Based on research and assessments conducted by the Center of Excellence, Center Subject Matter Expert, Alan Dodkowitz, provides a deep dive into understanding Registered Apprenticeship (RA) and workforce system alignment, the knowledge gaps that exist, and an analysis of how states are aligning their Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) state plans with RA.  

In addition, James Disbro, Senior Director of Regional Alignment and Programs Development for CareerSource Suncoast, and Brandon Butler, Executive Director of the Maryland Workforce Association, discuss Florida's and Maryland's apprenticeship expansion efforts. Mr. Disbro focuses on elements of integration such as a Local Workforce Development Board serving as a RA program sponsor, collaboration with U.S. Department of Labor intermediaries, ways to increase RA programs within the area, engagement with post-secondary institutions, and funding opportunities to support RA. Mr. Butler speaks about Maryland’s approach to RA, challenges faced in implementing apprenticeship programs, and Maryland’s overall RA strategy.

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The Missouri Association of Workforce Development (MAWD) is a statewide organization representing the states’ career and technical training, and workforce development professionals. Focused on workforce development professionals within the state of Missouri, attendees included workforce development professionals from local workforce boards, apprenticeship system staff, partner organizations, community-based organizations, and educational institutions including community and technical colleges. 

Center Subject Matter Expert, Haylie Schuster, hosted an interactive workshop at MAWD’s annual convening on “Local Workforce Development Boards: Forging the Future Through Alignment with Registered Apprenticeship.” Participants learned about the key components of workforce system alignment with Registered Apprenticeship (RA), the benefits of aligning workforce systems with RA programs, and practical strategies and actionable ideas to build or strengthen workforce system integration with RA.

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During the Coalition on Adult Basic Education 2025 National Conference, the Center of Excellence presented, Bridging the Gap: Empowering Adult Learners through Registered and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs. This presentation discussed the key challenges facing adult educators, such as transforming Integrated Education and Training (IET) into apprenticeships, engaging workforce partners, and leveraging Title 1 funding.

Pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs offer adult learners an array of benefits, including access to employment and training in some of the fastest growing industries in this country.  These programs also offer structured on-the-job learning (OJL) and related instruction (RI) that ensures adult learners have a pathway to earning industry-recognized credentials and long-term, well-paying careers. Through our work on the Center of Excellence, learn how Safal Partners can help develop pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship pathways for adult learners by aligning our nation’s workforce, education, and apprenticeship systems.

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The Southeastern Employment and Training Association (SETA) provides professional growth opportunities for all workforce development partners. Center Subject Matter Expert Alan Dodkowitz presented “The Workforce and Registered Apprenticeship System: How Do We Connect the Two?”. This engaging workshop provided an overview of the key findings from the Center’s research highlighting the statistics uncovered regarding the intersection of Registered Apprenticeship and workforce systems. The workshop introduced the “Key Components of Workforce System Alignment with Registered Apprenticeship” tool and outlined practical methods for workforce boards and job centers to improve integration with RA programs. The presentation also included guidance on ensuring eligible participants are properly co-enrolled in both WIOA and apprenticeship programs and offers strategies for equipping Business Services Representatives to effectively conduct outreach to employers. Attendees gained actionable strategies to strengthen the alignment between workforce systems and RA programs, fostering long-term sustainability for these programs.

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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. Center Subject Matter Expert, Alan Dodkowitz, 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 provided 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 state and local CTE leadership and program instructors with customized, no-cost TA, resources and tools to engage in pre-apprenticeship.

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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. Dr. Melissa Schroeder also offers her insight into the challenges and opportunities facing community colleges.

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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. 

This presentation was presented at the Apprenticeships for America Summit and provided insights to national education, apprenticeship, and workforce leaders on closing the gaps between America's public workforce and Registered Apprenticeship systems to increase alignment.

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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. 

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The Center of Excellence's subject matter experts Alan Dodkowitz, Nicole Bentley, and Jeremy Faulkner, alongside Amy Shields, the Executive Director of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Foundation and VP of Programs at ACCE, discussed how chambers can play one or more primary roles in Registered Apprenticeship. Participants also heard findings from a collaborative knowledge assessment given to member chambers and guidance on how chambers can serve as effective conveners of member employers.

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During the National Association of Workforce Development Professional's 2024 Youth Symposium, the Center of Excellence presented this interactive workshop designed to provide front-line workforce professionals who work with youth and workforce system policymakers and executives with tools and information to develop policy and provide services that leverage Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding to support youth Registered Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship involvement. 

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