About Us

Institute for American Apprenticeships was established (as Vermont HITEC) as a nonprofit educational organization in the year 2000. IAA was envisioned to transform the lives of disadvantaged Vermonters through employer-partner sponsored education and on-the-job learning. The idea was to offer Vermonters a rigorous education program where they could demonstrate to employers their ability to perform the position they sought before being hired. The philosophy was based on the recognition that high quality learning was absolutely necessary to ensure optimal performance and that this learning must be married to an applied learning component. 

This approach provided individuals seeking an affordable education and livable wage jobs with the structure, motivation and mentoring necessary to advance in their chosen career pathway. Using an immersion-based philosophy with strict behavioral standards, the apprenticeship programs we developed for employers accelerated student-learning outcomes and maximized graduation and placement rates well beyond initial expectations and industry standards. 

Over two decades later, IAA has developed over 22 unique apprenticeship models, working with over thirty employers in New England and across the United States. Now, we deliver apprenticeship education for employers and also provide technical assistance to trade associations, employers and government agencies to expand the reach of apprenticeship as a workforce solution.

Scroll down to view a video describing Vermont HITEC (now IAA), read an overview of IAA and view logos of our past and present employer partners.