Katherine Keegan & Denise Miller on Apprenticeships and the Future of Work
November 3, 2023
At the 2023 Colorado Pathways Conference Katherine Keegan, Director of the State’s Office of the Future of Work and Denise Miller, Director at Apprenticeship Colorado explored the future of work trends, how they will affect Colorado and explained how apprenticeship programs can prepare learners for this future.
Future of work trends that are and will impact Colorado and the United States include:
- Globalization and market forces leading to increased interconnectedness.
- Technological advances and their impact on both job function and relevance
- Demographic shifts, including an aging workforce and diversifying younger generations.
- The need for digital skills and literacy in every industry.
With these dramatic and disruptive shifts on the horizon, learners and workers need an efficient and effective education and skills training model to access new types of work and higher paying jobs. Apprenticeships offer a compelling model, incorporating paid work, relevant on-the-job learning and training, and critical relationships with employers. As apprenticeship is recognized as an important workforce development strategy both inside and beyond the skilled trades, there are opportunities to enhance both scope and reach so more and more diverse learners’ and workers can participate and reap its benefits:
- Public Awareness and Marketing: Promoting apprenticeships through marketing materials and outreach efforts is crucial. Schools, career counselors, navigators, employers, community organizations and workforce development agencies can play a significant role in spreading awareness about apprenticeship opportunities.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaboration with educators, employers, government agencies, and community organizations is essential in developing accessible and ubiquitous apprenticeships. Engaging with stakeholders can lead to innovative solutions and increased program participation.
- Employer ROI: Supporting employers in developing apprenticeship programs and talent pipeline requires clear ROI for apprenticeship development and easy to access information and support.
- Educating Families: Families may have traditional views of career paths and may not fully understand the potential for apprenticeships that lead to well-paying jobs. Schools, community organizations, and apprenticeship programs can work together to dispel myths about apprenticeships and highlight their benefits in terms of career advancement and earning potential.
- Apprenticeships Across Age Groups: Apprenticeships are not limited to younger individuals just starting their careers. Middle-age and middle skill learners and workers can benefit from apprenticeships to switch careers or gain new skills. Some apprenticeships are designed for those with prior experience or education.
- Navigators and Outreach Specialists: Piloting programs like navigators or outreach specialists can help bridge the gap between apprenticeship programs and potential participants; working with schools, workforce centers, employers and other stakeholders. Navigators can serve multiple stakeholders connecting resources and information.
- Transportation Issues: Access to transportation can be a barrier for youth and those from disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in apprenticeship programs. This can limit the number of learners and workers who can take advantage of such opportunities. Finding local solutions, such as partnering with transportation providers or offering transportation assistance, could help mitigate this issue.
- Customized Solutions: Each region and program may face unique challenges related to apprenticeships. Tailoring solutions to specific local needs and constraints can be an effective approach. This might involve leveraging local grants, creating supportive services, and collaborating with community organizations.
Despite these challenges, apprenticeship is a powerful model which creates opportunities to catapult learners into meaningful careers while simultaneously providing distinct value to employers. To find out more about State initiatives on apprenticeships visit the websites below.
The Office of the Future of Work
RECENT ARTICLES
Centering Human Experience, Leveraging Technology Efficiencies, and Advancing Policy Enablers
We’re excited to connect with partners across Colorado — and beyond — this February, as we deepen collaboration and continue learning together to advance system-level change. From the state Capitol to Arizona to New Orleans, we can’t wait to work alongside both longtime collaborators and new partners. Here’s where you’ll find us this February: 🗓️ February 2–3 🔹 New Pathways: Arizona Convening – Phoenix, AZ Libby will attend this two-day gathering hosted by Getting Smart , focused on designing a new, unbundled learning ecosystem for Arizona. The convening will spotlight innovative models like microschools and out-of-system learning, with an emphasis on community-powered pathways. 🗓️ February 4 🔹 The Next Chapter of A Stronger Nation: From Progress to Payoff – Virtual Stefan and Katherine will join this Lumina Foundation webinar exploring national progress on postsecondary attainment. 🗓️ February 18–20 🔹 National Career Pathways Network (NCPN) Conference – New Orleans, LA Stefan and Ashley will present on The Attainment Network’s work in the San Luis Valley, where partners are creating entry points and upskilling opportunities that lead to high-value, in-demand healthcare careers. Their session will highlight early outcomes and share strategies for building durable, cross-sector talent pipelines in rural communities. 🗓️ February 20 🔹 Navigate Your Health Career Summit – MSU Denver Rana and Michelle will join students, faculty, and healthcare partners for this annual summit focused on helping high school, community college, and postsecondary learners explore careers in healthcare through storytelling, equity-centered sessions, and hands-on engagement. Rana will also serve on a panel exploring the wide variety of health careers and how students can access them. 🗓️ February 23 🔹 Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Day at the Capitol – Denver Stefan and Michelle will represent The Attainment Network at the State Capitol. Sponsored by the Homegrown Talent Coalition , the event is designed to elevate career-connected learning and policy efforts that help Colorado learners earn college credit, industry credentials, and real-world experience. 🗓️ February 25 🔹 State of the Data Convening – Virtual Join us from 1 to 2 p.m. for an update on the progress of Colorado’s Longitudinal Data System. Partners from OIT , the Better Data for Better Decisions Coalition , CEEMI , and The Attainment Network will share milestones, lessons learned, and what’s ahead. Register here We hope to see you at one of these events, or hear from you if you're working on similar efforts in your region. Let's keep the momentum going!
Join us on February 25 for The State of the Data Convening