Apprenticeship Programs

Build your career in education with the Bucks IU

The Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks IU) offers apprenticeship programs that help people gain experience, earn credentials, and advance their careers while working in our schools. These programs create opportunities for current staff and new educators to grow into roles that support Bucks County students with no out-of-pocket cost to them.

Bucks IU offers a cohort model for each apprenticeship that opens once per year for interested applicants. Interested applicants may apply through the Bucks IU's Careers site.

Learn on the job with guidance from experienced colleagues

Bucks IU Registered Apprenticeship programs include:

• Paid job: Apprenticeships are jobs! Apprentices earn a competitive wage from Bucks IU that increases during training, providing a reward for skill gain.
• Work-based learning: Programs provide structured on-the-job learning to prepare apprentices for a successful career.
• Classroom learning: Apprentices are provided classroom instruction that supports their on-the-job training. Learning includes courses with higher educaiton partners at no cost to apprentices.
• Mentorship: Apprentices receive on-the-job learning under the instruction of an experienced mentor, helping organizations retain the expertise of retiring workers.
• National Credential: Apprenticeship programs result in a nationally-recognized industry credential that guarantees to employers that apprentices are fully qualified for the job.

Explore the pathway

The right starting point depends on your education, experience, and career goals. Bucks IU Staff can help you explore which opportunity may be a fit.

Pre-Apprenticeship for Highly Qualified Teacher Aides

A starting point for individuals with a high school diploma or GED equivalent interested in special education. Participants work toward a credential of competency that can help them qualify for further opportunities in the Bucks IU educator pathway.

Time to complete: 5 weeks during summer Extended School Year programming (June - July)

Final credential: Credential of Competency for Special Education Paraprofessionals

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Apprenticeship

Apprentices develop skills for supporting students with behavioral needs while completing training and working toward national RBT certification. The program also includes Crisis Prevention and Intervention training, First Aid and CPR certification, and college coursework.

Time to complete: 18 months

Final credential: Registered Behavior Technician Certification and two completed college courses in education

Undergraduate Special Education Teacher Apprenticeship

Staff can work toward a bachelor's-level teaching certification while gaining classroom experience under the daily supervision of a mentor teacher in a Bucks IU special education program.

Time to complete: Average of 3.5 years depending upon number college credits upon entry

Final credential: Bachelors of Art in PK-12 Special Education and Teacher Certification in PK-12 Special Education

Post-Baccalaureate Special Education Teacher Apprenticeship 

For staff who already hold a bachelor's degree in any field, the Bucks IU offers a pathway toward special education teacher certification.

Time to complete: 18-24 months depending upon prior degree coursework

Final credential: Post-Baccalaureate PK-12 Special Education Teaching Certification

Teacher of the Deaf Apprenticeship

The Bucks IU's Teacher of the Deaf Apprenticeship expands opportunities for educators preparing to support students who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

Time to complete: 18-24 months depending upon prior degree coursework

Final credential: Special Education - Hearing Impaired PK-12 Teaching Certification