Apprenticeships can be a valuable solution for workers navigating a dynamic economy. In a world of rapid technological advancements and the increasing automation of jobs, many workers find themselves wondering how they can stay competitive. According to research conducted by Goldman Sachs, as much as two-thirds of jobs in the U.S. and Europe could be partially automated by artificial intelligence (AI) in the future.
Technological advancements have always pushed workers to acquire new skills or transition into new industries to remain relevant. For instance, between 2000 and 2010, the U.S. experienced a loss of 5.6 million manufacturing jobs. Experts from Ball State University estimated that nearly 88% of these job losses were due to productivity improvements driven by technology.
As innovation continues to accelerate, it is crucial to provide support and opportunities for workers who have been displaced to reskill and qualify for employment in new industries. Reskilling, the process of equipping workers with new skills, is essential for individuals to adapt to changing job markets. Effective reskilling programs should have industry-driven curriculums with high levels of employer involvement. Additionally, they should offer transparent employment outcomes and widely recognized credentials.
Apprenticeships provide an ideal platform for reskilling. Through apprenticeship programs, students learn on the job while receiving supplemental classroom instruction. This allows them to gain practical experience and handle real-life challenges in their chosen field. Research has shown that apprentices experience wage growth that is 2.7 times faster than that of comparable workers without the same hands-on training. Moreover, 90% of registered apprentices retain their jobs after completing their training.
While apprenticeships are common in many countries, they are relatively rare in the United States, despite substantial federal funding dedicated to their development over the years. One of the barriers to expanding apprenticeships is the requirement for workers in specific industries to obtain occupational licenses before they can start working. However, some states, such as Utah and Minnesota, have recently made changes to allow nursing apprenticeships in combination with traditional nursing programs.
Another factor hindering the widespread adoption of apprenticeships is the lack of incentives for businesses to provide such training programs. Currently, employers cannot deduct the cost of investing in human capital, such as training their employees, from their taxes. To encourage more employers to establish apprenticeship programs, economist Michael Farren suggests allowing businesses to deduct the cost of reskilling their employees from their taxes. This change could incentivize companies to invest in training programs in industries where on-the-job training is not currently prevalent, helping to address labor shortages in various fields.
Promoting apprenticeships would open doors for more individuals like Kray Haslem, who found a new career path through a programming apprenticeship after a tragic accident ended his aviation career. In a time of rapid economic and technological change, effective reskilling programs can be life-changing for individuals and contribute to the development of a dynamic and adaptable workforce that embraces new technologies.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the provided text and does not include any additional information.
