Youth perspectives on the future of apprenticeships

Youth apprenticeships are emerging as a powerful solution that bridges education, employment, and innovation. Yet key questions remain about their structure, equity, and scalability, and how success is measured. Who better to answer these critical questions than the young people themselves? On Monday, November 18, join Brookings Metro and CityWorks DC during National Apprenticeship Week 2024 as we elevate youth voices in the national conversation about expanding apprenticeships. The event will feature a fireside chat where former youth apprentice Frankie Mansaray will interview Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), followed by a panel discussion. Building on research insights from Brookings Fellow Annelies Goger about scaling earn-and-learn programs, this event positions young people as both beneficiaries and architects of apprenticeship innovation —offering policymakers, educators, and employers essential guidance for building more inclusive and effective pathways to economic mobility.