About the Brief

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The brief examines the recruitment, program experiences, and post-program employment and earnings outcomes of American Apprenticeship Initiative (AAI) apprentices from underrepresented populations—defined as women and people of color (Black, Hispanic, and Other Races, specifically Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Native American, or multiple races)—relative to all AAI apprentices and historically represented populations—defined as White men. The brief combines data from a number of sources, including U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) program data, surveys of participants and grantees, and administrative earnings data. This unique combination of data provides an unprecedented opportunity to study the in-program experiences and outcomes of specific apprentices from underrepresented populations.

Key Takeaways

• More than half of American Apprenticeship Initiative (AAI) apprentices were from underrepresented populations—that is, women and people of color.
• About three-quarters of AAI apprentices from underrepresented populations participated in nontraditional registered apprenticeship occupations—that is, occupations not affiliated with the construction industry.
• Most women, Black, Hispanic, and Other Race AAI apprentices completed their apprenticeship or were still enrolled in their program.
• After completing their registered apprenticeship, most women, Black, Hispanic, and Other Race apprentices remained with the employer who trained them.
• Women, Black, Hispanic, and Other Race apprentices experienced rapid earnings growth over the course of their apprenticeship.
• Most of the difference in earnings growth between Black and White apprentices occurs among women.

Citation

Walton, D., Gardiner, K.N. (2022). Abt Associates. Expanding Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities to Underrepresented Populations: Findings from the American Apprenticeship Initiative Evaluation. Chief Evaluation Office, U.S. Department of Labor.

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This study was sponsored by the Employment and Training Administration, Office of Policy Development and Research, Division of Research and Evaluation, and was produced outside of CEO’s standard research development process.