LA CROSSE, Wis., May 6, 2025 – Western Technical College announced today the creation of a new Early Childhood Education (ECE) Apprenticeship program, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

The apprenticeship stems from a Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development grant through the U.S. Department of Education that was awarded back in 2024. This grant program, titled Apprenticeships for Rural Regions Innovating Vocational Education (ARRIVE), seeks to develop pathways for rural students into Certified Pre-Apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities within various industries, including education. The ECE Apprenticeship takes two years to complete, along with 4,000 hours of on-the-job time. Course materials will be available online in an asynchronous format to accommodate schedules of students.

“The apprenticeship model continues to grow outside of its once traditional occupations, such as construction electrician and plumbing,” said Western President Roger Stanford. “We are excited to develop innovative ways, with help from the federal government, to get students out into the workforce quickly and more efficiently. And with the childhood educator shortage in our region, this work could not be more important.”

The ECE Apprenticeship program is expected to launch this fall. To learn more information on Western’s apprenticeship programs, visit www.westerntc.edu/ECE-apprenticeship.