Transforming the ECE Workforce:
One Apprenticeship at a time
The apprenticeship model is a powerful strategy for addressing persistent staff shortages and barriers to advancement in early care and education (ECE)—especially for women of color, immigrants, working mothers, and other non-traditional students who make up the vast majority of the workforce. By combining paid on-the-job learning with tuition-free education and mentoring, apprenticeship creates accessible career pathways for those who might otherwise be excluded.
ECEPTS supports the development and expansion of ECE apprenticeships as an Apprenticeship Sponsor and an Industry Intermediary.
Apprenticeship Sponsor
As a Sponsor, ECEPTS develops and administers Registered Apprenticeships across multiple ECE occupations and sub-sectors (e.g., Associate Teacher, Lead Teacher, Expanded Learning Program Leader). Additional program models include a pre-apprenticeship for entry-level workers, a youth apprenticeship for high school students, and an on-the-job training program for Family Child Care providers.
Recognizing that the ECE workforce faces unique and persistent barriers to academic and professional success, the ECEPTS model uniquely embeds research-based supports that improve retention and completion rates, including:
- No cost to participants for tuition, laptops, etc.
- Cohorted learning communities to encourage peer support
- Contextualized instruction aligned with on-the-job training
- Program staff to provide individualized participant support
ECEPTS currently sponsors 38 Registered Apprenticeship programs in 11 California counties, comprising the ECEPTS Network of 78 employers, 14 community colleges, and two universities. Since 2019, ECEPTS has registered over 1,600 apprentices, including 780 who are currently active.
Learn more about ECEPTS-Sponsored Apprenticeships (PDF) and ECEPTS Apprenticeship Network in California (PDF).
Industry Intermediary
As a national industry intermediary, ECEPTS provides technical assistance and strategic guidance to employers, colleges, labor organizations, state leaders, and other stakeholders to grow and sustain apprenticeships in 20 states. Intermediary support focuses on core functions, such as:
- Designing apprenticeships that address workers’ needs and labor shortages
- Developing, registering, and administering successful apprenticeship programs
- Effectively engaging employers and building successful cross-sector partnerships
- Planning for expansion, sustainability, and funding of apprenticeship programs
To learn about working with ECEPTS as an intermediary, please contact ECEPTS@ecepts.org.
