The Vermont Child Care Apprenticeship Program
Sponsoring Programs

Increased potential to recruit, retain and compensate qualified employees.

Broadening partnerships and resources: Partners include the U.S. Department of Labor, the Vermont Department of Employment and Training and other industries that incorporate the system of Registered Apprenticeship.

Sign and Comply with the Standards of Apprenticeship approved by the Vermont Apprenticeship Council.

Carefully consider who you will recommend to be an apprentice or mentor.  Keep in mind the long term nature of this commitment and the personal characteristics likely to contribute to success.

Carefully consider the “matches” between apprentice and mentor. Recognize this needs to be a mutually respectful long term learning experience for both of the participants

Ensure a mutually agreeable framework for meeting/mentoring opportunities.  This especially includes time for the apprentice and mentor to meet, but also includes meetings as needed with the director , and the DET, and Apprenticeship Program representatives.

Participate in semi-annual meetings of Registered Child Care Apprenticeship Program Sponsors.

Communicate with the Child Care Apprenticeship Program coordinator regarding the implementation of the Apprenticeship Program. Contact is especially important when there are issues of concern regarding program implementation.  This will help prevent small issues from becoming big and thereby contribute to the overall success of the program.

Share information about your participation in the Vermont Child Care Apprenticeship Program. Assuming the Vermont Registered Child Care Apprenticeship Program (including the increases in compensation) is perceived as a benefit to overall program quality and stability, the sponsor should have a vested interest in ensuring the continuation of the program.

Routinely sharing information in support of Registered Apprenticeship will help the Vermont Child Care Industry and Careers Council in its efforts to develop the Child Care Apprenticeship Endowment Fund.  This Fund can then become the sustainable and independent source of increases in compensation so important to the Vermont model of Registered Apprenticeship in child care.