IN ranks 4th nationally in apprenticeships as high school students gain new career pathways

Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 12:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

Indiana is quickly becoming one of the nation's leaders in connecting high school students with real-world job training, and State Representative Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) wants local families to know about the growing opportunities available right now.

Since 2023, Indiana has offered expanded high school diploma options that tailor graduation requirements toward students' individual post-graduation goals. Under this framework, apprenticeships and work-based learning experiences can count toward both high school diploma credits and job training hours simultaneously — allowing students to earn their diploma while getting a meaningful head start on their careers. Since the law took effect, Indiana has established more than 22,000 active apprenticeships, ranking the state fourth in the nation.

"Indiana is dedicated to providing students opportunities to receive specialized training and apprenticeships for high-demand, high-paying jobs," Jordan said.

Through Registered Apprenticeship Programs, a wide range of industries — including advanced manufacturing, building and construction, health and life sciences, information technology, business services, and transportation and logistics — partner directly with schools to provide students with hands-on training tailored to today's job market.

Student workers also received important new protections this year. Legislation passed in 2026 now ensures that students participating in experiential learning opportunities are entitled to the same workers' compensation coverage as full-time employees — a significant step toward making work-based learning both safe and equitable for Indiana's youngest workers.

"With growing partnerships and increased employer engagement, students have more options than ever to kickstart their careers while still in high school," Jordan said.

Families interested in learning more about apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities available to their students are encouraged to reach out to their local school corporation or visit the Indiana Department of Workforce Development's website for more information.