Feed the Future’s Post

Over the past few months, I have had the pleasure of working with Aldridge Adult Learning (AAL). When I needed to transition a group of apprentices to a new provider, AAL stood out immediately. From our first interaction, their team offered invaluable encouragement, advice, and guidance. AAL distinguishes itself through a student-centred approach. Their commitment to teaching and learning goes far beyond traditional apprenticeship support. The company has developed innovative resources that accommodate diverse learning styles, and their tutors are not just qualified, but truly passionate about student success. What impresses me most is the consistent dedication of their tutors. Despite supporting apprentices across the country, each tutor demonstrates a profound commitment to helping students achieve their professional goals. Their personalised approach transforms apprenticeship training from a standard program to a transformative learning experience. I unreservedly recommend Aldridge Adult Learning to any organisation seeking comprehensive, high-quality apprenticeship training. I encourage you to take a look at what they have to offer and discover the difference they can make. https://lnkd.in/e3nHwZ6u

Last summer, The Pathways Alliance, of which DFI is co-founder, released the National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards for K-12 Teacher Apprenticeships - comprehensive guidelines approved by the U.S. Department of Labor for building, launching, and sustaining high-quality educator apprenticeship programs. Today, 41 U.S. states, DC, and Puerto Rico are actively engaging in creating Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs. Along with the National Center for Grow Your Own, we are leading the National Registered Apprenticeship in Teacher Educator-Preparation Program Collaborative (EPP Collaborative), a community of 75 programs across 32 states (and growing) that brings transparency and shared best practices to #edprep. By providing opportunities for future teachers to earn while they learn through an affordable, high-quality pathway into the teaching profession, Registered Teacher Apprenticeships are one innovative approach to address the need for a more diverse, well-trained teacher workforce. (Pictured: DFI and Pathways Alliance members and partners at the signing of the NGS into approval at U.S. Department of Education in July 2023)

Check out the updated June 2024 Compendium of Apprenticeship Programs and learn more about building effective teaching apprenticeship models. The Pathways Alliance has developed a compendium of teaching apprenticeship programs that exemplify the principles underpinning the National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards for K-12 Teacher Apprenticeships. This review of exemplary programs is intended to support the development of new teaching apprenticeship programs that benefit from increased enrollment and retention of prospective teachers by detailing how successful apprenticeship programs are meeting the mark. Read the full compendium: https://lnkd.in/ekQxE2FS

I am thrilled to announce that Virginia has officially received approval for three culinary apprenticeship programs, thanks to a partnership with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and Virginia Works. This is a huge step forward in providing high-quality, hands-on career pathways for individuals interested in the hospitality sector. These programs will provide a unique opportunity for apprentices to gain valuable skills, earn while they learn, and build a solid foundation for a successful career in hospitality. With the support of Virginia Works and the NRAEF, we are empowering the next generation of hospitality professionals and helping to fill critical workforce gaps across the state. We’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact these programs will have on the industry and the community. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to expand training opportunities and niche markets for apprenticeship programs. Special thanks to Jim Wilson who started Virginia on this journey to apprenticeships. Also to Mindy Larson Crystal and Michael Alley, MPA who have been instrumental in moving this forward.

The Mull Group teams up with the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center to offer journeyman scholarships. Learn how WVDED Apprenticeship in Motion can benefit your WV-based business. WV artisans share their expertise through Folklife apprenticeships. #YesWV West Virginia Department of Economic Development 🔗: bit.ly/3OQ6Y9y

It's #NationalApprenticeshipWeek 2024! Here's a first tip if you are thinking of starting a registered apprenticeship program in education: 1. Know your state's rules: To register an apprenticeship you either apply to the Office of Apprenticeship (OA) run by the Federal Department of Labor or, if it exists, your State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA). If your state is an SAA, they may have to approve of educator apprenticeships first. Many other types of apprenticeships exist and are handled by the SAA, however, new apprenticeship occupations such as teacher may need to be approved and the rules governing those apprenticeships need to be established. As is the case in Connecticut, this involves multiple stakeholders such as state departments of education, teacher's unions, department of labor, etc. Once established, subsequent programs would apply to be registered using the guidelines from the SAA. On the Federal level, the first educator apprenticeship was approved in 2022. For programs that operate in an OA state, they would apply directly to the US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship. Stay tuned to learn more and check us out at https://lnkd.in/epNxAcKR

Central Community College’s Registered Apprenticeship Program is thrilled to announce we’ve teamed up with Lakeview High School to offer Nebraska Department of Labor Nebraska Department of Labor Youth Apprenticeships. Juniors in high school would have opportunities for on the job training in Welding and Mechatronics, while taking a skill and technical focused curriculum at school. The apprentice would be treated as a part time employee with hour restrictions. These provide youth a practical pathway while exposing them to an industry they plan on pursuing as a career. DOL Youth Apprenticeships also allows 16 & 17 year olds to work in a manufacturing setting, giving your company a chance to develop your way. Reach out to me with any questions and if you’re interested in building an additional pipeline from Lakeview to your business! Congratulations Lucas Wieser and all our Nebraska students who will benefit!

Great to advise BPP on this transaction.

For those considering their New Year's Resolutions... how about developing that bit of your leadership that you know will leverage further excellence for you and your setting...? Be supported by one of our incredible Apprenticeship Performance Coaches to tailor your route #creativeleadership #npqs #apprenticeships