Apprenticeship Career Paths Are Critical for Young People | Matt Poischbeg | TEDxSnoIsleLibraries

Summary

The speaker shares a personal story of learning humility and the value of apprenticeships during his early career as a farmer. He advocates for transforming the K-12 education system to include apprenticeships as a viable alternative to college, emphasizing their role in preparing skilled workers for industry needs. The speaker's company in Washington has successfully integrated apprentices, highlighting the benefits of on-the-job learning and the importance of capturing the knowledge of retiring workers to pass on to the next generation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker began an apprenticeship as a farmer at 16, which taught him valuable life and work skills despite not continuing in that profession.
• 💸 The boss offered $1,000 to quit due to slacking off, which was a pivotal moment of realization and motivation for the speaker.
• 🏫 The speaker chose the apprenticeship route over academic education in Germany, which was a positive choice that prevented him from dropping out.
• 🎓 He later attended college at 29, showing that there is value in different educational paths and timing.
• 🔨 Apprenticeships are undervalued in America but are crucial for the middle class in many countries, according to the speaker.
• 👨‍🏫 The speaker advocates for a transformation in the K-12 education system to include more vocational training and less academic pressure.
• 👷 High school and college dropout rates are high, often due to boredom, indicating a need for varied educational approaches.
• 🛠️ There is a critical lack of skilled workers in many industries, and apprenticeships can help fill this gap.
• 🏢 The speaker's company hires based on potential to learn on the job rather than formal education, emphasizing practical skills over degrees.
• 🔍 The company struggled to find qualified employees, leading to the creation of an in-house training program and apprenticeship opportunities.
• 🤝 AJAC (Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee) is highlighted as a successful model for developing apprenticeship programs in various industries.
• 📚 Apprenticeships provide a combination of on-the-job training, wages, and classroom education, leading to professional certification without debt.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial experience as a farmer at the age of 16?

The speaker began an apprenticeship to become a farmer at 16 but faced a challenging moment three months into the job when his boss offered him $1,000 to quit due to his slacking off, which left him shocked, stunned, and ashamed.

How did the speaker's attitude towards work change after the confrontation with his boss?

After the confrontation, the speaker decided to shape up and stay on the job, which led to a life-changing experience and a solid foundation for his future careers.

Why did the speaker choose the apprenticeship route instead of continuing academic education immediately after high school?

The speaker chose the apprenticeship route because he hated school and grew up in Germany where he had the choice between academic and apprenticeship paths. This choice prevented him from dropping out.

At what age did the speaker eventually go to college and what did he study?

The speaker went to college at the age of 29 and earned a degree in business administration.

What is the speaker's opinion on the value of apprenticeships in America?

The speaker believes that apprenticeships are the backbone of the middle class in many countries but are undervalued in America, which he considers a shame.

What problem does the speaker identify with the current K-12 education system in relation to apprenticeships?

The speaker identifies that the K-12 education system is heavily geared towards higher education and does not prepare students for success in industry, which is a problem for developing skilled workers.

How did the speaker's company address the issue of finding a qualified mold maker?

The company addressed the issue by starting an in-house training program and finding an apprentice through AJAC (Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee), a statewide nonprofit organization.

What is AJAC and what role does it play in apprenticeships?

AJAC stands for Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee. It is a statewide nonprofit organization that brings together employees, employers, educators, and the Department of Labor and Industry to develop apprenticeship programs and help skilled workers pass on their knowledge to the next generation.

What are the benefits of the apprenticeship program for apprentices according to the speaker?

Apprentices earn a good living wage, receive classroom training, get raises based on performance, have their tuition paid in full for AJAC apprenticeships, and graduate with professional certification, college credit, skills for life, and no educational debt.

What is the Core Plus program and how does it connect to apprenticeships?

The Core Plus program is an intensive curriculum inspired by researchers from Harvard and MIT, created in collaboration with Boeing and other businesses. It ties directly into CTE and STEM, connecting K-12 with post-secondary learning like apprenticeship programs and exposing students to in-depth, work-based learning.

How does the speaker propose to transform the education system to better prepare students for apprenticeships?

The speaker suggests that school districts should provide coherent CTE in middle and high schools, use the Core Plus curriculum to prepare kids for apprenticeships, enroll students in youth apprenticeship programs at the age of 16, and earn credit equivalencies towards high school graduation, apprenticeship credit, and college credit.

Outlines

00:00

👨‍🌾 Early Lessons in Apprenticeship and Farm Work

The speaker recounts his experience as a 16-year-old apprentice farmer, where he was offered $1,000 to quit due to slacking off. This incident, which he remembers with embarrassment, became a turning point in his life. Despite being a city boy, he chose to stay and learn from the experience. He highlights the importance of apprenticeships as a foundation for future jobs and contrasts this with the academic route, which he pursued later in life at the age of 29. The speaker emphasizes the undervalued role of apprenticeships in America and suggests that not everyone needs to go to college immediately after high school, as hands-on learning can be just as valuable.

