Jack Armstrong: Apprenticeships — Changing the Way We Talk About Success | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The speaker advocates for expanding recruitment criteria and recognizing the value of apprenticeship programs as alternative paths to success, benefiting both businesses and individuals.

Key Insights

• 🎓 Society often underestimates the value of alternative paths to success and perpetuates an elitist attitude towards education.
• ✋ Traditional recruitment criteria limit access to talented individuals who may not have pursued higher education.
• 👨‍💼 Apprenticeship programs offer a viable solution to the mismatch between job openings and job seekers, providing a positive return on investment for businesses.
• 🥺 It is essential to challenge and change societal attitudes towards success and recognize the diversity of paths that can lead to fulfilling careers.
• 👶 Expanding criteria and embracing apprenticeship programs can bring new perspectives and capabilities to organizations and contribute to a more diverse workforce.
• 🍧 Non-traditional paths to success should be recognized and celebrated, rather than making individuals feel inadequate for not having a college degree.
• 👨‍💼 Businesses have a responsibility to invest in the development of future leaders through programs that prioritize skills and experience over formal education.

Transcript

[MUSIC] Raise your hand if you graduated college. Pretty much everyone. If you raise your hand, I want you to take a moment. Take a moment and reflect on the impact that that degree is hard on your life. The network get enabled the opportunities that it's pulled into reach. Now, I want you to imagine your 18 year old self. Imagine I told them, you ... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How can expanding recruitment criteria benefit businesses?

By broadening recruitment criteria, organizations can tap into a larger pool of capable and diverse candidates, providing a competitive advantage in the tight employment market. It allows businesses to find talented individuals who may not have followed traditional paths but possess valuable skills.

Q: What is the business case for implementing apprenticeship programs?

Apprenticeship programs have been proven to provide a positive return on investment in as little as 18 months. By investing in apprentices, businesses can benefit from the value-added work of teams with diverse backgrounds and capabilities, ultimately improving project outcomes.

Q: How do apprenticeship programs address the disadvantages of the "college for all" model?

Apprenticeship programs provide opportunities for individuals who may not have the means or opportunity to attend college. By offering hands-on learning and the ability to earn while learning, these programs cater to different learning styles and provide viable pathways to success for those who prefer practical experience.

Q: How can individuals challenge traditional attitudes towards success?

Individuals can challenge traditional attitudes by recognizing and celebrating successes achieved through non-traditional paths. By valuing apprenticeship programs and work experience alongside college degrees, we can create a more inclusive view of success and provide equal opportunities for diverse talents.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker shares their personal experience of starting a career without a college degree and highlights the prejudices and attitudes that undermine alternative paths to success.

• They argue that businesses should broaden their recruitment criteria to include diverse candidates, as the current system limits the access to talented individuals.

• The speaker emphasizes the return on investment of apprenticeship programs, which can provide valuable skills and contribute to a more diverse and capable workforce.