The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) celebrated the first cohort of enrollees in the Utah Registered Apprenticeship Program for Teachers (U-RAPT) on April 25, 2025 at Itineris Early College High School in West Jordan. This ceremony honored the trailblazing future educators who are part of a new initiative to address the state’s teacher shortage.
U-RAPT, launched earlier this year, is a competency-based pathway designed for individuals to enter the teaching profession without a bachelor’s degree. The program provides paid apprenticeships, mentorship opportunities, and financial assistance for tuition, offering a robust support system for those seeking to become licensed teachers. It is structured into two distinct phases; while the Pre-Apprenticeship Phase is ideal for individuals who have no formal post-secondary education, the Apprenticeship Phase is structured for individuals who want to become licensed teachers and complete a degree.
There are currently 18 pre-apprentices and six apprentices in the program. “We are excited to honor the first cohort of apprentices in Davis School District who are stepping into the classroom to not only change their career, but also shape the future of education in our state,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sydnee Dickson. “U-RAPT is transforming the way we approach teacher preparedness and our apprentices are leading the way.”
The U-RAPT program continues to build momentum with new apprentices joining the program regularly, which will make a lasting impact on Utah’s education system. For more information on U-RAPT or to learn how to apply, visit the Utah State Board of Education website.