05:03

🏭 The Importance of Apprenticeships in Industry and Education

The speaker discusses the need for a transformation in the K-12 education system to include more hands-on learning opportunities like apprenticeships. He believes that apprenticeships are a solution to various problems in schools, businesses, and the economy, and that they should not be seen as a second choice to higher education. The speaker shares his own experience as a business owner in Washington, where he faced difficulties in finding qualified employees without a college degree. He describes the process of establishing an in-house training program and the successful hiring of an apprentice through the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC), a nonprofit organization that develops apprenticeship programs and supports the transfer of skills from experienced workers to the next generation.

10:04

🎓 Integrating Apprenticeships with Education and Business Growth

The speaker explains the structure and benefits of apprenticeships, debunking misconceptions that they are only for those not smart enough for higher education. He describes apprenticeships as state-approved programs that combine full-time work with classroom training, leading to professional certification and college credits without educational debt. The speaker also discusses the role of schools in preparing students for apprenticeships through Career Technical Education (CTE) and the Core Plus program, which integrates work-based learning with industry sectors. He outlines a comprehensive approach to integrating apprenticeships into the education system, from middle schools to high schools, and how this can lead to a more skilled workforce that meets the demands of the 21st century. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the potential of apprenticeships to fuel passion, close the skills gap, and support the economy.

Keywords

💡Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship refers to a system of on-the-job training, where individuals learn a trade or skill from experienced professionals. In the video, the speaker's personal experience with an apprenticeship in farming is highlighted, emphasizing its transformative impact on his life and career. The concept is central to the video's theme, advocating for the recognition and expansion of apprenticeships as a viable alternative to traditional academic education.

💡Skilled Workers

Skilled workers are individuals who possess specialized abilities and knowledge in a particular trade or profession. The script discusses the critical shortage of skilled workers in various industries and positions apprenticeships as a solution to cultivate these professionals. The speaker's company, for instance, relies on skilled workers who have learned their trade through apprenticeships rather than formal education.

💡Education System

The education system encompasses the institutions, structures, and processes involved in educating individuals within a society. The video critiques the current K-12 education system in America for being overly focused on academic routes and not adequately preparing students for industry success. The speaker suggests reforms that include integrating apprenticeships and hands-on learning experiences.

💡Career Technical Education (CTE)

CTE is an educational approach that integrates core academic skills with technical and occupational education. In the video, the speaker promotes CTE as a means to expose students to various careers and connect them with industry professionals, which is crucial for preparing students for apprenticeships and future employment.

💡Core Plus

Core Plus is an educational program that links K-12 education with post-secondary learning opportunities, such as apprenticeships. The initiative, mentioned in the script, is designed to provide students with a more in-depth and work-based learning experience, thus better preparing them for careers in various industries.

💡Middle Class

The middle class refers to a social and economic group that falls between the working class and the upper class. The speaker argues that apprenticeships are the backbone of the middle class in many countries and should be valued more in America, as they offer a pathway to stable and rewarding careers without necessitating a college degree.

💡Youth Apprenticeship

Youth apprenticeship is a program that allows high school students to participate in apprenticeships, gaining practical work experience alongside their academic studies. The script highlights a new initiative in the speaker's state that enables students at the age of 16 to enroll in youth apprenticeship programs, which is a significant step in integrating apprenticeships into the education system.

💡AJAC

AJAC, or Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee, is a statewide nonprofit organization mentioned in the script that develops and oversees apprenticeship programs. AJAC is an example of an organization that helps to bridge the gap between education and industry by providing structured apprenticeship opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

💡Workforce Development

Workforce development involves the strategies and programs that help prepare, attract, and retain a qualified workforce. The video discusses the urgent need for workforce development to meet the growing demand for skilled workers and to remain competitive in the global economy. Apprenticeships are presented as a key component of this development.

💡Debt-Free Education

Debt-free education refers to educational opportunities that do not require students to take on loans or debt. The script emphasizes that apprenticeships, particularly those managed by AJAC, offer debt-free education by covering tuition and other fees, allowing students to graduate with professional certifications and skills without educational debt.

💡Mold Making

Mold making is a specific trade involved in the manufacturing process, where molds are created for producing parts or products. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about the difficulty of finding a skilled mold maker for his company, which led to the establishment of an in-house apprenticeship program to train new talent in this specialized field.

Highlights

At 16, the speaker began an apprenticeship as a farmer, which was interrupted by an offer to quit for $1,000 due to slacking off.

The speaker felt ashamed and determined to improve, leading to a life-changing experience and a foundation for future jobs.

