Inspired by Switzerland’s globally recognized dual-education system, Governor Kevin Stitt (OK) and Chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), has launched a new initiative to strengthen public-sector talent pipelines across the United States. The landmark initiative called “Governors Youth Apprenticeship Program” was launched during the opening session of the NGA meeting in Washington D.C. and is a central piece of the Chair’s priority: Reigniting the American Dream. The program was jointly developed by the National Governors Association, Western Governors University, and CareerWise. “The project was inspired by Gov. Stitt’s bipartisan delegation to Switzerland to study the world-renowned Swiss apprenticeship model,” as cited in NGA’s press release from February 21, 2026.
“CareerWise is proud to be the connective tissue between Governors’ Offices and emerging talent, and together we are building a scalable pathway that benefits states and students alike. The collaboration with the National Governors Association has also been shaped by learning from one of the most forward-thinking apprenticeship systems in the world. When NGA Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt led a delegation to Switzerland to study the Swiss apprenticeship system, we saw firsthand how Switzerland seamlessly aligns government, employers, and education through its vocational and education training model. We are applying those lessons here at home to build a high-quality, employer-led pathway into public service that is durable, scalable, and globally informed.” – Brent Parton, President and CEO of CareerWise.
The first apprenticeship occupation places recent high school graduates directly in governors’ offices or executive branch agencies as Government Policy Specialists. Apprentices gain practical experience in public policy, operations, and project management while earning affordable, competency-based and stackable college credits that can build toward a bachelor’s degree. The program blends structured academic learning with real-world application. NGA will convene governors and senior state officials to promote cross-state collaboration and policy alignment, while CareerWise provides technical assistance and implementation support. WGU delivers flexible online coursework aligned with workplace competencies, ensuring credentials are transferable and designed for long-term career mobility. The initiative aims to address workforce shortages in state government, modernize public-service recruitment, and create a scalable model for government talent development across the country – an American adaptation of principles that have long guaranteed Switzerland’s apprenticeship success.
“Governors are continuing to rely on apprenticeship as a key strategy for economic growth,” said Jack Porter, Program Director, Workforce Development and Economic Policy Program at the National Governors Association (as cited in CareerWise’s press release).
Public-sector apprenticeships have a long tradition in Switzerland and remain highly attractive to young people. The Swiss Federal Administration alone trains more than 1,000 apprentices across its departments. Nationwide, roughly 5,300 apprentices enter specialized public administration pathways each year. They prepare for careers in more than 30 professions, ranging from administrative and technical roles to positions within the Swiss Armed Forces, reflecting the breadth and institutional depth of Switzerland’s dual-education system.
