About the Episode
About the Episode: In this enlightening conversation with Rebecca Agostino, VP of Learning at Multiverse, we delve into the transformative potential of apprenticeships in higher education and workforce development. Rebecca shares her journey from the K-12 sector to championing apprenticeships, offering insights into how these programs provide rigorous, joyful, and career-defining opportunities that traditional college paths may not. The episode explores the benefits of applied learning, the importance of durable skills, and the evolving landscape of career preparation.
Key Takeaways
- Applied Learning for Real-World Impact: Combining theoretical knowledge with immediate workplace application accelerates learning and builds relevant skills.
- Apprenticeships Address Affordability and Accessibility: Multiverse apprentices earn while they learn, removing financial barriers often associated with traditional education.
- Durable Skills Development: Apprenticeships emphasize "durable skills" (formerly known as soft skills), ensuring career adaptability and long-term success.
- Higher Education Partnerships: Multiverse collaborates with universities like Northeastern to offer college credits, creating seamless pathways between apprenticeships and formal degrees.
- Global Influence: While apprenticeships are gaining traction in the U.S., international models in the UK and Europe provide valuable insights into expanding and systematizing work-based learning.
Episode Summary
What Makes Applied Learning Unique?
Rebecca highlights the transformative nature of applied learning, a methodology that bridges the gap between conceptual instruction and real-world application. Unlike traditional education, where classroom learning often precedes application by years, Multiverse apprentices can immediately test, iterate, and refine their skills in the workplace. This dynamic learning loop fosters better retention, faster growth, and enhanced problem-solving capabilities.
For example, an apprentice learning data analysis doesn’t just build a pivot table in isolation—they adapt their skills to changing data, collaborate with colleagues, and navigate real-world challenges. This combination of technical proficiency and workplace adaptability sets them up for success.
How Do Apprenticeships Solve Higher Education's Challenges?
Rebecca discusses how apprenticeships address three core challenges in higher education:
- Cost and Accessibility: By offering free programs where apprentices earn a salary, financial barriers are removed, making career pathways more inclusive.
- Relevance of Curriculum: Apprenticeships are driven by industry needs, ensuring that learners acquire up-to-date, applicable skills.
- On-the-Job Experience: The immediacy of applying classroom learning in real-world contexts allows apprentices to grow their expertise while contributing to their employers.
The apprenticeship model also supports mid-career professionals, offering reskilling opportunities that align with industry demands.
What Role Does Higher Ed Play?
Collaboration is key. Rebecca underscores Multiverse’s partnership with Northeastern University, where graduates of their Applied Analytics program earn credits toward a Bachelor’s degree. These partnerships showcase how apprenticeships can complement, not compete with, traditional higher education. Students gain valuable work experience and credentials, ensuring multiple pathways to success.
This model reflects a growing ecosystem of learning options, including bootcamps and online courses, where individuals can "earn and learn" without sacrificing financial security or career momentum.
Apprenticeships on a Global Scale
Multiverse’s work highlights how apprenticeship models thrive globally, particularly in Europe, where structured pathways are more common. Rebecca notes that U.S. apprenticeships often lack predictability, making it harder for learners to plan their careers. By learning from international models, the U.S. can expand access to apprenticeships in fields like technology, business, and beyond.
Applied learning, she explains, is universal: whether in the trades, tech, or even teaching, everyone benefits from a blend of instruction, application, and feedback.
The Future of Learning: Durable Skills and Backward Design
Rebecca shares her thoughts on the importance of durable skills—adaptability, communication, and critical thinking—that outlast specific technical tools. Multiverse empowers apprentices with these skills, enabling them to thrive in dynamic industries.
Backward design also plays a pivotal role in Multiverse’s curriculum. By starting with the desired career outcomes and building programs to meet those needs, they ensure their apprentices are set up for lifelong success.
Multiverse is paving the way for a future where education, work, and lifelong learning are seamlessly integrated. Whether you’re exploring a new career or enhancing your current role, apprenticeships provide the tools, experience, and support to achieve your goals.
About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/
https://twitter.com/HigherEd_Geek
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
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Some of our favorites include Generation AI and I Wanna Work There.
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