Summary
Apprenticeships are an effective strategy to ensure a strong employee base and retention within industries. In New York City there are a number of apprenticeship programs that currently serve a variety industry sectors and employers. According to Mayor de Blasio’s job plan, expanding apprenticeship programs in New York City is a strategy that can strengthen the economy of New York by training middle-skill workers (skilled workers without a professional degree) in high-demand industries.
The Economic Development Workshop at Hunter College was tasked with conducting research on apprenticeship models that could be developed and implemented through a community college led partnership in New York City. Our client, the Executive Director of Workforce Partnerships Division of Adult and Continuing Education at LaGuardia Community College, requested information on how to establish apprenticeships in New York City in four preferred industries - Finance, Healthcare, Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing. Each industry was studied in depth, providing relevant information on existing models of apprenticeships in the United States and abroad. Research was conducted over a four month period as part of a workshop by Hunter College students pursuing degrees in Urban Planning and Policy. The Workshop presents the findings in this report which outline:
1. The history of federal and state apprenticeship programs
2. The registration process of apprenticeships with the federal and state governments
3. An overview of the selected industries
4. Apprenticeship case studies categorized by intermediary models: Employer led and administered apprenticeships, Employer and Educational Institution partnerships, and Employers and Industry Specific Organization apprenticeships
5. An appendix of local institutions with the potential to function as intermediaries for Long Island City based apprenticeships
For sources and more information, or to read the report, please contact me directly.
Prepared by: PJ Abelein, Renee Ferguson, Ilya Geller, Maneka Phiri, Markese Wider, and Coretta Mondesir