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Building Bright Futures with Early Childhood Apprenticeships

BBF is an initiative providing financial support and resources to boost NC pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships in early childhood education.

Building Bright Futures

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Total ECE Apprentices in NC

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Counties Served by Apprenticeship

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ECE Apprentice Completers

As early childhood apprenticeships increase, leaders say more are needed to support ‘the workforce behind the workforce’

Liz Bell
September 9, 2025
EdNC.org

EdNC early childhood education reporter, Liz Bell, discusses the growth and impact of early childhood education pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships in NC and the role of Building Bright Futures and its partners. The article also highlights BBF participants Kids R Kids Learning Academy of RTP in Durham, who are part of the Early Years Durham Pre-K apprenticeship program, as well as the McDowell County Schools pre-apprenticeship program. Share this with your networks!

Coming Soon! 

Part Four in Our Back-to-School Webinar Series

Coming in September, our final session in our Back-to-School Webinar Series: “Earn, Learn, Succeed: Building a Career Through Apprenticeship.” Ever wonder what happens AFTER the apprenticeship is done? Learn more about existing career pathways for early childhood education apprenticeships and hear from former apprentices and current leaders in the field about their own educational and professional journeys.  

Spotlight: Nicole Boone, DCDEE

Nicole Boone

BBF is pleased to celebrate our work with the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) with our spotlight on Nicole Boone, the P-3 Policy Advisor at DCDEE and part of the Preschool Development Grant (PDG) team. Ms. Boone has diverse experience in coaching, consultation, planning, and implementation of various techniques with both administrators and teachers, as well as grant management and compliance monitoring. She is dedicated to ensuring that North Carolina’s youngest children and their families receive access to high quality early childhood experiences and services.

New ApprenticeshipNC Web Site

ApprenticeshipNC Web Site

Our partners at ApprenticeshipNC have launched a new and improved web site, filled with resources about apprenticeship! Some highlights include their searchable apprenticeship employer database, helpful resources for apprentices, and tools and information for getting started. 

North Carolina’s children, families, and businesses need more early childhood education and care options, and Building Bright Futures is an innovative solution to increase access. By supporting and encouraging students to enter the early childhood profession, we’ll help make sure more families and employers have the quality child care they need to thrive.

Former Governor Roy Cooper

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