The Early Learning Coalition is thrilled to announce that the Early Learning Coalition Pre-Apprenticeship Program has been officially approved to participate in the State of Florida’s Apprenticeship System. This milestone marks a significant step forward in enhancing the quality and availability of early learning professionals in Manatee County and underscores our commitment to workforce education. The approval aligns with Governor Ron DeSantis’s and the Florida Department of Education’s strategic goal of becoming the number one state in the nation for workforce education by 2030. The Early Learning Coalition’s pre-apprenticeship program is poised to play a crucial role in this ambitious vision, ensuring that Florida continues to produce well-trained, highly skilled early learning professionals. The program offers participants hands-on experience and mentorship, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. The hope of creating the Pre-Apprenticeship Program is to make a new career as accessible and affordable as possible while also helping to staff Manatee County child care centers. Students secure a position at one of the local child care providers after completing the Pre-Apprenticeship course and then continue their education and career development with the Level I Apprenticeship course and eventually the Director course. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all stakeholders, partners, and supporters who have contributed to the approval and development of this program. Your dedication and commitment to workforce education are vital to our shared success. For more information regarding the Pre-Apprenticeship Program, contact Francesca Ricciardo at fricciardo@elc-manatee.org or call (941) 212-4994.