Challenges

Scalability, Worker Issues

Location

Minnesota

Stakeholders

Businesses, Nonprofits, State Government

Beneficiaries

Job Seekers, Children

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Overview

Minnesota launched a statewide Early Childhood Education apprenticeship program in 2023, offering a new pathway to recruit, train, and retain childcare workers by combining on-the-job learning with college coursework and incremental wage increases.

Key Impact Metrics

  • $5M
    million invested by the Minnesota government
  • 19
    apprentices enrolled in the first cohort
  • $228K
    scholarship funding offered to participants

Problem

Minnesota faced longstanding early childhood workforce shortages, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2023 Early Care and Education Workforce Study by Wilder Research found that low income drove high turnover rates—20–35% annually in many centers. This led to staffing gaps, reduced childcare access, and disruptions for families and employers. There was a need to create a pipeline that attracts new talent, improves their qualifications, and keeps them in the field, all without exacerbating the financial strain on these workers or the childcare centers.

Solution

Minnesota launched a statewide Early Childhood Education apprenticeship program in 2023. This program, administered by Child Care Aware of Minnesota in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Department of Labor and Industry, aims to bolster the early childhood education workforce through a registered apprenticeship model combining on-the-job training, mentorship, and college coursework. For example, an entry-professional is hired by a childcare program and registered as an apprentice. They work under a mentor, receiving coaching and feedback on the job. They simultaneously take early childhood education courses, often at a community college, supported by the program. Apprentices are guaranteed periodic wage increases as skills and credits are attained.

Results

  • Beneficiary Impact
    19 apprentices enrolled, working and studying 30+ hours per week; 24–36 college credits offered to each apprentice; and possibility to receive Child Development Associate or Associate’s Degree—at least one participant in Minnesota has received this so far
  • Employee Impact
    10-15% increase in retention rate and $4,000 stipend offered to mentors of apprentices
  • Financial Results
    $12,000 offered yearly to each apprentice in training and support, and $5 million of investment by the Minnesota government

Replication Tips

  • Partner with education institutions: Coordinate with community colleges or vocational schools to provide the relevant courses with flexibility—e.g., night classes, online or online options.
  • Promote and recruit broadly: Reach out to high schools and workers in career transition—emphasize that no prior college is required, and one can earn while learning.

Suggested Implementation Timeline

~8-18 months

Sources