The Role of Data and Accountability in Growing Youth Apprenticeship Programs

Youth apprenticeship programs can give students access to valuable work-based learning experiences that provide insights into how their interest can connect to education and the workforce. Although these programs are often beneficial for participants, there is little data to show the programmatic landscape and impact. There are many challenges that currently inhibit the ability of state and local communities to collect and use reliable youth apprenticeship data. However, it is this data that best supports program improvement and growth. To explore how states are collecting data on youth apprenticeship programs, and what steps can be taken to collect high quality enrollment and outcomes data, Advance CTE examined current practices in "The Role of Data and Accountability in Growing Youth Apprenticeship Programs." This report features information on how states are collecting and validating youth apprenticeship and work-based learning data, and what steps can be taken to expand quantitative and qualitative data collection that would support program development and expansion. [This report was made possible by the Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA).]