Staying true to its mission, meeting employer needs is at the heart of Jefferson Community College (JCC) Workforce Solutions.
In June 2024, JCC Workforce Solutions hosted an education industry apprenticeship roundtable, bringing together regional employers to discuss ongoing workforce challenges and skills gaps. Employers also learned about funding opportunities available through the State University of New York (SUNY) Apprenticeship Program to launch registered apprenticeships.
Working collaboratively with Jefferson Workforce Solutions, the SUNY Apprenticeship Program, and the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL), employers can receive up to $6,000 to launch and sustain a registered apprenticeship. These programs enable employers to pay workers while they complete structured, on-the-job training aligned with industry-specific competencies.
Representatives from Little Lukes Preschool, an organization with six centers across Central New York, attended the roundtable. Their feedback helped shape the structure and content of Jefferson’s Pre-Apprenticeship Community-Based Training Teacher Assistant program. When the program was launched in January 2025, two Little Lukes employees enrolled.
Building on that momentum, Little Lukes launched a registered apprenticeship model in February 2025 with support from the SUNY Apprenticeship Program. In August 2025, the organization became a NYSDOL-approved employer sponsor, authorized to offer formal registered apprenticeships to its employees.
Carrie Pruett, Center Director at Little Lukes’ Pulaski location, said, “The registered apprenticeship program supports professional growth for our employees while strengthening our workforce. As an organization, it enhances staff retention, program quality, and long-term stability for our preschool community.”
“Apprenticeship is a powerful workforce development tool,” said Joanna Brislan, Director
of Military Enrollment and Workforce Solutions at Jefferson. “It creates a direct
pathway for individuals to gain high-demand skills while earning a paycheck.”
Little Lukes worked closely with JCC Workforce Solutions to align curriculum offerings with the competencies required for the childcare assistant trade. Jefferson also coordinated informational sessions led by its apprenticeship business developer to educate employees about the benefits of apprenticeship, increasing interest and engagement through direct outreach.
Pruett said, “Jefferson Workforce Solutions provided clear guidance and hands-on support, helping educate our staff and managers at every step of the registered apprenticeship process. Their assistance made it easy for us to participate in a program that supports attracting and retaining high-quality staff for our inclusive preschool program and other local daycare providers.”
“Through partnerships like this, we are advancing SUNY’s mission to expand access to registered apprenticeships, strengthen local businesses, and open doors for underrepresented groups to thrive in competitive, well-paying careers,” said Brislan. “Together, we are building a stronger workforce and a stronger community.”
Apprenticeship is not a one-size-fits-all model. It begins with awareness, develops through collaboration and coordination, and results in customized programs designed to meet regional workforce needs.
With the foundation in place, Jefferson and Little Lukes are preparing to welcome a new cohort of Childcare Assistant apprentices in spring 2026, further strengthening the early childhood education workforce across Central New York.
Jefferson’s collaboration with Little Lukes demonstrates how employer-driven partnerships can lead to sustainable workforce solutions.
Businesses interested in launching a registered apprenticeship or customized training program can contact JCC Workforce Solutions at (315) 786-2233 or ced@sunyjefferson.edu to learn more.
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