National Career Pathways Network Connect Conference

National Career Pathways Network Connect Conference 2025

The National Career Pathways Network (NCPN) is dedicated to improving the education-to-careers pipeline through professional development in career and technical education (CTE), Career Pathways, Adult Career Pathways, and workforce development. They hosted their annual conference, NCPN Connect 2025.

The Center of Excellence presented the interactive workshop, Building Student Awareness of Apprenticeship Career Pathways, equipping both stakeholders and educators with tools to link Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs and successful education-to-apprenticeship pathways. The session will provide data showcasing the benefits of RA and a discussion around expert insights on effective transitions to apprenticeship.

The presentation also discussed how our Center of Excellence can provide your state and local CTE leadership and program instructors with customized, no-cost TA, resources and tools to engage in pre-apprenticeship.

Link to PPT

Promising Practices in Registered Apprenticeship from a Rural Community College

Promising Practices in Registered Apprenticeship from a Rural Community College

Rural community colleges face unique challenges when implementing Registered Apprenticeship programs. In this webinar, Safal Partners Workforce Director Dr. Melissa Schroeder hosted a discussion with David Shofstahl, Apprenticeship Coordinator and Workforce Program Manager for Skilled Trades at Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC). As a recognized leader in workforce development, David has navigated unique challenges of implementing Registered Apprenticeship programs in rural areas. MGCC, the second smallest community college in Virginia, has utilized innovative approaches to overcome significant barriers to apprenticeship adoption. 

Drawing on her 16 years of successful experience leading state and federal workforce and education initiatives including Registered Apprenticeship program expansion, Dr. Melissa Schroeder offered her insight into the challenges and opportunities facing community colleges. Having previously led the Division of Workforce & Economic Development at the College of Southern Nevada, Dr. Schroeder brought deep expertise in creating apprenticeship pathways. Participants received an opportunity to ask our experts questions. 

Link to Webinar

Apprenticeships for America Summit 2025

Apprenticeships for America Summit 2025

Apprenticeships for America (AFA) hosted the 2025 AFA Summit featuring five plenary sessions, twenty breakout sessions, and a tech expo. The Summit focused on addressing timely issues facing apprenticeship, including sustainability and scaling, state and regional policy and practices, strategies for advancing success in apprenticeship, and the evolving roles of intermediaries. The conference also explored apprenticeship recruitment and pipeline development, the involvement of community colleges in apprenticeship, degrees and apprenticeship, and youth apprenticeship, as well as provided opportunities for participants to attend sector-focused sessions. 

Center subject matter experts, Katie Adams and Alan Dodkowitz presented, "System Building to Scale," on Wednesday, February 5th from 9:45-10:45 am EST. 

Link to register

The Workforce Development Institute 2025: Uncharted Courses

The Workforce Development Institute 2025: Uncharted Courses

The Workforce Development Institute 2025: Uncharted Courses was an opportunity to engage with thought leaders and innovators in workforce and economic development. Participants heard Center staff moderate an interactive panel discussion designed to provide insight for colleges looking to position talent and potential funding streams for RA in their communities. The panel included Anthony Cordova, Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development at California Community College; Marvin Martinez, Chancellor of Rancho Santiago Community College District; and David Shofstahl, Apprenticeship Coordinator at Mountain Gateway Community College. 

Link to Register