Scaling Apprenticeships for Small Businesses: Strategies That Work
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) play an essential role in the economy and innovation but often face scarce human and capital resources that can keep them from reaching their potential. Registered Apprenticeships can help level the playing field for SMBs by helping them recruit local talent for promising careers in today’s economy. Research also shows that SMBs experience the greatest return on investment from Registered Apprenticeship Programs, but smaller employers are less likely than large employers to sponsor or participate in an apprenticeship program.
Over the past three years, the Urban Institute has partnered with ApprenticeshipNC and Apprenticeship Carolina on the Small and Medium Business Tech Apprenticeship Project to help close the gap of SMB participation in the Registered Apprenticeship system and support the unique needs of SMBs in developing, expanding, and sustaining Registered Apprenticeships.
Join the Urban Institute, Apprenticeship NC, and Apprenticeship Carolina as we celebrate the impact of this work and share lessons learned about:
- what barriers exist for SMB employers to start or participate in apprenticeship programs,
- how states and intermediaries can work together to support SMBs, and
- promising practices and innovations that make apprenticeship programs more accessible for SMBs.
Speakers:
- Bhavani Arabandi, Principal Research Associate, Urban Institute
- Andrew Campbell, Policy Program Manager, Urban Institute
- Ashley Felton, Chief Executive Officer, Technically IT
- Chris Harrington, Executive Director, ApprenticeshipNC
- Amanda Richardson, Vice President, Apprenticeship Carolina
About ApprenticeshipNC: Recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship to act on behalf of the U.S. Department of Labor, ApprenticeshipNC (ANC) is the State Apprenticeship Agency housed within the North Carolina Community College System. The ApprenticeshipNC Team works with employers, educational institutions, and community partners to foster and expand Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs across North Carolina. ANC also acts as an information source for individuals interested in pursuing career opportunities through Registered Apprenticeship.