Reflecting on my time at the ACTE Postsecondary Summit, I’m reminded of the immense potential apprenticeships hold in closing the skills gap and enhancing economic mobility.
As someone deeply invested in workforce development, both as the Chair of the STEM Advisory Board at Miami-Dade County Public Schools and an adjunct professor at Miami Dade College, my passion lies in empowering individuals to move seamlessly from education to employment. Apprenticeships, especially those that offer college credits, stand at the heart of this transformation.
Special thanks to Dr. Sophia Alston and her team for putting together this amazing ACTE summit!
At the Summit, key themes emerged in sessions like “Exploring Credit for Prior Learning” and “The Evolving Role of Community Colleges in Apprenticeship Models.” These discussions focused on pathways that don’t just prepare students for a job but equip them with both academic and practical skills. Community colleges, particularly in models like Frederick Community College in Maryland, are leading the charge by integrating apprenticeship programs that offer college credits—creating a dual path of hands-on experience and academic growth.
I also had the privilege of attending a powerful session led by Jennifer Griffin, Scott Nichols, and Kellise Williamson from the Maryland State Department of Education. Their presentation, “The Evolving Role of Community Colleges in Apprenticeship Models,” highlighted the exciting transformation happening across Maryland’s apprenticeship landscape.
Historically, community colleges in Maryland played a limited role in youth apprenticeships at the high school level. However, there is a growing recognition of the need for these institutions to step into this space and provide high-quality instruction to high school students.
Maryland’s community colleges are now offering related instruction to high schoolers, creating pathways for seamless transitions into adult Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). These programs not only allow students to work towards associate degrees but also give them invaluable experience by partnering with industries.
This session also shed light on Maryland’s innovative pre-apprenticeship pathways and dual enrollment initiatives, which are giving high school students a head start in the workforce. Their data-driven insights showed how these programs are benefiting both students and industry partners by closing the skills gap and improving career readiness.
Frederick Community College: A Blueprint for Success
At Frederick Community College, one of our Anchor Partners, they’ve exemplified how to balance the growing demands of students, employers, and rigorous compliance standards by leveraging apprenticeship models with built-in college credit. Through GoSprout’s partnership, FCC tackled bottlenecks like managing multiple employer expectations and applicant volumes, streamlining their processes through centralized tools that enhance communication and engagement with biotech firms.
Their Biological Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program is a shining example of how apprenticeships can thrive with the right digital support. This program doesn’t just meet employer needs; it offers students valuable college credits that fast-track them into high-demand careers while earning an income. This intersection of education and industry is the future of workforce development.
Apprenticeships: ACTE Highlights a True Pathway to Economic Mobility
At GoSprout, we’ve always believed in the power of apprenticeships to revolutionize how we think about workforce development. Apprenticeships, especially when coupled with college credits, offer a direct, affordable pathway to economic mobility. Unlike traditional higher education routes, apprenticeships allow students to “earn while they learn,” providing both real-world experience and a clear path toward career advancement.
We’re hearing about the benefits of apprenticeships from institutions like Frederick Community College and the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR), where students gain in-demand skills directly aligned with industry needs. At PUPR, our partnership has been instrumental in overcoming employer engagement hurdles and scaling their apprenticeship programs in fields like cybersecurity via their adoption of our apprenticeship tracking software.
Expanding Opportunities Through Technology
At GoSprout, we’re proud to partner with institutions across the country, offering tools that streamline the launch and management of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). From automating compliance and centralizing data to improving employer engagement, our platform allows colleges to focus on what truly matters—student success.
Our newest video captures this vision perfectly, showcasing how GoSprout empowers colleges to scale apprenticeship programs and unlock new revenue streams. By simplifying program management, we enable institutions to focus on building meaningful employer partnerships and fostering student engagement.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, we’ll continue to whatever we can to support ACTE initiatives. We must continue expanding access to apprenticeship programs that integrate college credits, making them a mainstream option for career seekers. Community colleges will play a vital role in this transformation, and we’re committed to supporting them at every step. Together, we can bridge the gap between education and employment, creating pathways that are not only financially sustainable but also deeply impactful in transforming lives.
Stay tuned as we continue this journey of redefining what workforce readiness looks like for the next generation.— Carlos Vazquez, Founder and CEO of GoSprout | My Story
