#United States #Washington #Apprenticeship #C-BEN #PASI

National Initiative to Transform Apprenticeships

The Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN) has announced the launch of a groundbreaking initiative known as the National Project on Apprenticeship Standards and Interoperability (PASI). This project is designed to modernize the U.S. apprenticeship system by establishing a comprehensive framework that both promotes high-quality apprenticeships and aligns education with employers' needs.

With funding from the U.S. Department of Labor, the PASI initiative draws on Alabama's well-regarded approach to apprenticeships, which has proven effective in driving economic development. By embedding competency-based education principles, PASI will bolster existing apprenticeship programs and ensure that the competencies acquired through jobs and educational settings are recognized equivalently.

Among the strategic appointments made in conjunction with this initiative is Josh Laney, who previously was the director of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship. Now serving as the vice president of apprenticeship at C-BEN, Laney will lead the PASI project. His experience will be crucial in fostering collaboration between educational institutions and workforce development sectors across the country.

Addressing Systemic Challenges

Despite a remarkable 114% increase in active apprentices over the past decade, there remain inconsistencies across state frameworks regarding apprenticeship programs. More than half the states have enacted legislation related to apprenticeships in 2023 and 2024, highlighting a keen interest in enhancing pathways for economic growth through these models. However, the variability in standards across states complicates efforts to replicate effective apprenticeship strategies. PASI aims to rectify these systemic barriers by creating a public-facing infrastructure that will facilitate high-quality apprenticeship programs nationwide.

C-BEN president Charla Long emphasizes the urgency of adapting education and training to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. She believes the PASI initiative represents a critical evolution in workforce training, transforming apprenticeships from merely traditional training models to dynamic, skills-based systems that effectively prepare workers for future jobs.

Aligning Education and Industry Needs

One of the core objectives of PASI is to create a framework that aligns registered apprenticeship programs (RAPs) with both higher education and evolving employer expectations. This initiative will not only improve consistency in apprenticeship quality but also strengthen industry partnerships, enabling easier interstate portability for apprentices. Building on the success of Alabama's five-part test for identifying in-demand jobs, PASI will provide a robust tool for states and agencies to prioritize apprenticeship opportunities that yield maximum economic and human capital benefits.

Josh Laney states, “Apprenticeships simultaneously address two major economic challenges: they help businesses to find skilled labor while creating new opportunities for worker advancement.” His vision for PASI is to enhance the quality and transparency of such programs, ultimately expanding access for both employers and potential apprentices.

Expanding Existing Efforts

This national initiative aligns with C-BEN's ongoing work, which has already paved the way for apprenticeship growth in key areas such as manufacturing, nursing, and education. In states like Alabama and Illinois, C-BEN has supported the development of talent marketplaces focused on validating skills and competencies among workers in these sectors.

Dr. Jim Purcell from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education noted, “PASI symbolizes our dedication to innovative education and training methods, seamlessly connecting higher education with workforce demands.” This partnership aims to further leverage Alabama's momentum in apprenticeship growth to benefit a wider range of states.

John Colborn, executive director of Apprenticeships for America, points out that PASI represents a significant stride towards a modern apprenticeship system that can adapt to the shifting economic landscape. The initiative is envisioned as a blueprint for fostering more high-quality apprenticeship programs, facilitating economic mobility for workers.

Webinar and Further Information

C-BEN will be hosting a webinar on November 20th to delve into the details of the PASI initiative, discussing its implications and objectives. Interested parties can register via the C-BEN website or reach out for more information through their provided contact details.

In summary, the launch of the PASI initiative marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the U.S. apprenticeship system. By creating aligned pathways between education and employment, it promises to equip a new generation of workers with the skills necessary for future job markets while fostering economic growth across the nation.