The speaker chose the apprenticeship route over academic education in Germany, which was a turning point in their life.

Despite not attending college immediately after high school, the speaker eventually earned a degree in business administration at 29.

The speaker's work experience significantly enhanced their learning during college.

Apprenticeships are undervalued in America, despite being a backbone of the middle class in many countries.

The speaker advocates for a transformation of the K-12 education system to include more vocational paths.

High dropout rates in high school and college are often due to boredom, which apprenticeship education could address.

Apprenticeships offer opportunities beyond manufacturing and are critical in industries facing a skilled worker shortage.

The speaker's company in Washington manufactures plastic parts without requiring a college degree for employees.

The company faced challenges in finding qualified employees, leading to the creation of an in-house training program.

AJAC, the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee, is a nonprofit facilitating apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing.

AJAC helps capture the knowledge of retiring workers and pass it on through mentorship in businesses.

The speaker's company successfully hired an apprentice for mold making, which benefited both the individual and the business.

Apprenticeships provide professional certification, college credits, and life skills without educational debt.

Schools can prepare students for apprenticeships through Career Technical Education (CTE) and the Core Plus program.

Core Plus is an intensive curriculum that connects K-12 with post-secondary learning and businesses.

The speaker outlines a comprehensive approach to integrating apprenticeships into the education system and economy.

Apprenticeships can address the skills gap and support the economy by becoming a backbone of the middle class.

The speaker calls for other states to follow Washington's example in developing youth apprenticeship programs.

Transcripts

Translator: Denise RQ

When I was 16 years old,

I began an apprenticeship to become a farmer.

I was on the job for about three months

when my boss walked up to me and yelled,

"I give you 1,000 dollars to quit!"

(Laughter)

He was furious because I was slacking off.

I will never forget this moment for the rest of my life.

(Laughter)

I was shocked,

I was stunned,

but mostly, ashamed.

Although I was a city boy and had only been working on a farm

for a few summers, I thought I knew everything.

Well, I didn't.

But I wanted to finish what I started.

I liked working outside and with the animals.

My boss challenged me to either shape up or ship out.

So I got my act together and stayed.

The experience has changed my life.

I'm no longer working as a farmer,

but the skills I learned during that time

have given me a solid foundation for all my future jobs.

You see, I did not go to college right out of high school.

I graduated after 10th grade at the age of 16

because I grew up in Germany, and I had a choice.

I could choose between the academic and the apprenticeship route.

I hated school, so having a choice prevented me from dropping out.

I did go to college much later at the age of 29

and earned a degree in business administration.

At that time, I had changed careers,

and I was working in marine hardware sales,

I had done a second apprenticeship,

and I wanted that education, I was ready for it.

And honestly, my work experience greatly benefited my learning.

Apprenticeships -

apprenticeships are the backbone of the middle class in many countries,

but here in America, their value is totally underestimated,

and that's a shame.

We need to transform our K-12 education system

so it does not automatically push our children into the academic route.

Not everyone has to go to college right out of high school.

High school and college dropout rates are high;

in many cases, because of boredom.

I believe in apprenticeship education

as a solution to a number of problems

in our schools, in our businesses, and in our economy.

We need to get our kids engaged in hands-on learning

in their areas of interest,

and we have to get them engaged in areas where we have a need.

Their education has to match with what's happening

out in the real world.

Apprenticeships offer tremendous opportunities,

and not just in manufacturing.

We know that the lack of truly skilled workers

is critical in many industries,

and this has escalated over the last decade.

We need to find new sources of skilled workers.

Our largest source is our middle and high schools.

But there's a problem:

our K-12 education system

is currently heavily geared towards higher education.

it does not prepare our kids for success in industry.

I run a small company in Everett, Washington.

We have 30 employees and manufacture a variety of plastic parts.

I was hired without a plastics engineering degree

because my boss knew I would learn everything necessary on the job

from my co-workers and mentors.

My current employees also have learned on the job,

and they have very valuable skills and are extremely hard to replace.

But none of them needs a college degree.

Ever since I was hired 17 years ago,

finding qualified employees has been a problem.

Three years ago, I was in desperate need to find a new mold maker.

My principal mold maker was about to retire

and I had to find a successor.

So I advertized locally, then nationally,

and finally, hired a headhunter, without success.

I talked to our local community colleges, but they couldn't help me either.

So my only solution was to start an in-house training program

and to find an apprentice.

So I called the Department of Labor and Industries

which oversees all apprenticeships in our state,

and they referred me to AJAC.

AJAC stands for Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee.

Let me tell you more about AJAC.

AJAC is a statewide nonprofit organization

which brings to the table employees, employers, educators,

and the Department of Labor and Industry.

So far, AJAC has developed six advanced manufacturing apprenticeship programs.

