States and school districts are facing significant challenges in attracting and retaining Early Childhood Educators, K-12 Teachers, and school staff such as bus drivers, paraprofessionals, nurses, and mental health professionals. Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven training model that can provide a critical talent pipeline for the education system. In 2024, there were nearly 13,000 registered apprentices served in the education industry, which is a significant increase over the last 5 years.
Featured Resources
Improving Access and Retention for Black and Latino Teachers
Highlights research and promising practices for how RA leaders and partners can recruit and support Black and Latino prospective educators into RA programs for K-12 teachers.
Unpacking the 6,000 Hour Requirement for RA K-12 Teachers
Discussion and highlights about the number of hours required for K-12 Teacher RA programs.
Profiles of Educator Registered Apprenticeship Programs
The report profiles seven K-12 Teacher RA programs and a K-12 Principal RA program.
Dear Colleague Letter
Departments of Labor and Education collaborate on joint strategies to address Teacher workforce challenges.
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
- CCSSO Teacher Registered Apprenticeship: SEA Self-assessment Tool
- Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Design Principles
- FACT SHEET: The U.S. Department of Education Announces Partnerships Across States, School Districts, and Colleges of Education to Meet Secretary Cardona's Call to Action to Address the Teacher Shortage
- Common Terms
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 a middle school educator helping students first explore careers, or a high school or post-secondary educator ready to launch students into the workplace, there are many ways to get involved!
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.
Middle or High School
It's never too early to get a head start on your career. Learn how high and middle schools can create youth apprenticeship programs.
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.