What Is Registered Apprenticeship?

Registered Apprenticeship is a workforce development model recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor that combines paid on-the-job learning with classroom instruction. In education, this means apprentices gain valuable experience working in schools while completing their educator preparation program.

Rather than waiting until graduation to gain professional experience, apprentices begin developing their teaching skills from day one while earning wages and receiving mentorship from experienced educators.

Why It Matters

Registered Apprenticeship:

• Expands access to educator preparation
• Reduces financial barriers
• Creates stronger school-community partnerships
• Improves educator recruitment and retention
• Strengthens the future education workforce

Why Choose Registered Apprenticeship?

Registered Apprenticeship helps remove many of the traditional barriers to becoming an educator.

Participants can:

• Earn a paycheck while completing their degree
• Gain meaningful classroom experience
• Receive mentorship from experienced educators
• Graduate with less debt
• Build professional relationships with school districts
• Enter the workforce with practical experience and confidence

For school districts, Registered Apprenticeship creates a sustainable pipeline of future educators while strengthening recruitment and retention efforts.

How It Works

Registered Apprenticeship combines four essential components:

Work
Gain paid, hands-on experience in a school district.

Learn
Complete coursework through Rowan University's College of Education.

Earn
Receive wages while progressing toward your degree.

Credential
Graduate with the academic credentials and practical experience needed to begin your career.

Why Rowan University?

Rowan University's College of Education has a long-standing commitment to preparing outstanding educators. Through Registered Apprenticeship, the College partners with school districts to create innovative educator preparation pathways that meet the needs of today's workforce while supporting student success.

Become an Apprentice

Registered Apprenticeship allows aspiring educators to earn a paycheck while earning a college degree and gaining valuable classroom experience.

Instead of choosing between work and school, apprentices are able to combine both through a structured program that supports academic success and professional growth.

Benefits

As a Registered Apprentice, you will:

• Earn wages while completing your degree
• Gain practical classroom experience
• Learn alongside experienced educators
• Build confidence as an education professional
• Graduate with valuable work experience
• Prepare for long-term career success

Who Should Apply?

Registered Apprenticeship is designed for individuals interested in becoming educators, including:

• Paraprofessionals
• Teacher aides
• Substitute teachers
• Career changers
• Veterans
• Community members interested in education
• Individuals beginning their journey toward teacher certification

School District Partners

School districts across New Jersey are facing increasing workforce challenges. Registered Apprenticeship offers a long-term solution by developing educators from within local communities.

By partnering with Rowan University, districts help prepare future educators while strengthening their own workforce.

Benefits for School Districts

Partner districts can:

• Develop a reliable educator pipeline
• Reduce recruitment costs
• Improve employee retention
• Invest in current staff members
• Support career advancement opportunities
• Strengthen relationships with Rowan University

Partnership Opportunities

Rowan University works collaboratively with school districts to develop apprenticeship pathways that align with district workforce needs while supporting apprentice success.

Why Rowan

Leading Innovation in Educator Preparation

The College of Education is uniquely positioned to lead Registered Apprenticeship initiatives through its combination of academic excellence, strong school district partnerships, experienced faculty, and commitment to workforce development.

Our goal is simple: prepare outstanding educators while helping school districts meet workforce needs and strengthening communities across New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Registered Apprenticeship?

Registered Apprenticeship is a structured workforce development model that combines paid employment, classroom instruction, and mentorship.

Do apprentices earn a salary?

Yes. Apprentices are employed while completing the program and receive wages throughout their apprenticeship.

Will I earn a college degree?

Yes. Apprentices complete an approved degree program through Rowan University's College of Education while participating in the apprenticeship.

Who can participate?

Eligibility varies by pathway, but opportunities are available for current school employees, career changers, veterans, and individuals interested in becoming educators.

How do school districts become partners?

School districts interested in participating should contact the College of Education to discuss partnership opportunities and program development.

Ready to Learn More?

Whether you're interested in becoming an apprentice, partnering with Rowan University, or learning more about Registered Apprenticeship, we're here to help.

Prospective Apprentices
Request information, speak with an advisor, or begin your application.

School Districts
Learn how Registered Apprenticeship can strengthen your educator pipeline and support workforce development goals.

General Inquiries
Contact the Rowan University College of Education for additional information.