Skilled Worker Demands Being Met in Huron Co.

Skilled worker demands are being met in Huron County through Apprenticeships 

With an unemployment rate of 3.9% as of November 2022, some of the fastest-growing careers in Michigan can be found in Huron County.

Bad Axe, MI – S&S Family Childcare Center of Huron County will meet the growing demand for skilled workers thanks to a new registered Child Development Specialist apprenticeship program.

The new apprenticeship program was developed through a partnership between S&S Family Childcare Center and GST Michigan Works! The program is registered with the United States Department of Labor.

This is S&S Family Childcare Centers’ first apprenticeship program. The program was registered on October 7, 2022, and apprentice Rebecca Ruth officially started her two-year training program.

“Our childcare center is looking forward to offering our employees this great training,” said Sarah Brooks, Director of S&S Family Childcare Centers. “Our apprentice will receive on-the-job training and related education through this program, preparing her to become a Lead Teacher.” Brooks says, “We are bringing recognition to a rewarding industry by providing our employees the opportunity to grow and advance, which will lead to long-term success.”

Apprentices in the Childcare Development Specialist program will receive 300 hours of technical instruction from Mott Community College while working towards an associate degree in early childhood education. In addition, any apprentice going through the program will work a minimum of 4,000 hours on the job at S&S Family Childcare Centers, Bad Axe location.

When the new apprentice was asked what she looked forward to in this new chapter of her professional career, she responded, “I’m excited about continuing my education while working in a career that I love.”

GST Michigan Works! is a registered apprenticeship intermediary and sponsor approved by the

U.S. Department of Labor, providing free intermediary services to any employer interested in starting a program. Employers who want to expand their current program can also utilize their services. Visit https://gstmiworks.org/employers/registered-apprenticeship for further information or to schedule a meeting.