ACE Apprenticeship Pathways

 

​​​​​For decades, ACE has been a leader in broadening the range of alternative educational experiences eligible for college credit. Apprenticeship programs are now included among the educational experiences eligible for ACE's rigorous review process.

Utilizing new standards developed during a 2021 pilot project, ACE Learning Evaluations' faculty consultants determine college-level equivalencies and workplace competencies for the apprenticeship programs that are under ACE evaluation.

ACE is also developing tools and resources for postsecondary education institutions, employers, learners, and providers of apprenticeship programs. These resources will help enhance academic and professional offerings and better assist apprentices in applying their experience toward educational and professional advancement.

Why Have Your Apprenticeship Program Evaluated?

ACE Apprenticeship Pathways supports learners, employers, and postsecondary institutions by expanding workforce and educational opportunities for learners who have participated in high-quality apprenticeship programs.

An ACE evaluation of your apprenticeship program enables you to:

  • Promote your validated program to attract new apprenticeship candidates
  • Provide an accelerated pathway to postsecondary credentials for your apprentices
  • Retain personnel by investing in professional development
  • Affirm the value and quality of apprenticeship training

ACE Learning Evaluations has a thorough process in which a team of faculty evaluators from relevant academic disciplines reviews the learning and experience that apprentices receive from an apprenticeship program.​​

If appropriate, the team recommends college credit equivalencies that apprentices may be eligible to transfer to degree and certification programs at postsecondary institutions. The evaluation may also recommend workplace competencies for employment and job advancement opportunities.

Leverage the ACE evaluation process to validate your program and present a unique edge that sets you apart from the rest.

Apprenticeship programs interested in an ACE evaluation are encouraged to connect with us to learn more about the process, costs, and benefits of participation.​

Getting Started

The initial steps for initiating a review are:

  • Email us at apprenticeships@acenet.edu to schedule a discovery call with the ACE team to learn more about the eligibility requirements, fees for evaluations, and benefits of an ACE evaluation. Download this customized template (PDF) to make the case inside your organization for having your apprenticeship program evaluated.
  • Complete and submit required application documents, which may include program outlines and entry requirements; on-the-job training rubrics; and detailed information about the instructional methods, assessments, and resources used in the training program.
  • Receive, review, and sign a contract and statement of work that describes the roles and responsibilities for preparation, execution, and fees associated with the evaluation process.
  • Upon completion of the evaluation, participating organizations will receive a final report documenting the faculty reviewers' findings and appropriate college credit recommendations, if applicable.
  • Results from the evaluation are represented on the ACE National Guide and are accompanied by digital credentials through Credly in the form of badges and transcripts.

Contact ACE Learning Evaluations today to learn more about how your program can be evaluated—email our team to get started!

Apprenticeship Review Eligibility and Standards

ACE Learning Evaluations has developed eligibility criteria that an organization interested in an apprenticeship review must meet in order to participate. Apprenticeship programs are required to demonstrate continued compliance every five years.

Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) that are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship (OA) or a State Apprenticeship Agency are automatically considered eligible and may proceed with a request for a review.

Apprenticeship programs that are not RAPs must have:

  • A minimum of 100 hours of related classroom instruction
  • A minimum of 600 hours or four to six months of structured on-the-job learning and hands-on training from an experienced mentor
  • At least one cohort that has completed two-thirds of its on-the-job learning
  • Methods of assessment such as examinations, knowledge checks, competency-based skills demonstration, performance activities, and salary progression requirements
  • The ability to provide records of completion for apprentices and maintain those records for a minimum of five years
  • The ability to provide related educational background and industry experience, as well as any other relevant expertise, for all instructors and mentors
About ACE Learning Evaluations

​ACE Learning Evaluations seeks to improve the economic mobility of independent learners by connecting traditional and nontraditional educational experiences to meaningful degree and employment opportunities. ACE has been dedicated to lifelong learning for more than 100 years through the contribution of research, alternative education resources, validated learning and evaluations, quality assurance, and thought leadership in the area of credit for prior learning.

​Learn More
 
Apprenticeship Pathways Microcourse

Sign up for a free ACE Engage account to access the Apprenticeship Pathways microcourse and learn more about apprenticeships.

ACE ENGAGE

Connect with Us

To discuss initiating an ACE review of your apprenticeship program, email our team at apprenticeships@acenet.edu.

Contact ACE