Apprenticeships: At the crossroads of education and talent development.

• Author: Kloth, Jason

If Indiana sent its business, education and public and private sector leaders to Switzerland to explore the world's most promising ideas around talent development, would it profoundly change the way the Crossroads of America cultivates its talent pool? Could it help these leaders envision a new intersection where employers work more closely with educational institutions to co-develop the future workforce? It might, if they remain open to the possibilities.

Switzerland shares many of Indiana's qualities, including a similar population size, a majority of small- to medium-sized companies, a mix of rural and urban communities, a similar constitution and a system of free enterprise with a high concentration of life sciences companies like Roche Diagnostics. Despite having few natural resources, Switzerland's emphasis on developing human capital has led to a per capita annual income greater than $70,000 (U.S. dollars).

A central element of the Swiss economy is a philosophy focused on the practical experience that both students and adults derive through work. Beyond preparing high school students for in-demand jobs, it creates easily understood pathways. These pathways work for both young adults and life-long learners who may pursue advanced education or training or those who want to switch from a vocational to a professional pathway. And these pathways provide options--whether through the traditional college degree track or work-based learning programs with well-defined advancement opportunities--to create economic mobility for every student and adult, regardless of demographics or educational experience.

Escorted by the Indy Chamber in partnership with Ascend Indiana, a group of Hoosier leaders will embark on a Leadership Exchange (LEX) trip in September to immerse themselves in the Swiss youth apprenticeship model embedded in their culture.

Last fall, Ascend Indiana and EmployIndy analyzed the state's talent supply and demand, creating a presentation from which the figures in this article were pulled. Click on any of the graphics below to access more data and learn more about Indiana's talent supply and employer demand.

Indiana's urgent need for change

Why is the successful Swiss youth apprenticeship model attractive to Indiana leaders? Our approach to developing current and future talent is beginning to shift. Current pathways in Indiana between K-12 classrooms and postsecondary education simply do not work for enough students. Combine that with too few Indiana high school graduates enrolling in higher education. Postsecondary enrollment rates stood at 65% of 2015's Indiana high school graduates. That rate declined to 53% in 2020. (1) Of those who do enroll, an insufficient number pursue degrees in fields that align with high-demand jobs. Even fewer complete their degrees, and many of those who do graduate choose to leave Indiana.

Significant racial disparities

When educational attainment data is disaggregated to reflect demographic factors, the status quo becomes more alarming. Existing race and gender gaps are exacerbated through workforce outcomes, limiting the opportunities for...