For Immediate Release
Contact: Christy Jones
817.831.2111, ext. 121
[email protected]
Fort Worth, Texas (November 6, 2020) – Camp Fire First Texas launched the first Early Education Apprenticeship Program (EEAP) in Texas in 2020. The inaugural class began meeting virtually in September and this week they will join registered apprenticeships across the country celebrating National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) taking place November 8 – 14, 2020.
This is the fifth annual NAW to showcase the opportunities that apprenticeship offers for Americans to develop workplace experience and skills that employer’s value.
As a new apprenticeship to the state of Texas and one of the first to focus on Early Educators, the EEAP joined only 63 other new programs registered in 2019 in the state.
In support of both NAW and the EEAP, Julian Alvarez, Commissioner Representing Labor of the Texas Workforce Commission, created a video highlighting the value of the Camp Fire EEAP to current and future generations of Texans. In this video, he highlights that quality early education builds the groundwork for future engineers, doctors and tradesmen. He adds this program combines two aspects he is passionate about: early education and on-the-job training.
The benefits of apprenticeship are substantial for both job seekers and job creators. These “earn as you learn” models enable employers to fill open jobs, improve productivity and profitability, and reduce turnover while providing the American workforce with pathways to start new careers and acquire the skills needed for good jobs.
It takes a full range of support to develop a strong and effective apprenticeship program. A vital component to a successful program is having employers committed to supporting the program. Camp Fire EEAP is no exception and has a robust pool of host sites which includes:
Childtime Learning Centers – Morrison
Good Shepherd Christian Academy
Kids-R-Kids Mansfield & South Arlington
Little Tyke Learning Centers – Brentwood
Little Tyke Learning Centers – Crowley
YMCA – Amaka Child Development Center
YMCA – Ella McFadden Child Development Center
Join Camp Fire EEAP during this year’s NAW as they highlight the value of apprenticeships in our community through the organization’s social feeds found by searching @CampFireFW.
###
About Camp Fire Early Education Apprenticeship Program
The Early Education Apprenticeship Program (EEAP) is an educational and career pathway building program. The first U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program for early educators in the State of Texas (2019), the EEAP includes paid on-the-job-learning, coupled with educational courses and one-on-one coaching in the classroom from a Camp Fire mentor.
Other benefits include:
- wage increases;
- stipends that recognize milestones; and
- earning up to 21+ hours of college credit.
Completion of the EEAP requires 4,000 hours (2 years of employment) of on-the-job learning, completed at an approved place of employment, and 288 hours of coursework.
The EEAP is offered in partnership with Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, Tarrant County College, Tarleton State University and T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Texas. Funding support has been provided by the George and Faye Young Foundation, The Miles Foundation, Rainwater Charitable Foundation, Sid Richardson Foundation, and United Way of Tarrant County.
About Camp Fire First Texas
Camp Fire First Texas is one of the largest Camp Fire councils in the country. Programs are for boys, girls and their families and include camping, after school programs, teen services, environmental education, and school readiness, in addition to professional development for early childhood educators. In Camp Fire, children and youth find a safe, fun and inclusive place – a place where they form lasting relationships, develop a sense of belonging and make positive contributions to the lives of their families and their community. Camp Fire youth have life-enhancing experiences and develop assets essential to their futures. Camp Fire changes young lives for the better in our community. Inside and out.
