Introduction
While many American cities are thriving, they are also experiencing rising levels of economic inequality. This inequality stems, in part, from the difficulty that non-college-educated workers face in securing family-sustaining jobs.
Mayors have a tool for tackling this problem that is sorely underused: apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship is a proven training and employment model that helps employers build a qualified workforce and provides workers with affordable pathways to careers.
Overview
Below are six concrete strategies for mayors and city leaders to increase apprenticeship programs in their cities:
Organize Around a Vision
Apprenticeship requires partnerships between local businesses and workforce and education systems. These partnerships ensure that the on-the-job training and related classroom instruction complement one another and are structured to give apprentices the skills and credentials they need to succeed.
Use Procurement Authority
To increase access to quality jobs for tax-paying residents, cities are leveraging their contracting and procurement authority. By doing so, they can encourage or even require vendors to offer apprenticeship opportunities.
Collaborate with Community Organizations to Create Career Pathways
Some city contractors struggle to meet local employment and training goals without the support of community organizations and the public workforce system. These entities can help recruit and prepare residents for apprenticeship opportunities.
Build Pipelines into Public Sector Employment
City governments are often stable employers, offering full-time employment with family-sustaining benefits. Yet pathways into civil service are often challenging to navigate, and sometimes even closed. This is particularly true for those who lack applicable work experience.
Structure Development Incentives to Achieve Community Benefits
Economic development incentives—business tax credits or other forms of government assistance—are a powerful tool that governments use to attract businesses and create jobs.
Secure Funding for Development and Expansion
Developing or expanding apprenticeship programs can be costly for employers and training providers alike. But city funding can be used to help create and sustain such programs.