Sam Attwater’s Post

It's #NationalApprenticeshipWeek 2024! Here's a first tip if you are thinking of starting a registered apprenticeship program in education: 1. Know your state's rules: To register an apprenticeship you either apply to the Office of Apprenticeship (OA) run by the Federal Department of Labor or, if it exists, your State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA). If your state is an SAA, they may have to approve of educator apprenticeships first. Many other types of apprenticeships exist and are handled by the SAA, however, new apprenticeship occupations such as teacher may need to be approved and the rules governing those apprenticeships need to be established. As is the case in Connecticut, this involves multiple stakeholders such as state departments of education, teacher's unions, department of labor, etc. Once established, subsequent programs would apply to be registered using the guidelines from the SAA. On the Federal level, the first educator apprenticeship was approved in 2022. For programs that operate in an OA state, they would apply directly to the US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship. Stay tuned to learn more and check us out at https://lnkd.in/epNxAcKR

Check out the updated June 2024 Compendium of Apprenticeship Programs and learn more about building effective teaching apprenticeship models. The Pathways Alliance has developed a compendium of teaching apprenticeship programs that exemplify the principles underpinning the National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards for K-12 Teacher Apprenticeships. This review of exemplary programs is intended to support the development of new teaching apprenticeship programs that benefit from increased enrollment and retention of prospective teachers by detailing how successful apprenticeship programs are meeting the mark. Read the full compendium: https://lnkd.in/ekQxE2FS

Last summer, The Pathways Alliance, of which DFI is co-founder, released the National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards for K-12 Teacher Apprenticeships - comprehensive guidelines approved by the U.S. Department of Labor for building, launching, and sustaining high-quality educator apprenticeship programs. Today, 41 U.S. states, DC, and Puerto Rico are actively engaging in creating Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs. Along with the National Center for Grow Your Own, we are leading the National Registered Apprenticeship in Teacher Educator-Preparation Program Collaborative (EPP Collaborative), a community of 75 programs across 32 states (and growing) that brings transparency and shared best practices to #edprep. By providing opportunities for future teachers to earn while they learn through an affordable, high-quality pathway into the teaching profession, Registered Teacher Apprenticeships are one innovative approach to address the need for a more diverse, well-trained teacher workforce. (Pictured: DFI and Pathways Alliance members and partners at the signing of the NGS into approval at U.S. Department of Education in July 2023)

Day 2 at the National Convening on Registered Apprenticeship in Teaching: David Donaldson and State Apprenticeship Directors Joann Bueno, Joshua Laney, and Margaret (Margie) Gilligan discussed the importance of focusing on quality in registered apprenticeship programs rather than just expanding the number of participants. Prioritizing quality ensures that apprentices gain valuable, relevant skills that will make them more competitive and capable in the workforce. High quality apprenticeship programs lead to better long-term outcomes for both apprentices and employers, helping to build a more skilled workforce that’s aligned with industry needs. Specifically for teacher apprenticeships, by refining the teaching methods in higher ed and ensuring those programs work for working adults, we are removing barriers and adding more teachers to the workforce.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development just reported there were 17,089 individuals enrolled in the Registered Apprenticeship Program, which provides training for a range of occupations, including construction. This is the third time the state announced it broke the registered apprenticeship record. To learn how Wisconsin is expanding the apprenticeship model to help solve the workforce shortage, check out this conversation with David Polk, Director of the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, from the Personnelity archives. https://lnkd.in/dPW6jAWT

Happy National Apprenticeship Week!!! Give this podcast a listen for a wonderful conversation on Wisconsin's amazing apprenticeship system!!! #apprenticeshipswork

We all know that university isn't for everyone. Despite coming from a very academic background, having gone through a degree, masters and teacher training and now delivering first aid courses - I am still a big advocator for apprenticeships. Having been Head of Sixth Form, I have seen first hand how pupils feel the pressure (whether that be from school, parents, friends or society as a whole) to look at university courses, with other options often confusing and hard to find. I know from having set up and organised Higher Education Fairs and Conferences for Year 11 and 12 pupils, how senior management refused to let me ask for an apprenticeship company to come and showcase what they offer. This was clearly the head having the image of the school, and metrics of how many go to university, being ahead of what is best for some of the students. I recently had a lovely conversation with Gareth and Joseph Banda at the The Growth Company: Education & Skills who help both students find apprenticeships and businesses thrive by guiding them on the best way to offer apprenticeships. I spoke about a pupil that I have previously tutored for Maths who wanted to do an apprenticeship in plumbing or carpentry but was struggling to find one – education was not the right setting for a lovely young man who was practical and learnt best when he could apply what he was learning. I am definitely going to be pointing them towards the Growth Company, as they said they are always up for a challenge! https://lnkd.in/eSMZSKp5

For those considering their New Year's Resolutions... how about developing that bit of your leadership that you know will leverage further excellence for you and your setting...? Be supported by one of our incredible Apprenticeship Performance Coaches to tailor your route #creativeleadership #npqs #apprenticeships

ICYMI: Midland University recently hosted the Grow Your Own Apprenticeship Partner Collaboration! The Grow Your Own Apprenticeship program in Nebraska is an innovative initiative designed to create pathways for paraprofessionals to earn their teaching certificates in just two years. Partnering with eight school districts around the Omaha metro, Midland University is committed to addressing the teacher shortage by empowering dedicated educators already working in classrooms. This program provides participants with educational support, mentorship from experienced teachers, and opportunities for hands-on experience, allowing them to transition into certified teaching roles while enhancing the quality of education in their communities. Recently, we convened with our partner districts to collaboratively brainstorm ideas and share valuable resources, further strengthening our commitment to developing a diverse and effective teaching workforce. By fostering the growth of paraprofessionals into fully qualified teachers, the Grow Your Own Apprenticeship program not only benefits the participants but also enriches the educational landscape for students in Nebraska.