The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has been selected as one of only nine organizations to participate in the inaugural Strengthening Apprenticeship Intermediaries (SAI): Innovators Forum, a selective one-year initiative focused on advancing employer-centered Registered Apprenticeship programs nationwide.
Hosted by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) with support from Ascendium Education Group, the forum brings together leading apprenticeship intermediaries from across the country to share strategies, explore innovative approaches and address challenges related to expanding Registered Apprenticeship opportunities.
IALR was selected in recognition of its leadership as an apprenticeship intermediary through its Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) program. Through ExTRA, IALR helps employers design, launch and sustain Registered Apprenticeship programs by connecting businesses with education providers, workforce partners and other resources needed to develop talent pipelines. The program was developed following employer-focused research conducted by IALR to better understand workforce needs and how apprenticeship could serve as a workforce solution.
“Registered Apprenticeship works best when it is designed around employer needs,” said Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator II at IALR. “ExTRA was built by listening to employers and helping them navigate the process of developing apprenticeship programs that work for their organizations. We are excited to learn from our peers across the country, share our experiences and continue strengthening apprenticeship opportunities for employers and workers alike.”
Since the launch of ExTRA — and IALR’s approval by the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement (Virginia Works) Division of Registered Apprenticeship as a state apprenticeship intermediary — IALR has supported the registration of 192 apprentices, helped 41 apprentices earn journeyworker status and assisted employers in establishing 54 Registered Apprenticeship program occupations across Southern Virginia.
Employer partners receive education, technical assistance, ongoing program management and administrative support and grant funding to support related technical instruction (RTI) costs.
As part of the SAI: Innovators Forum, participating organizations will engage in quarterly learning cycles that include workshops, peer exchanges and field-building activities. The cohort will examine employer engagement, program management and apprenticeship expansion strategies while contributing real-world insights that may help inform future apprenticeship resources, research, policy discussions and funding strategies.
Apprenticeship intermediaries play an increasingly important role in helping employers navigate the complexities of Registered Apprenticeship while connecting education providers, workforce organizations and other stakeholders. Through ExTRA, IALR serves as a central connector and resource for employers interested in using apprenticeship as a workforce development strategy.
“This was a highly competitive national opportunity, with apprenticeship intermediaries from across the country invited to apply,” said Jessie Vernon, Director of Employer Engagement and Experiential Learning at IALR. “Being selected as one of only nine organizations speaks very highly of the work our team is doing alongside our employer partners. We’re honored to share what we’ve learned, learn from other leading intermediaries and contribute to conversations about how organizations like ours can help employers expand apprenticeship opportunities.”
Participation in the forum will also include opportunities for AIR to engage with employers that have partnered with ExTRA to better understand how intermediaries can effectively support businesses interested in developing and expanding apprenticeship programs.
Businesses interested in developing a Registered Apprenticeship program can visit goextra.org or contact Apprenticeship Coordinator II Natori Neal at 434.766.6657 or Natori.Neal@ialr.org.
About IALR
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
