You probably know the words “apprentice” and “apprenticeships.” However, what do you really know about the critical role they’ve played in the transfer of skills and capabilities across centuries? In this episode David and Angela explore apprenticeships, when they began, the role they’ve played in human evolution (ever wondered why the Neanderthals died out and modern humans became the dominant life species?), and their critical role in helping individuals learn and develop, organizations thrive and society at large flourish.
In the making of this episode we learned quite a bit ourselves. We were helped in this effort by experts in the field. Thanks to Esta Bigler, Director Labor and Employment Law Program at Cornell University, ILR School. Esta provided us with a rich overview of apprenticeships specifically in New York State. Esta also generously opened her network to us and introduced us to a number of the people from whom you’ll hearing in this episode.
Thanks also to Jane Thompson, Director of Apprenticeships for the New York State Department of Labor. Jane helped us understand about registered apprenticeship programs and the New York State’s Department of Labor’s role in working with organizations to help them register and establish certified apprenticeship programs.
We started our recording by talking to Dr. Rudolph Bell, who among his many talents, is a Distinguished Professor at Rutgers University, an expert in Italian civilization and culture from the Middle Ages to the present. We were especially keen to get his insights on apprenticeships as a factor during the European Renaissance. Dr. Rudolph Bell is the author of multiple books including How To Do It: Guides To Good Living For Renaissance Italians.
We spent time talking to Martha Ponge. Martha serves as the Director of Apprenticeship for the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY) and represents the statewide alliance of manufacturing associations who make up the NYS Manufacturers Intermediary Apprenticeship Program, MIAP. She was joined by her colleague Laury Ferguson. Laury is the Associate Director of Apprenticeships with MACNY, where she works with manufacturers as well as educational institutions. Both women bring a real passion to their work.
We also spoke with someone who had been through an apprenticeship program and could share her lived experience. Tamara Rivera is a council representative for the New York City District Council of carpenters. In that role Tammy works in the organizing department, which is now called area standards. However, long before this Tammy herself was an apprentice carpenter where she learned her trade.
If you are interested in learning more, here are some sources and resources.
Bait & Switch Intro: The Story of Grandparents - Senior Citizens As The Key To Civilization & The Evolution of Grandparents
Linkage to how we learn, learning from watching others:
Jiro Dreams of Sushi - Documentary Movie
How We Learn: The Surprising Truth About When, Where, and Why It Happens -
Manufacturing Industry Producing More With Less People
https://www.urban.org/events/policy-matters-reflections-past-and-future-apprenticeship?fbclid=IwAR0sFIJUbdvjI60l4HKYgDKkXMyeJnDp2j_MeyL0cgcFUYGuQsnLka3UuOo
https://www.econtalk.org/robert-lerman-on-apprenticeships/?fbclid=IwAR24Ql9PegTTLadq-x0PwMueFIln8NrIoLOFovzcHcCKK8r00Vsk4CR7z-M
Economist Robert Lerman of the Urban Institute talks about apprenticeships with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. Lerman argues that apprenticeships--a combination of work experience and classroom learning--have the potential to expand opportunities for young people who don't want to attend college. https://www.apprenticeship.gov/
