When I’m asked to give my CAEL elevator pitch, I invariably use the phrase “membership organization.” Considering I spend most of my time engaging with our members, I admit I’m a little biased, but it’s undeniably true that our membership growth—in both numbers and diversity—has been a crucial factor to our success. Today, CAEL members total more than 5,000 individuals, representing postsecondary education and training providers, state higher education systems, employers, workforce development boards, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and other mission-aligned nonprofits.
My CAEL elevator pitch also includes a reference to the mutual benefit and reciprocity we strive for in our member community. Certainly, members join to gain something (knowledge, connections, training, etc.), but members contribute to and enhance CAEL—and each other—in numerous ways as well. It takes continual collaboration to connect the dots that form the workforce ecosystem.
That’s why CAEL could also be described as a partnership organization. Every CAEL membership, from individual to institution to system, represents a kind of partnership in itself—a mutual opportunity to scale and improve support for adult learners and workers. These partnerships bring access to many resources, not the least of which is a community of practice that complements an arsenal of time-tested best practices with the agility of emerging trends.
So, I’m doubly excited to help spread the word about something that combines the best of both worlds that intersect at the heart of CAEL. CAEL and Apprenticeships for America are partnering to amplify their missions and expand apprenticeship opportunities for adult learners and workers through a joint membership program. AFA has an ambitious goal of increasing apprenticeships eightfold in the next ten years. It knows a big part of that growth hinges on connecting and aligning higher ed with workforce and industry needs. That’s where CAEL comes in. Our members, no matter what sector or region they represent, are also focused on these critical links to ensure adult learners and workers can thrive and thus make a big impact on AFA’s growth goals.
Effective through May 31, 2025, CAEL members can sign up for a complimentary AFA membership valid through Dec. 31, 2026. During the same period, AFA members can purchase a CAEL individual membership at a 50% discounted rate. Organizational and institutional discounts are also available. These offers are also open to prospective members of either organization. CAEL members who join AFA will have access to the following member resources AFA offers to increase their capacity to benefit from apprenticeship opportunities:
- AFA newsletter/digest
- AFA-hosted informational webinars
- AFA analysis of government proposals (legislation and regulation)
- Voice at the table as AFA works on policy development, advocacy and communications campaigns
- Discounted access to AFA events
- Opportunities to participate in working groups
This program presents a great opportunity for our membership. I regularly hear from members who want to learn more about apprenticeships. Their interest is not surprising. Apprenticeships have long been among the catalysts of CAEL’s mission. Once the rule rather than the exception, these exemplars of experiential, work-based learning predate the classroom. In the centuries since, apprenticeships have persisted, typically for training individuals within specific trades and crafts. More recently, in a trend we see reflected in many of our members, the apprenticeship model is benefiting learners, workers, educators and employers in many more pathways. Examples include teaching, health care, advanced manufacturing and professional services.
That’s especially good news during a time when traditional education models are being reevaluated through a stricter work-relevancy lens. While the ROI of a college degree is falling under greater scrutiny, strong and undeniable links remain between college completion and better labor market outcomes. Apprenticeships can offer a both/and solution to the competency vs. college debate. For example, simultaneous apprenticeship-degree pathway partnerships, such as the groundbreaking registered apprenticeship pathway CAEL helped develop with the Machinists Institute and Renton Technical College in Washington, allow learners and workers to secure an industry-recognized credential with immediate workforce relevance while receiving college credit or an outright degree.
We hope the CAEL-AFA partnership creates more opportunities to place apprenticeships at the center of collaboration that brings together educators, employers, unions and other critical partners to workforce development and economic mobility. It comes at an opportune time but not one without challenges. AFA reports that the number of community college sponsors of registered apprenticeship programs has surged from 30 to more than 200 since 2016, but there is much work to be done. Active apprentices were present at less than half of these community college sponsors, and they comprised only about 3% of civilian apprentices.
I’m excited about the potential of CAEL and AFA’s collaboration to raise awareness about the many synergies that unite CAEL’s work with apprenticeship programs. CAEL’s mission focuses on creating and supporting meaningful education-to-career pathways for adult learners and workers, which aligns perfectly with AFA’s goal of expanding earn-and-learn opportunities through apprenticeships. CAEL members who wish to join AFA under this program should contact membership@apprenticeshipsforamerica.org. AFA members who wish to join CAEL should contact membershipservices@cael.org.
CAEL and AFA will also cohost a preconference event focusing on apprenticeships during our annual conference activities. This year, the conference takes place in Memphis, Nov. 11 to 14. Early bird discounts are available through May 31. I hope to see you there!
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