How University of Phoenix Has Collaborated on its Apprenticeship to Career Pathway Model

June 2022 saw University of Phoenix take part in the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Conference, where faculty showcased the collaborative work with apprenticeship groups that the University has undertaken. These collaborations enable the University to offer an apprenticeship model with unique solutions for employers who need to attract talent, improve staff retention and offer upskilling opportunities for employees.

University of Phoenix’s apprenticeship to career pathway model paves a clear route for students to progress from registered apprenticeship programs to associate and bachelor’s degrees, which they can complete at the University. Alternatively, students can take on skills development for worker mobility opportunities in a company.

University of Phoenix also collaborates with apprenticeship groups to overcome barriers associated with time, expense and degree. By overcoming these barriers, the University can help employers be inclusive and intentional and offer earn while you learn placements.

The Value of Apprenticeship Programs

The U.S. Department of Labor has demonstrated that apprenticeship programs have a track record of retention and lifetime earning average. Apprenticeships provide students with access to hundreds of career roles in both emerging and high-growth sectors. What’s more, apprentices enjoy 92 percent employment retention once they have completed their programs.

Taking the career pathway of apprenticeship to college credit and degree programs is ideal for candidates who are hoping to shape hands-on job skills rather than meet academic degree requirements. Additionally, this career pathway provides companies with a practical way to attract and retain diverse, good-fit talent for their teams.

This has been true for many University of Phoenix students including Dustin Guichet, who is currently studying at the University while completing his apprenticeship program. Guichet worked in the military and in sales before deciding the career he really wanted to pursue was programming. He signed up for the Apprentice Now program and grew from a self-taught programmer to a professional programmer in the making on through one of the University’s programs. “With the relationship that Apprentice Now has with University of Phoenix, I thought it would be a great decision to complete my degree and gain even more credibility in the field,” Guichet said.

Hiring Directly From University of Phoenix’s Alumni Pool

University of Phoenix allows companies to hire students directly from its diverse alumni pool. Of these alumni, 56 percent come from ethnic minority backgrounds, and 67 percent are women. Employers have peace of mind that these candidates have developed practical skills, learned from seasoned industry professionals and secured post-secondary credentials.

A few of the companies that have hired talent from the University’s alumni pool include Maricopa Community Colleges, T-Mobile, Papa Ola Lōkahi, Delta Care and Scholarship Funds, Serco and Bloomin’ Brands.[1] 

University of Phoenix’s Workforce Solutions Team

University of Phoenix’s Workforce Solutions team supports the agreements that the University has with apprenticeship companies like the Institute for American Apprenticeships (IAA) and Apprentice Now (formerly Woz U). These agreements expand the workforce opportunities available to students not to mention the retention and fostering of talent.

The Workforce Solutions team provides companies across a range of industries with tailored learning and career pathways that they can leverage to recruit, upskill, reskill and retain an ideal workforce in both a timely and cost-effective manner. This way, the Workforce Solutions team helps companies cut the costs of providing educational opportunities for staff.

The team develops flexible systems that each align with workplace needs, offering career guidance and support tools, education programs, live support, learning pathways and credit options such as workshops, single courses, certificates, degree programs or a combination.

With these solutions, job candidates are in a strong position to upskill and reskill and, by extension, offer a competitive edge in the workplace. Meanwhile, the Workforce Solutions team’s incentives help employers attract candidates with fresh qualifications and skills, enabling these employers to achieve long-term business growth.

Find out more about University of Phoenix’s Workforce Solutions.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is committed to advancing its adult and nontraditional learners’ educational goals and to guiding students as they take the helm of the career routes and degree programs that best suit their interests. The University’s degree programs are aligned with in-demand career paths including paths in the cybersecurity, nursing and business sectors. University of Phoenix also provides flexible start dates, online classes and a selection of scholarship opportunities so that students of all backgrounds and needs can complete the degree they need.

On top of this, University of Phoenix’s Career Services for Life® commitment to active students and graduates provides the resources needed to be prepared when entering the workforce for no additional charge. These resources include career guidance, resume and interview support and education and networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.