Analyzing the Benefits and Limitations of Non-Degree Credentials: The Case of Apprenticeship in Oregon

Abstract

To explore the benefits and limitations of registered apprenticeships for Oregon workers, our research team conducted a survey of Oregon apprentices and analyzed apprenticeship data from the Bureau of Labor and Industries. Our study is driven by credentialization theory and how it relates to the Oregon legislation “Future Ready Oregon” that passed in 2022 which invested $200 million dollars in the trades. In our analysis, we assess access to entering apprenticeship, earnings during and after apprenticeship, completion rates and reasons for leaving apprenticeship, and access to jobs after apprenticeship. We find that there are rewards for those who obtain this type of non-degree credential; however, there are barriers to accessing apprenticeship, especially for those historically excluded from white male-dominated occupations. Ultimately, Future Ready Oregon will help provide access to the trades for people of color and women, but it has limitations for transforming the trades, for example, not directly addressing job site culture.