Interest in expanding apprenticeship is substantial in the United States, Europe, and East Asia. But the COVID-19 pandemic, its negative effects on employment, and the ongoing efforts to widen economic opportunities complicate the work to scale, sustain, and enhance apprenticeship in many countries.

The Urban Institute and the International Network for Innovative Apprenticeship (INAP) invite you to the ninth annual forum on apprenticeships. This event will focus on trends in seven countries across East Asia, Europe, and North America. INAP scholars will present new research findings and will have productive exchanges about real-world apprenticeship practices. This virtual forum will offer the opportunity to reach and enlighten not only INAP members but also the broader, global community of researchers, policymakers, employers, workers and other interested citizens.

event agenda

8:00 AM- Welcome and Overview of the Program

• Robert Lerman, Institute Fellow, Urban Institute
• Erica Smith, Professor and Personal Chair in Vocational Education and Training, Federation University Australia

8:05 AM- Apprenticeships Trends in the Asia Pacific

• Erica Smith, Professor and Personal Chair in Vocational Education and Training, Federation University Australia
• Zhiqun Zhao, Professor, Beijing Normal University
• Si Li, Researcher, Institute of Vocational and Adult Education, Beijing Normal University

8:30 AM- Apprenticeships Trends in the US and UK

• Robert Lerman, Institute Fellow, Urban Institute
• Tom Bewick, CEO, Federation of Awarding Bodies
• Daniel Kuehn, Research Associate, Urban Institute

9:10 AM- Apprenticeship Trends in Continental Europe and Canada

• Philipp Gonon, Professor of Vocational Education and Training, University of Zurich
• Thomas Deissinger, Chair of Business and Economics Education, University of Konstanz
• Bonnie Watt, Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta

10:00 AM- Concluding Remarks 

• Robert Lerman, Institute Fellow, Urban Institute

Event Materials

• Presentation Slides
• Speaker Notes - Tom Bewick

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. Please email [email protected] if you require any accommodations or have any questions about this event.