Report: CAEL’s Approach to Apprenticeship-Degree Pathways ‘Unlocks Full Potential of Work-Based Learning’

More higher education institutions are embracing apprenticeship programs as effective ways to align learning and work. Some are even creating apprenticeship degree programs. A new Apprenticeships For America Study categorizes these programs into a progression of four approaches, offering analysis and examples of each. CAEL, which partners with AFA in a joint membership program, provided feedback on the study.

The study mentions several CAEL members, including Renton Technical College (RTC) and the Machinists Institute. Last year, CAEL partnered with them to create a registered apprenticeship-degree pathway. The program encompasses occupational-specific training as well as general education curricula. Without the need to commit additional time or money, apprentices concurrently complete their registered machinist apprenticeship and an associate of applied science in multi-occupational trades. 

The groundbreaking partnership is featured under “Model 4: Apprenticeship-Embedded Degrees.” The report describes it as the most innovative model and one that “unlocks the full potential of work-based learning by formally recognizing and credentialing competencies developed through real-world experience.” However, while the study urges institutions to work toward the embedded model, it notes that the approach is the most disruptive, with a labor-intensive design process involving syllabus adjustments and faculty training. 

In the case of the RTC-Machinists Institute program, CAEL’s role as an intermediary simplified the process for the partners. CAEL experts crosswalked the Machinists Institute apprenticeship program to RTC general education requirements of the multi-occupational trades degree. The appraisal and alignment process included reviewing syllabi and making curricula changes to ensure apprenticeship learning outcomes met RTC gen ed requirements. 

CAEL’s approach to developing the registered apprenticeship pathway is scalable and adaptable to other college systems in the country, particularly those that share an accreditation authority. In fact, CAEL and the Machinists Institute are currently working on replicating this model with other colleges in Washington. For more information, contact cael@cael.org.