Apprenticeship 101

Paraprofessional Apprenticeship Checklist

Paraprofessional Apprenticeship Intake Form

What is Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential.

Key Benefits of the Apprenticeship Program:

• Earn While You Learn: Participants receive compensation while completing the program, removing financial barriers to career development. Plus, with a registered apprenticeship, you are guaranteed funds at the completion of the program.
• Hands-On Experience: Practical, real-world training in classrooms ensures you develop the skills needed for success.
• Guided Support: Access to mentors and experienced educators throughout the program fosters a supportive learning environment.
• Career Growth: Graduates of the program gain certifications and credentials that pave the way for advanced opportunities in education.
• Personal Fulfillment: As a paraprofessional, you’ll play a vital role in fostering students’ success and making a meaningful impact in their lives.

This apprenticeship is ideal for individuals passionate about education and looking for a structured and rewarding path to a career in this field.

What do I need to do?

Apprenticeships include working in a school setting (2000 hours to complete the apprenticeship) while taking a set of classes at your own pace and using what you learn at work.

Classes you would take:

• ED 255 – Introduction to Education
• ENG 101 – Rhetoric and Composition I
• ED 260 – Intro to Ed Tech
• ED 120 – Paraprofessional Test Prep
• ED 267 – Diversity in the 21st Century
• ED 265 – Intro to Special Ed
• LIT 293 – Children’s Literature

If you would like to complete classes only (without work experience) consider gaining a Paraprofessional Certificate (0093)

How long does it take? Roughly, 2 years but you can complete this at your own pace!

This sounds great! How do I get started? Complete the Paraprofessional Checklist and the Paraprofessional Apprenticeship Intake Form

For more information, please contact:

Are You a Community Partner Who Would Like to Host an Apprentice?

Employer Information Sheet

Work Process Schedule

Employer Acceptance Agreement

Ready to take the Paraprofessional Test? Schedule your Paraprofessional Test today!

We have three main ways you can schedule your paraprofessional test. The paraprofessional test can be scheduled at the Belleville Testing Center located in the Liberal Arts building room 1331. You can call us for more information about the paraprofessional test at 618-222-5551. We also have an option to email us about the paraprofessional test at btc@swic.edu. Need more information? Our Paraprofessional Certificate, Testing, Apprenticeship, & Endorsements page has more information about testing, certificate options apprenticeships and endorsements.