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Apprenticeships were largely associated with the skilled trades for generations. Now, they’re becoming one of higher education’s most promising strategies for expanding access, unlocking affordability, strengthening employer partnerships and preparing learners for a dynamic economy. From HVAC, construction management and advanced manufacturing to nontraditional fields such as nursing, teaching, cybersecurity and AI, colleges and universities are helping redefine what “earn and learn” can really mean.  

This webcast, inspired by Inside Higher Ed's multipart Apprenticeships: Learning at Work series, brings together institutional leaders, employers and other apprenticeship experts to break down why and how apprenticeships are gaining momentum—and what it will take to help them truly scale, not just grow.  

The conversation will explore how institutions are building successful partnerships, embedding apprenticeships into academic pathways, serving rural and underserved communities, navigating policy changes and more. We’ll also touch on how experimenting with apprenticeships can help institutions develop other work-integrated learning opportunities and pathways to postsecondary opportunity.

Can't attend the webcast? You should still register—all registrants will receive a recording of the webcast and a copy of the presentation slides.

Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | 2 p.m. E.T.

Learning at Work: Why Higher Ed Is Leaning Into Apprenticeships

Colleen Flaherty
Senior Editor of Special Content at 
Inside Higher Ed

Colleen Flaherty, senior editor of special content, previously served as Student Voice editor for Inside Higher Ed. Prior to joining the publication in 2012, Colleen was military editor at the Killeen Daily Herald, outside Fort Hood, Texas. Before that, she covered government and land use issues for the Greenwich Time and Hersam Acorn Newspapers in her home state of Connecticut. After graduating from McGill University in Montreal with a degree in English literature, Colleen taught English and English as a second language in public schools in the Bronx, New York. She earned her M.S.Ed. from City University of New York Lehman College as part of the New York City Teaching Fellows program.

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