Manistee Early Childhood Center partners with Northwest Michigan Works! for first Early Childhood Educator Youth Apprenticeship Program

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2026

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NORTHWEST LOWER, MI– Northwest Michigan Works!, in partnership with Manistee Early Childhood Center, has officially launched the region’s first-ever U.S. Department of Labor Registered Early Childhood Educator Youth Apprenticeship. The new apprenticeship marks a major milestone for professional trades training and workforce development in Northwest Lower Michigan.

This innovative program will provide youth apprentices with a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience designed to meet essential industry needs and strengthen the skilled trades pipeline in the region. Apprentices will complete 12 months of on the job learning, gaining real-world, practical experience under the guidance of qualified, professional and proficient mentors.

In addition to on-site learning, apprentices will complete 155 hours of comprehensive coursework through a variety of educational partners that deepen technical knowledge and reinforce essential early childhood educator skills. 

“The Early Childhood Youth Apprenticeship Program is a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation of educators. By providing students with real-world experience, professional mentorship, and a clear pathway into the early childhood profession, we hope to foster a passion for serving young children while encouraging talented young people to build their futures right here in our community,” expressed Nicole Anciso, Manistee Early Childhood Center Director.

“Northwest Michigan Works! is proud to partner with the Manistee Early Childhood Center to provide this innovative, high-quality training opportunity for local youth,” said Evelyn Szpliet, Regional Director of Apprenticeship Services.

“Through this program, apprentices as young as 16 can explore a rewarding career in early childhood education while earning wages and gaining valuable hands-on experience in a profession that plays a critical role in shaping the future of our communities. This pilot initiative not only creates meaningful career pathways for students before they graduate high school, but also helps build awareness, appreciation, and a stronger talent pipeline for the early childhood education profession.”

Registered apprenticeships are certified through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor and are a proven training method for employers to build a talent pipeline of highly skilled, educated employees. Northwest Michigan Works!, the workforce development program of Networks Northwest, provides technical assistance and administrative support for Registered Apprenticeships, including program development, implementation, and ongoing management. For more information about Registered Apprenticeships through Northwest Michigan Works!, visit nwm.org/apprenticeships.