The workforce solution employers keep overlooking

Perception also plays a powerful role, Flynn added. Apprenticeships are still closely tied, in many people’s minds, to traditional trades, even as their use has expanded into entirely different sectors.

“I think if someone thinks of apprenticeship, they probably immediately think of a skilled trades worker,” Flynn said, noting that broadening that perception is key to wider adoption.

There is also the question of timing. Apprenticeships require upfront investment and a longer-term view of talent needs, which can make them harder to prioritize in uncertain conditions.

“There are startup costs,” Lerman said. “Employers are not always sure how many skilled workers they’re going to need two, three or four years from now. There’s a lot of uncertainty.”

From skills talk to skills strategy

The hesitation is striking because apprenticeships align closely with many of the priorities organizations are already trying to address. Skills-based hiring has gained traction, for instance, with companies dropping degree requirements and emphasizing capabilities. In practice, however, the systems needed to support that shift are often still evolving.