What Works to Expand Apprenticeships at the State Level

Between 2016 and 2025, AIR’s apprenticeship team supported states to expand the use of apprenticeship as a key workforce development strategy. Partnering with the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), AIR was the national technical assistance provider for state agencies receiving state apprenticeship expansion grants from USDOL. In this role, we worked with all states and territories to grow apprenticeship and expand apprenticeship programs into new industries and occupations.

USDOL has invested heavily in expanding apprenticeship to ensure America’s workforce has the skills needed to match today’s most in-demand jobs and the jobs of the future. As part of that investment, USDOL has recognized the critical role that states play as key facilitators and drivers of apprenticeship program expansion.

The AIR apprenticeship team supported states by:

• Providing one-on-one technical assistance coaching from our experts to help states achieve their apprenticeship expansion goals.
• Facilitating peer learning and knowledge sharing through the Apprenticeship Professionals Learning Network, an online community of practice, a monthly newsletter, and peer cohort convenings.
• Identifying and disseminating promising practices and innovative approaches to accelerate adoption of proven strategies across the country.
• Delivering high quality, evidence-based training that focuses on complex challenges, such as alignment with workforce and education systems, business engagement, and more.

This project was funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.