The Pathway
Discover how classroom learning, paid work experience, and employer collaboration come together to prepare high schoolers and adults for in-demand careers.
How the Pathway Works
Whether you’re a high schooler or adult, the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP) follows the same model. The diagram below illustrates how classroom learning, paid work experience, and industry-recognized degrees and credentials come together to prepare participants for career success.
Learn in the Classroom
High schoolers take classes at
school while adults participate in free in-person or online classes
Get Paid to Train
INCAP participants train with an employer and earn a paycheck
Earn Your Credentials
Will be recognized by colleges
and employers
High schoolers earn Employment
Honors Plus diploma seal and
INCAP credentials that may count toward college credit
Adults earn INCAP credentials that may count toward college credit or be the equivalent of a college degree
Start Your Career
Step into an in-demand job with real experience — and a strong start
Keep Building Your Knowledge
Continue growing through college or INCAP career training
Earn While You Learn
In the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway, participants gain real workplace experience while they’re still learning — earning income, building skills, and preparing for their future at the same time.
Get Paid
Earn wages or stipends while developing valuable career skills
Build Your Resume
Gain experience alongside professionals in real workplaces
Continue Learning
Complete classroom or technical instruction while working — with no tuition costs
Be Workforce Ready
Finish with experience and industry-recognized credentials that count toward college credit
How School and Work Fit Together
BUILT FOR REAL LIFE
No two participants have the same schedule. Schools, employers, and training providers work together to coordinate learning and workplace experience around participants’ existing commitments whenever possible.
For high schoolers, that means:
- Building a schedule with your school counselor that supports both learning and work
- Staying on track to graduate
- Potentially participating in sports, arts, or other activities
For adults, that means:
- Balancing work and family responsibilities
- Combining training with other personal commitments
- Building skills while earning income
When learning and working align, participants can focus on building their future while continuing to meet the commitments they have today.
Built By Employers
Aligned with employer demand
The Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway isn’t developed in isolation. Indiana employers shape the occupations, skills, and training that participants complete.
Industry Talent Associations bring employers together within each sector to identify workforce needs, develop training standards, and keep programs aligned with changing industry demands.
Because employers design the programs, participants graduate with skills that are relevant, current, and valued across the industry.
Employer involvement helps ensure:
- Training aligns with workforce needs
- Credentials are recognized and valued by employers
- Participants are prepared for real career opportunities
Learn more about the role of Industry Talent Associations.
Dr. George Philhower, Superintendent, Eastern Hancock Schools
“Employer leadership ensures learning stays relevant and careers stay within reach. Students are better prepared when education reflects the real world.”
Find the Right Program for You
INCAP offers paid, hands-on learning opportunities for high schoolers and adults. Explore the program designed for your stage of life.
High Schoolers
The INCAP Apprenticeship Program (AP) offers multi-year apprenticeships for high schoolers that combine classroom learning with paid on-the-job training.
When students graduate and complete their apprenticeship, they will meet the key requirements for the Employment Honors Plus diploma seal and earn an INCAP credential or degree.
Adults
The INCAP Career Program (CP) offers industry-led programs for adults that combine coursework and paid on-the-job training in many industries.
When they complete the program, adult students will earn an INCAP degree or credential that has labor market value and may count toward college credit in a related degree program.