The Tech-Enabled Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning Initiative is an innovative model designed to improve educational and workforce outcomes for Hispanic learners by integrating digital tools, data systems, and structured Registered Apprenticeship (RA) frameworks. Led by Miami EdTech, the project leverages technology to streamline work-based learning tracking, strengthen mentorship, expand access to high-demand fields, and improve completion outcomes—while dramatically reducing administrative burden for institutions and employers.
At the core of the initiative is GoSprout, a mobile-first platform that functions as a digital system of record for apprenticeships and work-based learning. The platform enables students to log competencies in real time, receive mentor feedback, document learning artifacts, and track NACE-aligned career readiness skills.
For instructors, employers, and institutions, the platform centralizes program data, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions about program quality, student progress, and areas for improvement.
Evidence of Success & Impact on Hispanic Learners
Miami EdTech’s apprenticeship pathways—AI, UX/UI, cybersecurity, and technical support—serve predominantly Hispanic and underrepresented learners. Across these programs, Miami EdTech has documented:
Improved completion outcomes: Florida’s state report shows that apprentices completing programs earn average exit wages of $27.81/hour or $57,837 annually, with over 2,167 completers in 2023–24—a strong indicator that RA participation leads to economic mobility.
High engagement in work-based learning: Through GoSprout, students complete thousands of logged hours, with >90% verifying increased confidence in communication, problem solving, and professionalism.
Stronger employer partnerships: More than 1,100 participating employers across Florida support apprenticeship training in 129 occupations, expanding access for Hispanic learners to high-quality pathways.
Expanded digital skilling: Miami EdTech has trained over 20,000 students in STEAM programs and hundreds of educators in emerging technology certifications, ensuring students are academically and technically prepared for apprenticeships.
Cost-Effectiveness
The initiative reduces costs through technology-enabled efficiencies:
- Automated tracking and compliance minimize administrative staff time typically required to manage attendance, competencies, and wage progression.
- Digital RTI delivery supplements in-person learning, lowering instructional costs and enabling students to access coursework anytime.
- Apprenticeships carry zero tuition costs when delivered through public educational partners (per Florida statute), significantly reducing financial barriers for low-income Hispanic learners.
- Employers experience lower turnover, higher productivity, and stronger retention—benefits validated by Florida’s statewide apprenticeship outcomes.
Contribution to Decision-Making & Continuous Improvement
The platform produces real-time dashboards that allow institutions and employers to:
- Monitor student progress and identify learners needing additional support
- Evaluate the quality of OJT experiences by mentor, employer, and occupation
- Understand skill gaps and adjust RTI or coaching accordingly
- Analyze data across demographic groups, improving equity strategies
- These analytics guide curricular improvements, employer engagement strategies, and resource allocation.
Usefulness to Institutions & Students
For colleges and school districts, the model provides:
- A scalable digital infrastructure that can be deployed across multiple pathways
- A unified approach to work-based learning that aligns K–12, postsecondary, and employer partners
- Improved documentation for accreditation, reporting, and grant requirements
- Increased student motivation through clear progress visualization and mentor feedback
For students—especially first-generation and Hispanic learners—the platform offers:
- Transparent steps to completion
- Continuous skill assessment
- Career exploration tools
- A digital portfolio showcasing verified competencies
Lessons Learned
- Several key insights emerged: Technology alone is not enough—mentor training matters. Structured mentor onboarding improves apprentice success and feedback quality.
- Mobile-first design increases equity. Many students rely on mobile devices; mobile logging significantly improved engagement.
- Data transparency builds trust. Employers and educators engage more deeply when progress and outcomes are easy to understand.
- Stackable models expand opportunity. Pairing pre-apprenticeships with registered apprenticeships increases enrollment and retention.
- Start small, scale smart. Successful implementations began with a single occupation before expanding to multiple pathways.