The author estimates the impacts of the local rate of unemployment and the Great Recession on the quit and graduation rates of the U.S. construction trade apprentices over the 2001-2014 period. Trade union participation in training sponsorship had a strong influence on attrition rates. The impacts of the business cycle and the Great Recession on…

Of 12,715 construction industry apprentices, 39% graduated, 47% canceled, and 14% were still enrolled. Completion was more likely in programs sponsored jointly by employers and unions. Women and ethnic/racial minorities had lower completion rates than men and whites. Duration of apprenticeship increased with the unemployment rate. (Contains 18…

Purpose - This paper aims to compare the performance of building trades apprenticeship programs in the USA, sponsored jointly by employers and unions, with those sponsored unilaterally by employers. It reviews enrolment and graduation rates, including participation of women and minorities. The article also looks behind the numbers to examine the…