Teacher Apprenticeship

What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program?

A registered apprenticeship program is a program recognized by the state and federal Department of Labor (external site) and meets the Core Competencies of the profession. You may be familiar with the apprenticeship model in other occupations, such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. 

In 2022, the federal government, in partnership with the state of Tennessee, chose to recognize teaching as a federally recognized apprenticeship industry as one strategy to address teacher shortages. 

Five key elements define all registered apprenticeship programs:

Employer Led – work to credential the employee (the apprentice) is developed, managed, and implemented with the employer partnering with the union and related instruction providers.

Job-Embedded – the competencies are met through 2000+ hours of on-the-job training. 

Related Instruction – other organizations provide the 144+ hours of instruction necessary for credentialing in the industry.

Graduated Pay Scale – the apprentice receives an increase in pay as they progress through the registered apprenticeship program.

Industry Credential – the registered apprenticeship program leads to a recognized certification in the industry.

Minnesota Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC)

The MN JATC is responsible for the operation of the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program sponsored by BrightWorks.

Apprenticeship Programs & University Partners

• ASD/EBD - Minnesota State, Mankato
• ABS - Minnesota State, Mankato and the University of Minnesota
• ABS/Elementary - Southwest Minnesota State University
• ECSE - University of Minnesota

Interested in joining or starting an Apprenticeship Program at your district?

Contact Gina Boots at gina.boots@brightworksmn.org or 612-638-1503.