report · Families
Families
Youth Apprenticeships Gain Support as College Costs Rise
New America research shows families are warming up to youth apprenticeships as college costs soar. In 2017, most parents and students saw college as the only path after high school. Now, eight years later, attitudes have changed. Families worry about student debt and whether college leads to good jobs. They're more interested in programs where students earn money while learning skills. Youth apprenticeships let high schoolers work, learn, and get paid at the same time. These programs now exist in healthcare, IT, and finance - not just traditional trades. Parents like that students avoid debt while gaining real job skills. Students appreciate earning money and getting mentorship. However, some barriers remain. Many people still think apprenticeships are only for trades and mostly for boys. Parents worry about kids choosing the wrong career too early. The research found that once families understand modern apprenticeships offer college credit and multiple career paths, they become much more interested. This shift reflects growing concerns about college affordability and job market uncertainty. Families want practical pathways that lead to stable careers without crushing debt.
March 11, 2026·www.newamerica.org
Article
New America research shows families are warming up to youth apprenticeships as college costs soar. In 2017, most parents and students saw college as the only path after high school. Now, eight years later, attitudes have changed. Families worry about student debt and whether college leads to good jobs. They're more interested in programs where students earn money while learning skills. Youth apprenticeships let high schoolers work, learn, and get paid at the same time. These programs now exist in healthcare, IT, and finance - not just traditional trades. Parents like that students avoid debt while gaining real job skills. Students appreciate earning money and getting mentorship. However, some barriers remain. Many people still think apprenticeships are only for trades and mostly for boys. Parents worry about kids choosing the wrong career too early. The research found that once families understand modern apprenticeships offer college credit and multiple career paths, they become much more interested. This shift reflects growing concerns about college affordability and job market uncertainty. Families want practical pathways that lead to stable careers without crushing debt.
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