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Local workforce boards and community partners pilot apprenticeships and behavioral‑health pathways to expand rural early‑learning staffing
Summary
Panelists from Oregon’s workforce boards described apprenticeship pilots—some funded by ARPA and DOL technical assistance—and behavioral‑health pathways (FAIR) that combine training, mentorship and wraparound supports to recruit and retain early‑learning professionals in rural areas.
Local workforce boards and partners described several apprenticeship pilots and regional workforce efforts designed to bring people into early childhood careers. Laura Humphrey (Southwestern Oregon) said her region’s registered apprenticeship (approved July 2022) includes 2,500 on‑the‑job hours and 693 hours of instruction; it is currently free to apprentices and employers because ARPA funds cover schooling and administrative costs.
Courtney Williams (Northwest OregonWorks) said behavioral‑health apprenticeships and the FAIR program pair clinical training with community‑based supports such as mileage, internet assistance and scholarships. Georgia Conrad (Oregon Workforce Partnership) described convening and advocacy that secured major prosperity funds and supports local innovation but warned of fatigue without sustained strategic funding and coordination.
