About the Study
In 2019, the Chief Evaluation Office (CEO) partnered with the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) to fund contractors Urban Institute, Mathematica Policy Research, and Capital Research Corporation to design and conduct analysis to build and expand the evidence portfolio on apprenticeships, including models, components, partnerships, and strategies that often include the work of community colleges.
Specific studies include:
- Implementation evaluation of Scaling Apprenticeship through Sector-Based Strategies and Closing the Skills Gap grants
- Feasibility Assessment for Impact Evaluation
- Evaluation of VETS Apprenticeship Pilot
- Evaluation of Youth Readiness Apprenticeship Grants
- Assessment of State Capacity of Registered Apprenticeship programs
This Department of Labor-funded study was a result of the annual process to determine the Department’s research priorities for the upcoming year. It contributes to the labor evidence-base to inform programs and policies that impact community colleges, apprenticeships, and employment and training. The project also addresses Departmental strategic goals and priorities.
Research Questions:
- What is the current evidence on apprenticeships, including various models or typologies of apprenticeships, and effectiveness of those strategies?
- What strategies are being used to develop new apprenticeship programs or expand existing programs?
- What strategies, models, and partnerships are promising for different populations?
- What types of evaluations can be conducted on the impact of apprenticeship on participants, particularly those implemented by Scaling Apprenticeship Through Sector-based Strategies grants, Closing the Skills Gap grants, and other DOL apprenticeship grants?
Project Duration: 60 Months
Contract End Date: September 2024
Contractor: Urban Institute, Mathematica Policy Research, and Capital Research Corporation
For More Information: ChiefEvaluationOffice@dol.gov
The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Chief Evaluation Office (CEO) sponsors independent evaluations and research, primarily conducted by external, third-party contractors in accordance with the Department of Labor Evaluation Policy. CEO’s research development process includes extensive technical review at the design, data collection and analysis stage, including: external contractor review and OMB review and approval of data collection methods and instruments per the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), Institutional Review Board (IRB) review to ensure studies adhere to the highest ethical standards, review by academic peers (e.g., Technical Working Groups), and inputs from relevant DOL agency and program officials and CEO technical staff. Final reports undergo an additional independent expert technical review and a review for Section 508 compliance prior to publication. The resulting reports represent findings from this independent research and do not represent DOL positions or policies.