Alabama workforce company Alabama Works has sponsored the establishment of a new apprenticeship program in the state dedicated to potential students who are interested in entering the early childhood education field. The program comes as the result of a partnership between Troy University, Wallace Community College, and the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education. The apprenticeship program has been designed to increase the amount and quality of care in an early childhood environment. The program also hopes to increase the number of opportunities for current educators to upskill their workforce while also building a bridge between both colleges’ coursework. The apprenticeship will also increase the amount of qualified early childhood educators in the state through these apprentices as they will be provided with on-the-job learning opportunities as well as receive crucial industry knowledge from a mentor as they partake in related technical instruction.
“This apprenticeship is a step in the right direction towards building the early education workforce pathway,” said Cooper. “Research tells us 90% of a child’s brain development happens through the first five years. Our state’s youngest learners need well-prepared educators in high-quality early learning environments to maximize this precious time.”
ADECE Secretary Dr. Barbara Cooper
The joint program is a response to the current worker shortage the state and country are experiencing and hope that the new program will help to alleviate some of the pressures industry leaders in education are currently facing. The program will also act as a research project focused on best practices in early education. The apprenticeship is offered at no additional cost to participants as they earn wages simultaneously as they learn and earn their certificates. The apprenticeships cost to employers will be offset by the FAFSA and TEACH scholarships as well as the Leadership in Childcare Scholarships, and C3 Scholarships. The Dothan Career Center will also help in seeking additional funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and other available grants.
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