Originally published by Jobs That Work
In his recent feature for Jobs That Work, author Nick Beadle — a former U.S. Department of Labor official and seasoned policy communicator — explores how Apprenticeship Degrees are reshaping the conversation around higher education, affordability, and the future of work. Beadle’s reporting often focuses on practical policy solutions that expand economic opportunity, and this interview dives deep into how new degree models can bridge the growing divide between college and career.
In the interview, Reach University President Joe E. Ross discusses the balance between innovation and practicality in advancing Apprenticeship Degrees. He reflects on how Reach’s model keeps college affordable by embedding learning in the workplace, and on the importance of building for Workforce Pell amid ongoing uncertainty in federal policy. Ross also highlights why the Apprenticeship Degree represents not just an evolution in workforce training, but a reimagining of higher education itself — one grounded in access, representation, and economic mobility.
As Beadle notes, political and educational leaders across the spectrum are intrigued by the promise of Apprenticeship Degrees. The challenge, and the opportunity, lies in translating that intrigue into scalable, sustainable pathways that serve learners, employers, and communities alike. Read the full interview with President Joe E. Ross at Jobs That Work here →.