Apprenticeship Programs

If you are considering a career in Early Childhood Education, these programs are a great way to get started!

The Early Educator Fast Track Initiative (FT) is an innovative program that welcomes new talent into the early care and education workforce, addressing the challenges of recruitment, competitive compensation, high-quality training, retention and ongoing professional development.

Here are the highlights:

• The initiative recruits strong ECCE employers who need new assistant teachers. Employers must participate in Subsidy and/or Mixed Delivery.
• Employers agree to hire and pay a specific number of new assistant teachers at a competitive wage. (For example, the competitive wage is $17 per hour in Central Region.)
• VECF runs a recruitment campaign and screens/interviews candidates. Candidates are referred based on preferred location and employer need.
• Trainees receive benefits including at minimum paid training, bonuses, professional development and employee discounts on child care. More than half of the currently participating ECCE employers provide health care coverage, paid leave and holidays, retirement, etc.
• Participants receive four weeks of paid on-line and on-site training (Introduction to Early Childhood; paid by VECF), along with a teacher starter kit and laptop to use for ongoing coursework.
• New assistant teachers receive a 6 month retention bonus of $500 and a one year retention bonus of $1,000 (both paid by VECF).
• New assistant teachers benefit from ongoing mentorship, college scholarships in early childhood and coaching on career pathways.
• This is an opportunity for professional and personal fulfillment—nurturing our littlest learners and growing our future!

Download Information Here:

• Employer Info Webinar 7.10.23
• VECF-Fast Track Flyer EMPLOYEE_DANVILLE and LYNCHBURG
• VECF-Fast Track Flyer EMPLOYEE_CHARLOTTESVILLE AND GREENE
• Employer Recruitment Talking Points