S&S Family Childcare Center of Huron County will be better able to 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.

According to a statement by S&S Family Childcare Centers Director, Sarah Brooks, "Our childcare center is looking forward to offering our employees this great training. Our apprentice will receive on-the-job training and related education through this program, which will prepare her to become a Lead Teacher.” Brooks goes on to say, “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 4000 hours on-the-job at S&S Family Childcare Centers, Bad Axe location.

When the new apprentice was asked what she is looking forward to in this new chapter of her professional career, she responded by saying that she is excited about continuing her education while working in a career she loves.

GST Michigan Works! is a registered apprenticeship intermediary and sponsor approved by the U.S. Department of Labor and provides free intermediary services to any employer interested in starting a program. Employers who want to expand their current program can also take advantage of services. Visit gstmiworks.org/employers/registered-apprenticeship for further information or to schedule a meeting.