Apprenticeship education is an excellent career pathway, because it combines earning, learning and doing. Apprentices develop, apply and perfect practical skills while employed by a sponsoring firm.
Traditionally, apprenticeship brings forth images associated with tool and die making, carpentry, machining, welding, plumbing or any number of other skilled trades. The world of apprenticeship education is growing and changing, however, to keep up with the need in Canada for an ever-increasing number of skilled practitioners in a variety of careers.
Conestoga College is offering an Early Childhood Educator apprenticeship program starting in September, but now is the time for interested individuals to get information and prepare.
Many individuals work in the early childhood education field in a number of capacities, but for whatever reason do not hold a formal document, whether a diploma or degree. The Early Childhood Educator apprenticeship offers a pathway to a provincially-recognized certificate, the professional skills it reflects and, by extension, a better quality of child care expertise in the community.
Conestoga will hold two free information sessions in conjunction with Ontario’s Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, for those who may be interested in this career path. One will be at the Doon campus in Kitchener on Wednesday, April 30 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.; the other is at the Guelph campus on Wednesday, May 7, also from 6:30-7:30. Participants must register in advance to attend.
The program consists of 22 core courses, all of which may be taken part-time, plus an introductory writing course. Among the topics covered are child development, health/safety/nutrition, and the study of various types of learning environments (infant/toddler, preschool and school age).
Prospective apprentices in this program must have completed Grade 12 or equivalent, must be registered with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and have a sponsoring employer willing to supply the required hours of work experience, and must satisfy the preconditions required for field placement participation.
Details on the Early Childhood Educator apprenticeship program, the information sessions and the apprenticeship process are available from program coordinator Cathy O’Toole at 519-748-5220, ext. 3603.
CONTACT: Cathy O’Toole, 519-748-5220, ext. 3603, Cotoole@conestogac.on.ca