Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed Building an Apprenticeship System in Indiana: How the Hoosier State is Adapting the Swiss Model
Apr 9, 2025
Claire Fiddian-Green, President and CEO of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, dives into Indiana's groundbreaking efforts to emulate Switzerland's apprenticeship model. She discusses transforming high school graduation requirements and establishing industry-led talent associations. The conversation highlights the challenges of cultural shifts and stakeholder collaboration, aiming to create robust pathways that intertwine real-world work experience with education. Fiddian-Green emphasizes the crucial need for strong employer partnerships to redefine the value of apprenticeships in the state.
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Indiana's CTE Lightbulb Moment
- The National Conference of State Legislatures' 2016 report, "No Time to Lose," sparked education reform in Indiana.
- It highlighted the need for better career and technical education (CTE) to meet employer needs.
Learning from Switzerland
- Inspired by the NCSL report, Indiana studied Switzerland's apprenticeship model, the "gold standard."
- Witnessing the system's scale, where 65-70% of youth choose apprenticeships, impressed the Indiana team.
Indiana's Apprenticeship Pilots
- Indiana piloted apprenticeships in 11th grade and formed a statewide community of practice.
- Two key challenges emerged: one-off apprenticeships and inflexible high school schedules.
