When Everything Old is New Again: Amish Career and Technical Education

Abstract

In this qualitative study, the authors briefly describe the Amish formal education system, discuss career and technology education in Amish communities and examine the possible transfer of the model to public schools. Forty-six Amish schoolteachers, school board members and successful businessmen were interviewed. Findings include religion, family and work ethic are the foundations of Amish culture. Schools need to continue to make the learning practical for real life applications. Employers look for the “right” attitude and ability to learn. Workers must be able to transfer knowledge among differing contexts. An extra year of schooling might be beneficial for a variety of career and technical training programs since they do not offer career and technical education in the schools. In conclusion, apprenticeship programs in the public schools and non-Amish businesses would be well served to emulate the training approach found in Amish business communities.