MoSEPWork Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship in Action
The Missouri Southeast Pathways to Work (MoSEPWork) is a regional consortium of four 2-year institutions—Jefferson College, Mineral Area College, East Central College, and Three Rivers College—and one 4-year institution, Central Methodist University.
Together, we create and expand pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship opportunities across Southeast Missouri, providing hands-on training, paid work experience, and industry-recognized credentials.
Benefits of Registered Apprenticeships
For Apprentices
- Earn While You Learn: Receive competitive wages that increase as your skills grow.
- Minimize Debt: Start a career with little to no college debt.
- National Credential: Earn an official certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL).
- Mentorship: Learn directly from experienced industry professionals.
For Employers
- Reduce Turnover: Build employee loyalty and retain top talent.
- Customized Training: Tailor training models to match your exact workforce needs.
- Upskill Current Staff: Expand incumbent worker skills (e.g., advanced welding or maintenance).
- Grant Funding Access: Leverage federal and state grant dollars tied to registered programs.
Explore Our Consortium Apprenticeship Pathways
Through the MoSEPWork initiative, we offer a wide variety of USDOL-registered apprenticeships, specialized pre-apprenticeships, and expanding career tracks across high-demand industries:
Teacher Education & Early Childhood
- Child Development Associate (CDA) / Early Childhood Resource Teacher
- Para-Professional Educator
- Teacher Aide
Advanced Manufacturing & Technical Trades
- CNC Machine Programmer / Operator
- Welder (including Incumbent Worker upskilling)
- Industrial Maintenance Technician
- Fabricator-Assembler Metal Production
- Small Engine Mechanic
- HVAC Installer
Business Administration
- Administrative Assistant for an Educational Institution
FAQs
An apprenticeship is an industry-driven, "earn-while-you-learn" career pathway that combines real-world job experience with structured classroom instruction. Available to both new hires and current employees, it provides a direct path to a high-paying career while building a skilled workforce for regional employers.
Key Features:
- Paid Work Experience: Earn a competitive wage from Day 1, with guaranteed pay increases as your skills grow.
- 1-on-1 Mentorship: Work directly alongside experienced industry professionals who guide your daily development.
- Classroom Instruction: Gain job-related technical knowledge and foundational training through college coursework.
- Zero or Low Debt: Complete your training while earning a living, avoiding heavy student loans.
Understanding the 3 Types of Pathways
| Pathway Level | What It Is | Who It’s For |
| Pre-Apprenticeship | A foundational training program designed to prepare individuals with the basic technical, academic, and soft skills needed to enter and succeed in a full apprenticeship program. | Great for high school students, career changers, or individuals looking to explore a trade before committing to full employment. |
| Apprenticeship | A general term for any structured, work-based learning program where a student or worker receives paid on-the-job training combined with related classroom instruction. | Anyone looking for hands-on, employer-backed training to enter or advance in a specific field. |
| Registered Apprenticeship | A high-standard, high-quality apprenticeship program that is officially vetted and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL). It guarantees progressive wage increases and awards a nationally recognized credential upon completion. | Workers and employers who want a formalized, nationally accredited career pipeline with proven standards and portable credentials. |
Every apprenticeship is customized to fit the specific occupation and employer’s operational needs using one of three flexible learning models:
🔄 Hybrid ModelCombines both approaches—requiring a minimum range of training hours alongside proven mastery of specific job skills.
🎯 Competency-BasedApprentices progress by demonstrating mastery of specific job skills and competencies, regardless of how long it takes.
⏱️ Time-BasedApprentices complete a structured, required number of hours spent in hands-on work and classroom training.
Flexible Training Models tailored to Employer Needs
| Learning Model | How It Works | Best For |
| Competency-Based | Apprentices advance as soon as they prove mastery of key skills. | Tech, fast-paced roles, or experienced incumbent workers. |
| Time-Based | Requires completing a set number of hands-on and classroom hours. | Traditional trades and time-regulated industries. |
| Hybrid | Blends set training hours with skill competency checkpoints. | Healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and complex technical roles. |
Who Can Become an Apprentice? Our apprenticeship programs are open to individuals at every stage of their educational and career journey:
Current Workers (Incumbent Employees): Existing employees looking to upskill, gain new certifications, and advance within their current company.
High School & Tech Students: Area Technical School (ATS) and local high school students looking to fast-track a career before graduation.
College Students: Current Jefferson College students pursuing a Degree, Certificate, or industry-recognized Credential.
Adult Learners & Job Seekers: Individuals re-entering the workforce, switching careers, or looking for practical, non-credit job training.
⚙️ Advanced Manufacturing, Welding & Trades
• Leonardo DRS (DRS Marlo Coil)
• Martin-Jetco
• B.F. Mahn & Sons
🏥 Healthcare & Senior Living
• Mercy Hospital Jefferson
• Bethesda Senior Living
• StoneBridge Senior Living
• Scenic Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
🏫 Education & School Districts
• DeSoto #73 School District
• Dunklin R-V School District
• Fox C-6 School District
• Hillsboro R-3 School District
• Jefferson R-7 School District
• Sunrise R-IX School District
• Windsor C-1 School District
• Jefferson College AEL & Early Childhood Center
• Jefferson-Franklin Head Start
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Submit the form below to connect with our team and learn about enrollment or business partnership options.
Contact Our Team
Samantha Roberson
Director of Apprenticeship
Employer Partners and Prospective Employer Partners
Keith Boyer
Apprenticeship Navigator
Apprentices, Students, and Prospective Apprenticeships Guidance
For the Labor Market:
Employers invest in their employees, leading to increased employee commitment and retention.
Knowledge is passed down from experienced workers, creating a skilled labor force in high-demand, technical fields.
