February 26, 2026
In 2021, St. Joseph County Intermediate School District (ISD) Career and Technical Education (CTE) became an approved Registered Apprenticeship intermediary through the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship. This designation allows St. Joseph County ISD CTE to serve as a liaison between local employers and the Department of Labor, creating structured pathways for students to earn industry-recognized credentials while still in high school. As an intermediary, St. Joseph County ISD manages the Registered Apprenticeship standards and reporting requirements, while employer partners provide students with high-quality, hands-on training.
Since the program’s inception, nine students have successfully completed Registered Apprenticeships in occupations such as Teacher’s Aide, IT Helpdesk Technician, and Industrial Manufacturing Technician. Students have received exceptional on-the-job training with respected local partners including Pathfinder Educational Center, Armstrong International, American Axle & Manufacturing, and the St. Joseph County ISD Technology Department.
One example of the program’s impact is Devin, a 2023 graduate of Sturgis High School. Devin completed both the CTE Teacher Academy program and the Teacher’s Aide Registered Apprenticeship. She received a full-time job offer prior to graduating high school. More than three years later, she continues to work at Pathfinder in an elementary SXI classroom serving students in grades K–5 with severe multiple impairments. Devin credits the Registered Apprenticeship with exposing her to diverse classroom environments and instructional approaches.
“The success of this program is made possible through strong partnerships with local employers who invest in our students,” shared Sarah Beckle, Work-Based Learning Coordinator St. Joseph County CTE. “These Registered Apprenticeships not only provide meaningful hands-on experience, but also allow students to earn an industry-recognized credential that strengthens their career pathway and future opportunities”
Current Registered Apprentices include Jak and Blake, who are completing their Industrial Manufacturing Technician Registered Apprenticeships at Armstrong International. As second-year Welding students, they are gaining comprehensive experience in materials, safety, quality and operations. Their Registered Apprenticeship builds upon their CTE coursework by providing meaningful, real-world application.