Our state has about 200 registered apprenticeships.

That's not very many, considering the thousands of occupations we have.

Our current workforce includes highly skilled workers

who offer valuable knowledge and skills they have acquired

through years of experience.

We have to capture that knowledge and help these retiring workers

to pass it on to the next generation before it is lost.

AJAC does that by hiring and training these workers as teachers.

In businesses with apprenticeship programs,

these individuals become mentors.

So I called AJAC, and in fact, yes,

they had a five-year apprenticeship program for mold making.

Believe it or not, a few days later,

a young man walked in the door and dropped off his resume.

He had just been laid off

and had some prior experience as a mold-making assistant.

He became our first apprentice.

You might want to know how he feels about that decision now.

Well, he still feels very fortunate that he took that opportunity,

and he said that he would not have achieved

his financial and professional goals to date

going a different route.

As for our business, we have added four more apprentices.

They are the basis for our continuous growth.

Let me explain apprenticeships

and dispel some of the misconceptions you might have.

Many people believe in apprenticeships

as being low-level, hands-on, low-paid training

for kids who aren't bright enough to succeed in higher education -

in short, kids who aren't smart.

Wrong!

Totally not true!

I don't see myself as being a loser.

Quite the opposite, actually.

We're talking about education in state-approved programs

which last three to six years.

Apprentices earn a good living wage while working full time

in state-approved businesses called training agents.

In addition, they take classroom training for about four hours a week.

They get raises every six months

if they perform well on the job and in class.

Their tuition is paid in full if it is an AJAC apprenticeship.

Other fees, for registration, and books, and stuff like that

are usually covered by the training agent,

provided they pass their classes with As and Bs.

So students graduate with professional certification,

college credit, skills for life,

and no educational debt.

Yes!

(Applause)

Thank you.

But here's the best part:

our schools can prepare our students for apprenticeships.

Let me tell you how.

First of all, middle and high schools need to provide CTE,

which stands for career technical education.

With CTE, students study careers in industry and business

and connect with people in those fields.

CTE is also considered the dropout prevention program.

Students discover their interests

and then see when, and why, and how

they need more academic training down the road, just like I did.

Second, there's a program called Core Plus.

Inspired by researchers from Harvard and MIT in 2011,

the Boeing company collaborated with government

and other businesses across the state

to create the Core Plus initiative.

The intensive Core Plus curriculum

ties directly into CTE and STEM,

and connects K-12 with post-secondary learning,

like apprenticeship programs.

With Core Plus, students are exposed to more in-depth, work-based learning

at an earlier age,

and Core Plus connects businesses with education at all levels.

Core Plus is currently offered in five major industry sectors.

These are aviation, maritime, construction,

medical devices, and agriculture.

Yes, more need to be added, but as a business owner

I'm strongly supporting Core Plus because I believe

all businesses in our state will benefit from it.

So I have given you all the pieces of the transformation puzzle.

Now let me put them together so you can see how it all would work.

Number one: school districts need to provide coherent CTE

in middle schools and high schools.

Number two: high school CTE uses the Core Plus curriculum

to prepare kids for apprenticeships.

Number three: students at the age of 16

are now able to enroll in youth apprenticeship programs

with local businesses.

This is huge, and brand new in our state.

In fact, it's such a big deal

that our governor just held our state's first Youth Apprenticeship Summit,

in which I participated.

Number four: AJAC, local community colleges,

and the Department of Labor and Industries

are administering and overseeing the youth apprenticeship programs.

Five: credit equivalencies are earned towards high school graduation.

So by the end of 12th grade, students have earned

enough high school credit to graduate; yay!

(Applause)

Exactly!

But they have also earned

apprenticeship credit and college credit;

and, again, so far zero educational debt.

We face serious challenges

to building our 2st century workforce and competing in a global economy.

Why?

Because of our aging workforce,

because of greater demand and production,

because of new technologies,

but most of all, because of the gaps in our education system.

For example, over the next five years,

our state needs to add 740,000 additional skilled workers

to fill increasing demand.

Seven hundred and forty thousand!

That number is just mind-boggling to me.

Where are they supposed to come from?

Apprenticeships are not just a local solution.

It goes national and worldwide.

And a few other states are also developing youth apprenticeship programs,

but none of them has an organization like AJAC.

I believe other states should look at the state of Washington as an inspiration

as they develop their own programs.

In closing, I want to leave you with these thoughts.

We have smart kids in our schools.

Some are just like I was: bored and unmotivated.

Forcing them in a direction which is of no interest to them

will kill their motivation and their passion.

We can offer them excellent careers

by adding apprenticeship programs which will fuel their passion.

We can close the skills gap; we can support our economy.

Apprenticeships can become the backbone

of the middle class in America.

Thank you very much.

(Applause)