Montpelier — The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) is proud to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, April 26–May 2, a nationwide recognition of the critical role apprenticeship programs play in building a strong, skilled workforce.
As Vermont’s state affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), VTAEYC is leading efforts to strengthen the early childhood workforce through accessible, innovative pathways. In partnership with the Vermont Department of Labor, VTAEYC’s registered Apprenticeship Program and independent Youth Apprenticeship Program pair participants with qualified workplace mentors and build skills through a combination of supervised on-the-job training, 6–7 college courses, and additional community-based trainings. 124 students have completed a Youth Apprenticeship and from 2018-2026; 95 individuals have participated in the Apprenticeship Program. Both programs are funded in partnership with the Vermont Department for Children and Families, Child Development Division, and the Apprenticeship Program is also supported through a TEACH Early Childhood® Vermont scholarship.
“Vermont’s early childhood workforce is essential to our communities and our economy,” said Sharron Harrington, Executive Director of VTAEYC. “Our apprenticeship programs create meaningful, supported pathways into the profession, combining on-the-job learning with education and mentorship. This approach not only helps individuals build lasting careers, but also strengthens programs and improves outcomes for children and families across the state.”
Jenn Coonradt of Shaftsbury is one example of the impact of these programs. As a participant in the pilot Youth Apprenticeship Program in 2020, Jenn gained early, hands-on experience at Growing Up Right in Bennington, where she began her career. Today, she continues to work at Growing Up Right and is on the verge of completing her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Vermont State University, demonstrating the long-term impact of investing in early career pathways. She is now a mentor supporting two students enrolled in the same program that launched her career.“The youth apprenticeship helped me decide what pathway was going to be best for me,” said Coonradt. “Now, it is fun to see the high school students be excited to come into the program.”
During National Apprenticeship Week, VTAEYC joins partners across the state and country in recognizing the importance of investing in workforce development solutions that are equitable, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of the field.
For more information about National Apprenticeship Week, visit: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/national-apprenticeship-week
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About VTAEYC
The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) advances excellence and equity in early childhood education as the state’s largest membership organization for early childhood educators and is the state affiliate of NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Formed 50 years ago by a grassroots effort and now with more than 500 members, VTAEYC provides advocacy, workforce development, professional development, and other resources to support early childhood educators. VTAEYC works to strengthen today’s workforce and build a more equitable early childhood education system for the future. Learn more at vtaeyc.org.
