By Becca Huntting
CareerWise has released the first detailed analysis in this report (published July 2025) of employer return on investment (ROI) in a youth-serving apprenticeship program in the United States, using apprentice-level data from New York. Drawing from 207 apprentices across 17 companies and an employer survey conducted in March 2025, the study explores both direct and indirect benefits alongside program costs—shedding light on how youth apprenticeship can deliver net positive value to employers.
Key findings reveal that:
Young apprentices can be as productive in skilled work as adult apprentices.
Indirect benefits (often overlooked in traditional ROI studies) play a significant role in value creation.
High-cost areas present opportunities for program design improvements.
Strategic investments can help employers achieve a net positive ROI during the apprenticeship period.
The report also emphasizes that youth apprenticeship has the potential not just to fill talent pipelines, but to reshape them. To maximize impact, it offers four recommendations for strengthening program design and policy:
Strengthen the Employer Value Proposition by focusing on labor market–driven industries and developing vertical talent pipelines.
Mobilize a Training System that shares costs across employers through sector-based strategies.
Integrate Postsecondary Pathways so apprenticeships align with college and credentialing, boosting skills and retention.
Expand Pre-Apprenticeship programs in high schools to improve readiness and employer value.
By capturing the full scope of benefits and challenges, this research provides a roadmap for making youth apprenticeship a sustainable, high-value strategy for businesses while creating new opportunities for young people.
