pathway to postsecondary degrees or professional certifications that can lead to rewarding careers, it is time to fully expand apprenticeship programs in our country. Of the 167 million people in the U.S. workforce, 62% do not have a postsecondary degree – meaning 103 million people are not being fully recognized for the talent and skill they’ve already developed through work. As many as two-thirds of jobs in the future are expected to require postsecondary credentials, either an industry-recognized certification or academic degree.

The United States currently has about 80 million middle-skill jobs that require more than a high school diploma but not necessarily a four-year degree. Examples include healthcare technicians, electricians, IT support specialists, office managers and more. Yet, fewer than 69 million people are trained for these jobs. That’s a gap of about 11 million. If we were to include jobs like teaching and nursing, the gap grows to nearly 13 million.

Exploring apprenticeships

Apprenticeship programs allow individuals to earn income by working, learn from mentors in the workplace and classroom, and receive an employer and academic credential while taking on little to no student debt. They offer significant value by developing both technical skills and essential soft skills, such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving, which are crucial for success in the modern workplace.

One of the most underutilized tools we have to address the workforce-shortage crisis is Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). According to apprenticeship.gov, key elements of all RAPs include the following:

• Industry Led - Programs are industry-vetted and approved to ensure alignment with industry standards and that apprentices are trained for highly skilled, high-demand occupations.

• Paid Job - Apprentices earn progressive wages as their skills and productivity increase.

• Structured On-the-Job Learning/Mentorship - Programs provide structured on- the-job training to prepare for a successful career, which includes instruction from an experienced mentor.

• Supplemental Education – To ensure quality and success, employers provide apprentices with supplemental classroom education based on the organization’s unique training needs.

• Credentials - Apprentices earn a portable, nationally recognized credential within their industry.

Opportunities in Georgia

Georgia is fortunate to have more than 220 RAPs, primarily supported by the Technical College System of Georgia, a college-credit transfer partner of Western Governors University. Across 22 campuses, these programs serve more than 600 registered apprentices and 170 employer partners statewide.

In 2024, Gov. Brian Kemp signed a law authorizing the Public Service Apprenticeship Program (PSAP). PSAP provides contract awards to public service employers at the state, city and local levels to encourage the creation and expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs. As part of the PSAP, for which new applications will be accepted starting in July, employers can receive awards of $5,000 each for up to 10 apprentices.

In April, President Trump issued an executive order to modernize America’s workforce that referenced plans to support more than one million apprenticeships per year.

Apprenticeship degrees

Many college degree programs do not include a work-based learning component in the curriculum, which could create a gap for students who lack prior directly related work experience. According to an article in Forbes, the U.K. and Germany have developed “apprenticeship degree” programs as one solution.

Craft Education, a technology platform that integrates work-based learning experiences to expand degree apprenticeship programs, states that the five keys to apprenticeship degrees are efficiency, flexibility, relevance, affordability and professional capital.

The challenge for many apprenticeship programs is how to document the hours worked and skills learned by the apprentice. Western Governors University recently acquired Craft Education in its endeavor to develop, launch and scale work-based learning pathways.

“At Craft, we believe apprenticeships are not just an alternative pathway, but a necessary evolution in how we prepare the workforce,” said Mallory Dwinal-Palisch, CEO and founder of Craft. “By combining rigorous academics with real-world, paid experience, we empower learners to build both the professional and technical skills they need to thrive. Expanding degree apprenticeships means creating more equitable, affordable and relevant opportunities for all — and it’s a change whose time has come.”

Apprenticeship programs present a win-win scenario for employers and employees. Employers can help fill their workforce needs by training, retaining and promoting their own trusted employees. Employees get paid, fill the “experience gap” missing from most degree programs, learn from experienced mentors and supervisors, and take on little to no student debt. This model is the best pathway forward for adult learners who usually have to work full- or part-time while they pursue higher education.

Kimberly K. Estep, Ph.D., is the Southeast regional vice president for accredited online Western Governors University.