A Certified Pre-Apprenticeship is a short-term training program designed to help individuals prepare for entry into a registered apprenticeship or related career pathway. It combines classroom learning with hands-on experiences to build foundational skills that employers value, such as basic technical knowledge, employability skills, and an understanding of the industry. Certified Pre-Apprenticeships are approved by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and are developed in partnership with employers to ensure the training aligns with real workforce needs. Completing a Certified Pre-Apprenticeship can give participants a head start, making them stronger candidates for apprenticeship programs and future employment.

Early Childhood Education – Certified Pre-Apprenticeship

The Early Childhood Certified Pre-Apprenticeship Program (CPA) is a structured, interactive, and scenario-based training experience designed to prepare individuals for entry into Registered Apprenticeship programs in the field of early childhood education. This program offers foundational instruction in infant and toddler development, child development, industry credentialing, classroom practices, and professional skills.

This CPA is designed with high school students in mind and the training provided in the CPA is delivered in their high school classrooms and online using interactive modules, videos, and scenario-based learning to simulate real-world responsibilities. 

Requirements

• Participants/students can be under 16 years old at the start of the program but must be at least 16 upon completion. 
• If a participant/student completed one of the courses/trainings previously, they can be counted if they have additional courses/trainings to complete or if they are currently completing their final course. 

The Early Childhood CPA will include two courses that are a part of the Registered Apprenticeship program: 

• Infant and Toddler Development – Western Course 10307151 - 3 credits 
• Child Development - Western Course 10307179 - 3 credits  

Additionally, three industry recognized credentials will be included:

• Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) Prevention Online Training
• Wisconsin Mandated Reporter Online Training
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Online Training