Apprenticeship in the United States
"[1] The number of American apprentices has increased from 375,000 in 2014 to 500,000 in 2016, while the federal government intends to see 750,000 by 2019, particularly by expanding the apprenticeship model to include white-collar occupations such as information technology.
Most of their training is done while working for an employer who helps the apprentices learn their trade or profession, in exchange for their continued labour for an agreed period after they have achieved measurable competencies.
American high schools were introduced in the early 20th century to educate students of all ability and interests in one learning community rather than prepare a small number for college.
By contrast, the system studied by the NCEE (National Center on Education and the Economy) actually relies much more heavily on tracking.
Education officials in the U.S., based largely on school redesign proposals by NCEE and other organizations, have chosen to use criterion-referenced tests that define one high standard that must be achieved by all students to receive a uniform diploma.
American education policy under the "No Child Left Behind Act" has as an official goal the elimination of the achievement gap between populations.
[4] Many U.S. states now require passing a high school graduation examination to ensure that students across all ethnic, gender and income groups possess the same skills.
In states such as Washington, critics have questioned whether this ensures success for all or just creates massive failure (as only half of all 10th graders have demonstrated they can meet the standards).
The FTI is working towards national accreditation so that it may offer associate and bachelor's degrees that integrate academics with a more traditional apprentice programs.
The organization in charge of the program is called the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee Apprentice electricians work 32 to 40+ hours per week at the trade under the supervision of a journeyman wireman and receive pay and benefits.
Apprentices may be placed at a host company and must continue to work toward an industry certification such as those offered by ASQ or RAPS while they remain in the apprenticeship.
Upon completion of the program, the youth apprentices will obtain a journey level certification from the State Department of Labor and Industries, a nationally recognized credential.
Apprenticeship programs for individuals who have been previously incarcerated aim to decrease recidivism and increase re-entry employment.
[15] The corporate support that these white-collar apprenticeship programs are receiving are from some of the world's largest organizations such as Amazon, CVS Health, Accenture, Aon, and many others.
