Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships follow an earn-as-you-learn model and develop a clear pathway for students into their careers (unlike internships, which are largely unpaid and linked to a discipline-specific university course). In the United States, the highest number of apprenticeships occur in skilled trades. As the model moves into more “professional” occupations, we believe that apprenticeships should be developed to support our students to increase career readiness skills and decrease financial stressors. Apprenticeships have been shown to increase the academic success of all students. They also increase the skilled workforce while increasing wages and providing career opportunities (Center for American Progress, 2013).

This is an incredible opportunity for current students to earn a credential, enjoy sustainable, living-wage employment, and avoid incurring educational debt. This while meeting the needs of local employers to diversify their talent pool makes this program a win-win-win for all involved.

• Employer-driven but co-designed with Metro State partners

• Longer timeframe: 6 months to 2 years

• Earn-and-Learn model: 50% to full-time work and higher wages

• Training includes completing bachelor’s degree with tuition covered by grant funds

• A successful apprenticeship leads directly to a permanent position at participating organization.

• Rather than a Registered Apprenticeship through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, these workplace-based learning opportunities are non-registered apprenticeships.

In 2024 Metro State identified pilot programs for apprenticeship development based on the needs for occupations in Minnesota identified by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (July, 2023). The apprenticeship collaborations developed for Spring 2025 were:

• Mental Health, to support students earning a bachelor degree in social work, psychology, human services, or others (Fraser and Touchstone). A purpose of this apprenticeship is to promote a career pathway into case managers and similar positions.

• Cybersecurity, to support students earning a bachelor degree in cybersecurity (Securian). A purpose of this apprenticeship is to promote a career pathway as cybersecurity analyst, engineer, or other positions.

• Accounting, to support students earning a bachelor degree in accounting (KPMG). The career pathway is uniquely accounting.

• Nursing, to support students earning a bachelor or master degree in Health Sciences and/or nursing (Children’s Minnesota). A purpose of this apprenticeship is to nurture the career pathway in nursing and continue to advanced degrees (for example, from RN to a BSN degree).

• Education, to support students earning a bachelor degree in elementary education, special education, teaching English as a second language, and other degrees (Minneapolis Public Schools). A purpose of this apprenticeship is to nurture the career pathway in K-12 education roles and licensure.

Our first cohort launched in spring 2025 with these partners: Fraser, Touchstone, Securian, KPMG, and Children's Minnesota. The School of Urban Education started their program this fall with Minneapolis Public Schools. Feedback from employer partners has been overwhelmingly positive and that this is a compelling model that has enormous potential to address their workforce needs.

Metro State's Apprentices featured in June 25, 2025 Star Tribune article (subscription required).

For Employers | For Faculty | For Students