John Colborn

Executive Director at Apprenticeships for America

John Colborn is the Executive Director of Apprenticeships for America, a membership and advocacy organization working to expand apprenticeship in the United States. He has served as an employer sponsor and developer of apprenticeship programs in information technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and social services.

John has amassed over 30 years of experience with community-based and national nonprofits, including serving as an education, workforce, and human services practitioner, Director of the Aspen Institute Skills for America’s Future program, Vice President Operations at the Ford Foundation, and program manager at the Philadelphia-based Reinvestment Fund.

2024 Back to School
2025 Back to School
Back to School VIP

John Colborn

Executive Director at Apprenticeships for America

John Colborn is the Executive Director of Apprenticeships for America, a membership and advocacy organization working to expand apprenticeship in the United States. He has served as an employer sponsor and developer of apprenticeship programs in information technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and social services.

John has amassed over 30 years of experience with community-based and national nonprofits, including serving as an education, workforce, and human services practitioner, Director of the Aspen Institute Skills for America’s Future program, Vice President Operations at the Ford Foundation, and program manager at the Philadelphia-based Reinvestment Fund.

2024 Back to School
2025 Back to School
Back to School VIP
2025 Back to School Summit
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
4:00 pm

Apprenticeships 3.0: Reimagining Workforce Development in a Changing Policy Landscape

This session examines the evolution of U.S. apprenticeships amidst shifting labor market dynamics and federal policy reforms. Experts will explore scalable models that integrate digital innovation, expand sectoral reach, and address systemic barriers. Discussion will focus on performance-based funding, intermediary roles, and apprenticeships as a strategic response to talent shortages and economic mobility.
2024 New York, 'Back to School' Summit Day 2
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
11:30 am

Accelerating Apprenticeships

The apprenticeship model is experiencing a global renaissance, with new applications of this stakeholder-collaborative, work integrated learning approach, particularly into 'new' professions. However, many barriers to scaling apprenticeships beyond their traditional remit remain firmly in place. This panel will explore those barriers and highlight where progress is being made, and the innovative models that are breaking new ground to accelerate apprenticeships.