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Early Childhood Education (ECE) Youth Pre-Apprenticeship

The Youth Pre-Apprenticeship to Apprenticeship pathway in Early Childhood Education allows students to gain industry knowledge through related instruction, on-the-job learning, mentoring, and progressive wages. While enrolled in a high school CTE Pre-apprenticeship or CTE Apprenticeship course, students must complete a minimum of 120 hours to gain academic credit. Starting as early as middle grades, students can embark on their career development journey. Offering pre-apprenticeships (paid or unpaid) provides students with hands-on exposure to the skills and tasks related to a specific occupation, fostering a practical understanding of the work environment. This experience helps students build a foundational set of skills essential for a particular industry, laying the groundwork for future apprenticeships.

Starting in a qualifying pre-apprenticeship program in high school and enrolling in a registered apprenticeship within 120 days after graduation qualifies an apprentice for a youth apprenticeship tuition waiver at the community college. This financial incentive encourages the seamless transition from high school pre-apprenticeship to a registered apprenticeship program. Work completed in a CTE pre-apprenticeship can be transferred to a Registered Apprenticeship, ensuring continuity in their career development.

 

Interested in These Careers?

Preschool Teachers

Teaching Assistants

Preschool and Daycare Education and Childcare Administrators

Kindergarten Teachers

 

Then Check Out This Career Pathway!

Youth Pre-Apprenticeship
High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) Related Instruction
  • Early Childhood Education I*
    OR
  • Approved Community College Career and College Promise Courses (EDU 119)
Certifications
  • First Aid/CPR/AED (Optional)
  • NC Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) – Age 18+ (Optional)
On-The-Job Learning
  • Work-based learning that is embedded within related high school CTE coursework
    OR
  • CTE Pre-apprenticeship if taken Approved Community College Career and College Promise Courses
Program Completion
Apprenticeship
Related Instruction
  • Community college certificate or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
Paid On-the-Job Learning
  • On-The-Job learning with a progressive pay scale
  • Minimum 2000 hours paid work
Complete

For more information, contact the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Work-based Learning Consultant at the Office of Career and Technical Education at CTEWBL@dpi.nc.gov.

 

*Denotes a CTE completer course.

Partners

NCBCE
NC Department of Public Instruction
NC Community College System
Apprenticeship NC