States and school districts are facing significant challenges in attracting and retaining skilled employees in education-related career clusters, such as Early Childhood Development; Teacher, Training, and Facilitation, including K-12 teachers; Education Administration and Leadership, including school principals; Learner Support and Community Engagement, including paraprofessionals. Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven training model that can provide a critical talent pipeline for the education system by streamlining and combining on-the-job (or in classroom) learning with the related academic instruction.
High-Demand Apprenticeship Occupations
- K-12 Principal
- Teachers Aide
- Early Childhood Educator
- Childcare Development Specialist
- Early Childhood/PRE-K Teacher
- Direct Support Specialist
- Teaching Assistant
To explore more apprenticeship occupations in the Education industry, view our Occupation Finder.
Competency-Based Occupational Frameworks
In collaboration with the Urban Institute, we offer national frameworks for occupations in this industry that are consensus based, meaning they are drafted in cooperation with employers, educators, and other workforce and training experts. Employers and businesses can use these frameworks to fast-track the development of their registered apprenticeships. The frameworks are competency based rather than time based, meaning that abilities are emphasized over memorized knowledge or skills. The result is high-quality, competency-based occupational frameworks (CBOFs) that are freely available for all to use. CBOFs are available for the following occupations:
Industry Resources
What Roles Do Educators Play in Registered Apprenticeship?
All registered apprenticeship programs include a key classroom or related training and instructional component to help students develop skills and earn a certified credential that is recognized industry-wide. The educational component meets business needs and prepares the apprentice for a successful career.
As an Apprentice
Educators participate in Registered Apprentice. To learn more about becoming an apprentice visit our career seeker page.
As a Training Provider
Educators deliver academic instruction driven by industry standards. Primary responsibilities include co-creating apprenticeship curriculum alongside local businesses, granting progressive credentials based on competency testing, and facilitating access to financial aid and other support resources (e.g., academic, tutoring, counseling).
As an Intermediary
Educators serve as connectors to their local business community while remaining committed to providing students with quality education, experiential learning, and skills that meet employer needs. Primary responsibilities include recruiting, screening, and testing potential apprentices ready, to begin with, an apprenticeship sponsor. Colleges and universities work with individual employers, large and small, to design a tailored curriculum that meets individual employers' business goals.
As a Sponsor
Educators operate a Registered Apprenticeship Program. Primary responsibilities include assuming full responsibility for the administration and operation of an apprenticeship program. This includes employing apprentices.
Explore How Your Institution Fits in Registered Apprenticeship:
Post-Secondary Institution
Learn more about how post-secondary institutions can aid apprentices in completing a registered apprenticeship and a degree program.
Disclaimer Statement: Education resources and speaker presentation content in slide decks and recordings do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Training Administration, Office of Apprenticeship, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the federal government.