ATTITUDES AND VALUES THAT INFLUENCE EMPLOYER ENGAGMENT IN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS

 The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes and values relating to the decision-making process for employer engagement in apprenticeships. Woven into the American culture from the beginning, apprenticeships continue to be a viable option for education and training. However, current trends reveal a decline in the number of employers and employees engaging in apprenticeship programs. Explorations of historical, legislative, and social influences offered insight into this shift. This study used a quantitative methods approach to examine experience, level of knowledge, cost of administration and training, required administrative efforts, expectations, and impact on organizational structure related to employer engagement in apprenticeship programming. The results indicated that expectations have a significant influence in the decision-making process of employer engagement in apprenticeship programs and that experience is least influential. The findings and conclusions of the study imply that promotion of apprenticeship programs should be a local and state priority, supported by on-going information, materials, and guidance.