Four-year college for all: The emerging paradigm of multiple career pathways

Abstract

Since 2008, when the eldest baby boomers reached early retirement age, there has been a remarkable upsurge of activity in state and federal workforce development policy and practice — the largest increase I have seen in my 35 years observing employment and training programs. The apprenticeship model of education and training has captured widespread public attention. Hundreds of workforce intermediary organizations are working with employers to coordinate training and education for both new entries to the workforce and existing employees. Leaders of unions and prominent businesses have embraced greater access to career and technical education (CTE).