Registered apprenticeship program to boost retention, education among local childcare workers

A Collin College apprenticeship program funded by a grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will provide mentor training and a route to affordable education for local childcare workers. The college is seeking childcare business partners for the program now.

The grant will help Collin College identify and provide mentor training to experienced childcare workers who will support the apprentices, reinforcing learning objectives and clarifying coursework as they pursue Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credentials™. Collin College offers a curriculum to prepare for the CDA credential independent of the apprenticeship model, but apprentices benefit from working in the industry while they pursue their education.

A laptop and Wi-Fi hotspot will be loaned to the apprentices for associated CDA coursework, which can be completed online outside of regular working hours and reinforced by on-the-job learning under the mentor’s guidance. The college will also assist students in pursuing scholarships and grants for their education.

The program benefits students who may earn more money with a CDA, children who will have better-educated caretakers, and businesses that can ensure the best quality of early childhood education for their charges.

“It all works together for the good of the kids and the parents in that community,” said Angelia Turquette, the grant coordinator.

The program is being funded by a $129,574 grant from the TWC, 100 percent of which is financed with federal funds. Collin College’s grant was part of $1.8 million in funding provided to agencies across the state in the past two years.

“The earn-while-you-learn model of apprenticeships provides Texas employers with yet another choice and will help the Lone Star State maintain and grow the early childhood industry needed for our young, industrious population,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson.

The registered apprenticeship program is a part of ApprenticeshipUSA, where participants earn nationally recognized credentials.

Collin College serves more than 57,000 credit and continuing education students annually and offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity, and a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Construction Management. The only public college based in Collin County, Collin College is a partner to business, government, and industry, providing customized training and workforce development. For more information, visit www.collin.edu.

About the Texas Workforce Commission
The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers, and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and the services it offers in coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call 512.463.8942 or visit www.twc.texas.gov/.