When Sierra Peebles started her apprenticeship journey, she was just a few months out of high school and working at Fit Kids Child Care in Erie, Pennsylvania. She knew she wanted to build a career in early childhood education but wasn’t sure where to start. The apprenticeship offered her both direction and opportunity: a way to gain experience, earn her credentials, and grow her confidence while receiving financial support along the way.
“I wanted to get my CDA anyway, and the apprenticeship just made sense,” Sierra said. “You’re getting paid while learning. You earn raises as you go, and when you complete your certificate, you get another raise. It’s a win-win.”
Why Registered Apprenticeship?
Sierra began her apprenticeship with Early Connections’ Early Childhood Education Registered Apprenticeship Program in 2021, completing her Infant–Toddler CDA within a year. The structured support of the program helped her overcome challenges she had faced since childhood, including dyslexia and speech and hearing difficulties. “When I was younger, I struggled a lot,” she shared. “By sixth grade, I was still reading at a third-grade level. The apprenticeship gave me a new sense of purpose. It showed me that I could do hard things and succeed.”
After completing her first CDA, Sierra decided to pursue a second on her own, earning her Preschool CDA through Better Kid Care. This accomplishment qualified her to become a Pre-K Counts assistant teacher at the Eastside YMCA Early Learning Academy, where she continues to make a meaningful impact on young learners.
Program Impact and Career Growth
The apprenticeship not only helped Sierra advance her career but also inspired a deeper understanding of what quality childcare means. “In places that don’t have apprenticeship programs, you sometimes see people treating it like babysitting,” she explained. “But when you go through an apprenticeship, you start to see how much responsibility and skill it really takes. You’re helping children grow. You’re shaping who they become.”
Sierra has seen firsthand how apprenticeship improves reliability, professionalism, and retention in childcare centers. “You get more dependable staff,” she said. “When people know they can earn more as they learn more, they stay longer. They take their job seriously.”
Recognition and Resilience
In 2023, Sierra’s dedication was recognized statewide when she received the Outstanding Registered Apprentice Award from the Pennsylvania Apprenticeship and Training Office. Nominated by her mentor, Kim Kuehl, Sierra attended the ceremony in Pittsburgh surrounded by her family, colleagues, and former supervisors. “It was such an honor,” she recalled. “My mom, dad, and sister were all there. It meant so much to have them see what I’d accomplished.”
Despite personal challenges—including caring for family members facing serious health issues—Sierra continues to look toward the future with determination. She is considering returning to school to become a registered nurse, hoping to combine her compassion for children and her growing passion for healthcare.
Looking Ahead
For Sierra, the apprenticeship was more than a career opportunity—it was a turning point. “I’ve always wanted to help people,” she said. “The apprenticeship showed me I could take what I’ve been through and use it to make a difference. It gave me confidence, stability, and a real path forward.”
“The apprenticeship gave me a new sense of purpose. It showed me that I could do hard things and succeed—and now I want to help others do the same.”
— Sierra Peebles
Back to all Registered Apprenticeship Success Stories