Participant Data

Building Bright Futures collects demographic data about its participants to better understand the impact early childhood education apprenticeships are making in NC. Look at how far we have come since Building Bright Futures began in January 2023! We are growing every day, so check back regularly to see our progress.

Counties Currently Served by Early Childhood Education Pre-Apprenticeships and Apprenticeships

July 2025

Counties Served August 2025

APPRENTICES

At Start of Apprenticeship

Age

  • 15-20 – 19%
  • 21-30 – 37%
  • 31-40 – 26%
  • 41-50 – 12%
  • 51 and over – 6%

Highest Level of Education (including non-ECE Education)

  • Graduate Degree – 1%
  • Bachelor’s Degree – 3%
  • Associate Degree – 6%
  • Community College Diploma – 1%
  • Cerificate from Community College – 13%
  • Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential – 11%
  • High School Diploma – 51%
  • Currently in High School – 14%

Race/Ethnicity

  • White or Caucasian – 34%
  • Black or African-American – 49%
  • Hispanic – 10%
  • Native American or Alaska Native – 2%
  • Asian or Pacific Islander – 3%
  • Multiracial – 3%
  • Race Not Listed – 0.03%

Participated in a Pre-Apprenticeship Before Apprenticeship – 6%

MENTORS

Highest Level of ECE Education

  • Doctorate – 1%
  • Master's Degree – 13%
  • Bachelor’s Degree – 40%
  • Associate Degree – 29%
  • Community College Diploma – 2%
  • North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) – 6%
  • Certificate – 6%
  • Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential – 2%
  • High school ECE class or EDU 119 – 2%

Average Years of Experience – 15 years in ECE

EMPLOYERS

Total Number of Employers with Apprenticeship Programs – 192

Number of Child Care Sites These Employers Have – 224

Types of Employers

  • Public School Systems
  • Community Colleges
  • Private Child Care
  • Faith-Based Child Care
  • YMCA
  • Montessori
  • Family Child Care Home

Programs Offered by Employers

  • Early Head Start
  • Head Start
  • NC Pre-K
  • Infant/Toddler

SPONSORS

  • Early Years - Statewide Associate Degree and Bachelor's Degree pathways
  • Child Care Centers
  • Community Colleges
  • Public School Systems
  • Partnerships for Children
  • Other ECE Organizations