The apprenticeship system, long considered an educational relic by some educators and policy makers, is gaining new attention as a model for improving job skills and meeting national college-completion goals. A number of states and community and technical colleges are working to strengthen and expand apprenticeship opportunities. They offer participants a paycheck while taking courses and training for an occupation. Traditional trades, such as construction and manufacturing, continue to draw the most students, but newer industries, such as travel, health care, and information technology, have also begun to take part in apprenticeship programs. Policy experts agree that encouraging collaborations between apprenticeship programs and community colleges is key to strengthening and expanding the nation's apprenticeship system. Those arrangements bring benefits to apprentices as well. The most significant is that apprentices, in most cases, can earn credit toward associate degrees and further their career aspirations down the road. However, a number of barriers remain. Some community colleges may not offer courses well tailored to apprentices' needs. The content may not be specific enough, equipment at the college may be outdated, courses may meet at inconvenient times for working adults, and starting dates may not meet employers' needs. Math and reading skills required for entrance into an apprenticeship program may present a barrier for people with poor academic skills. Growth in programs also may be limited by the number of slots employers can afford.