Case Study: Apprenticeship Programs at An Urban Community College

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Department

Higher Edu and Learning Technology

Date of Award

5-22-2024

Abstract

A practice that dates back centuries, apprenticeship is a workforce development model that has gained recent attention in the American higher education system. The researcher conducted a review of existing literature that included apprenticeships in higher education and other models of community college workforce development. Existing literature indicate the apprenticeship model can positively impact student retention and completion rate, job placement rate, job retention, and earnings over time. Widely proclaimed as a solution to workforce pipeline deficits and rising student debt, apprenticeship has gained momentum among community college leaders. However, the integration of apprenticeship into formal higher education is a new endeavor in the United States, and little is known about the challenges institutions may face and the solutions they may need to develop to support apprenticeship programs successfully. The purpose of this case study was to research a Texas urban community college that has implemented multiple registered apprenticeship programs in order to understand how one institution organized, managed, and funded RAPs within its existing structures and processes. In this case study, the researcher considered (a) how the institution adapted existing systems and processes, (b) how the programs are currently placed and funded within the organization, and (c) what challenges were encountered and solutions developed. This research occurred at a single, large urban community college as a case study. The five participants included two executive leaders, one director, and two manager-level employees that work with, manage, and support the registered apprenticeship programs at the institution. The researcher gathered data in one-on-one interviews and through document and artifact collection. The data were coded and organized into themes including best practices, challenges, team functions, regulations, structures, impacts, and future plans. Participants clearly expressed their belief—an apprenticeship was a model that could help individuals as well as employers. However, participants also communicated concerns about the extensive time and financial resources required to manage registered apprenticeship programs successfully. The results and conclusions of this study may provide resources, points of consideration, and context for other institutions that are planning to develop and manage apprenticeship programs.

Advisor

JoHyun Kim

Subject Categories

Education

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