Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the joint training and apprenticeship system emerging in maintenance occupations in the US transit industry, its challenges and strategies to overcome them. Design/methodology/approach: The paper reports on early results, including efforts to develop a consensus national framework for apprenticeship…

A study of joint apprenticeship programs in six basic construction trades by the Center for the Study of Human Resources of the University of Texas at Austin indicated that apprenticeship is an increasingly vital and effective training source. (Adapted from a 1974 Industrial Relations Research Association conference paper.) (EA)

Industry-based skill assessment and certification should (1) be independent of training providers; (2) use variety of instruments; (3) recognize multiple levels of mastery; (4) promote broad training and continuous learning; (5) be geared to high-performance work organizations; (6) be voluntary; and (7) be flexible to keep pace with technology.…

Purpose - This paper aims to compare the performance of building trades apprenticeship programs in the USA, sponsored jointly by employers and unions, with those sponsored unilaterally by employers. It reviews enrolment and graduation rates, including participation of women and minorities. The article also looks behind the numbers to examine the…

A study was undertaken to identify and evaluate state-of-the-art practices in alternance training used in community and junior colleges and technical institutes throughout Texas. Various arrangements combining alternating periods of study and work, including apprenticeships, cooperative education, internships, clinical experience, and practicums,…

An alliance between apprenticeship and vocational education could accomplish more than either system could achieve on its own. An understanding of the system is important prior to working effectively with apprenticeship programs. They are sponsored by single employers or groups of employers acting singly or jointly with a union. Union interest…

This publication reviews available literature regarding apprenticeship in the United States and 17 other industrialized market-economy nations. It notes outstanding practices that may be replicated or transferred to strengthen U.S. apprenticeship. The publication begins by defining apprenticeships and outlining the unique features of U.S.…