The Education Careers program at New Castle Career Center (NCCC) offers an apprenticeship
opportunity to students. This apprenticeship is specifically for students who have been accepted
into Ball State University and plan to pursue an Elementary Education degree. Students are
typically recommended and sometimes interviewed for the apprenticeship, which is separate
from the work-based internship component of the Education Careers program.
Several students have participated in the program, and this year’s apprentice is Catherine Willis.
Education apprenticeships are offered in partnership with Career Boost, a collaboration between
Eastern Indiana Works, New Castle Community Schools, New Castle Career Center, and the East Central Education Service Center.
Real-World Classroom Experience for Apprentice Teachers
Education Career apprenticeship students begin each day with a “lab site” placement in a local
PreK-6th grade classroom. Students assist their supervising teachers with tasks that include
leading whole-class (mini) lessons, working with small groups, or performing other teacher--
related responsibilities. This real-world experience allows the apprentice to apply coursework
concepts to classroom daily functions. The lab site experience, combined with five college-level
education courses give apprentices a jumpstart in teaching.
“This aspect of the program is very powerful,” explained Instructor Melynda Huckeby, noting that
apprentices get to apply what they learn in their coursework. “They get real-world experience
into the everyday functioning of a classroom, like classroom management.”
Beyond the apprenticeship program, the Education Careers students have significantly
impacted the community through their involvement in various projects and initiatives. Through
FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America), students have already assisted
with Ivy Tech's Trunk or Treat, organized a Toy Drive, volunteered at a local elementary
school’s Family Night supported the local Alpha Delta Kappa chapter, and fundraised for the
state conference.
Huckeby believes that more universities will create pathways from high schools to teacher
colleges to meet the growing demand for teachers. She expressed gratitude towards East
Central Educational Service Center, Eastern Indiana Works, and Ball State University for
partnering to create a great opportunity for high school seniors pursuing a career in education.
Visit nccareercenter.org for more information about the Education Careers program and other
programs available through the New Castle Career Center.