STEP 3: Research quantitative and qualitative factors

In STEP 3, you’ll need to research the following quantitative and qualitative factors surrounding the occupation. 

Quantitative Factors

  • Projected labor demand over the next 10 years.
  • Wage progression.
  • Educational background of people currently in the role.
  • Wage progression disaggregated by educational attainment.
  • Credential attainment – In many occupations, earning a relevant credential can be a meaningful way for apprentices to prove their market readiness, so we look for occupations that have meaningful credentials.
  • Regional demand.

You’ll rely heavily on external sources of labor data such as Burning Glass Links to an external site., O*NET Links to an external site., or the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Links to an external site. to identify this data.

Qualitative Factors

  • Industry standardization – Apprenticeships are designed to make a young person market-ready in an industry, so it’s important that the skills they develop in their apprenticeship are applicable at companies across the industry. If the way things are done in an occupation is wildly different from company to company, that’s a red flag in the research process.

  • Advancement opportunity – It’s important to tease out how and why an individual might advance in the industry. Is it necessary to earn a four-year degree to advance? What types of skills and experiences lead to advancement? Do people who have this job usually keep this job for at least five years, or do they more often change jobs in that time?

  • Ceilings and barriers – Look for any barriers that might be challenging for an apprentice to train in this role when they’re under 18. Also, look for anything that might impede apprentices from advancing their careers in this occupation or industry that might not have appeared in the other categories.

  • Related instruction - What educational offerings do subject matter experts believe would supplement the apprentices’ on-the-job training?

For this data, you’ll rely on 20-30 minute interviews with subject matter experts who work in, have worked in, or supervise the role. You should try and talk to a diverse group of subject matter experts who work at a diverse set of companies (nonprofit vs. for-profit, large vs. small, etc.). 

As you conduct this research process, also think about your ability to launch each new occupation. Entering a brand new industry where you don’t have preexisting relationships is more challenging, so you need more time to permeate that industry before apprentices can be hired. 

Now that you’ve gathered data about your occupation, it’s time to evaluate it in STEP 4.

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