A Blueprint For Expanding Apprenticeships

Confidence in higher education is falling, and with it college enrollment. Many prospective students are no longer confident that a traditional college degree will equip them with the skills required to succeed in the labor market. There is demand for alternatives: an American Compass survey found that, by a 57-43 margin, parents would prefer to have their own children participate in a three-year apprenticeship rather than attend college on a full tuition scholarship.

Politicians of both parties talk about expanding apprenticeship. But Ryan Craig has a plan to do it. Craig’s new book, “Apprentice Nation: How the Earn and Learn Alternative to Higher Education Will Create a Stronger and Fairer America” examines models of successful apprenticeship at home and abroad, and meditates on the policies that would be necessary to build on the progress already made.