The University of Phoenix Joins IAA to Create Degree Pathways

The University of Phoenix has recently announced a partnership with Institute for American Apprenticeships (IAA) a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate, train, and employ workers in its home state of Vermont as well as nationwide. The partnership comes in support of the University’s Workforce Solutions team and looks to establish a new option for employers seeking to upskill their workforce and increase retention. This is achieved by providing a framework of pathways created from registered apprenticeship programs that translate to associate and bachelor's degrees.

Recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor suggests that apprenticeships offer a proven record of retention and lifetime earning advantage with access to hundreds of occupations in high-growth industries. On top of this apprentices can see an average starting salary of $72,000 and employment retention of 92% after apprenticeship completion.

“We’ve seen firsthand the difference a Registered Apprenticeship opportunity can make for individuals. People with the aptitude and determination to complete a Registered Apprenticeship program have an opportunity for stable, high-quality employment without the burden of educational debt. The added benefit of cost-free college credits as a part of a Registered Apprenticeship program sets the gold standard for Registered Apprenticeship programs.”

Matthew McKenney, President and Chief Executive Officer of IAA

The apprenticeship program designed by IAA and the University of Phoenix was initially formed to offer the apprenticeship-to-degree pathways to educate and train working adults of diverse backgrounds. Hypertherm, a 100% Associate-owned company developing plasma, waterjet systems, software, motion controls, and consumables, has recently adopted the program and has seen over 800 apprentices graduate in the past 12 years.

The University of Phoenix Workforce Solutions team offers companies across diverse industries as well as community colleges tailored learning and career pathways to recruit, upskill, reskill, and retain their workforce in an affordable and timely way. Their adaptable pathways are aligned to workplace needs and feature live support, career guidance, education programs, learning pathways, as well as credit options, certificates, workshops, single courses, and degree programs.