On Tuesday, the House Committee on Education and Labor's Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Investment held a hearing titled, "Scaling Up Apprenticeships: Building on the Success of International Apprenticeship Models." Tim Bradley, the Australian Minister Counsellor for Industry, Science and Education; Dr. Silvia Annen, a senior researcher for Germany's Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training; and Dr. Simon Marti, the Head of Office for SwissCore, all testified at the hearing.
Several themes emerged throughout the hearing. At one point, the panelists from Australia and Germany stressed that their apprenticeship systems aren't solely focused on training someone for a career for life, and that instead, it is important to instill apprentices with lifelong skills that can translate across different careers. The panelists also spoke about the importance of continuing education and stackable credentials.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) honed in on the cost of postsecondary education, where student fees are subsidized in all three countries. Dr. Marti shared that in Switzerland, undergraduate education typically costs around $700. Mr. Bradley explained how in Australia, student fees are subsidized, but students also all have access to income contingent loans.
Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) focused on the stigma often attached to apprenticeships and non-bachelor's degree postsecondary education. The panelists explained that in their countries there is still a negative stigma attached to apprenticeships and CTE, however, it is often less prevalent. The panelists attributed this to programs continuing to meet student needs, having high standards and leading to good outcomes. Accordingly, the public has a good understanding of how life-changing apprenticeships can be for students.
Several Members of Congress asked about the importance of stakeholder, business and industry involvement in apprenticeships. In response, the panelists underscored the importance of bringing people together, and also mentioned professional organizations as critical players to ensuring the success of an apprenticeship program. Wage issues, age limitations for apprentices, bureaucracy and support for middle-aged workforce participants was also discussed.
You can watch the hearing here.
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