CareerWise Apprenticeships & Staffing Solutions
SHOW NOTES — “CareerWise Apprenticeships & Staffing Solutions”
Element 13 — Staffing Solutions (Performance Domain)
Featuring: Noel Ginsburg, Founder of CareerWise
⭐ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In this powerful episode, Bob Barrows welcomes Noel Ginsburg — entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and founder of CareerWise — for a transformative look at how apprenticeships are reshaping solutions to special education staffing shortages.
Noël shares how founding his first company during college, mentoring students through the “I Have a Dream” Foundation, and a life-changing trip to Switzerland all converged into the creation of CareerWise, an apprenticeship model now scaling across the United States. Through partnerships with school districts, state departments of education, and higher education institutions, CareerWise is creating sustainable earn-and-learn pathways that strengthen the teacher workforce — including Special Education Generalist licensure pathways.
Bob and Noel dig deep into how paraeducators can become licensed special education teachers, why apprenticeship improves retention, and how this model is building a symbiotic path to adult success for students and educators alike.
Episode Transcript
⭐ KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Apprenticeships solve staffing shortages by growing teachers from within
Paraeducators already know the classroom, understand student needs, and bring commitment — making them ideal candidates for SPED teacher apprenticeships.
2. Switzerland inspired a scalable U.S. model
Seeing a country where 70% of students enter apprenticeships showed Noël that mentorship, soft-skill development, and workplace-based learning could work at scale in America.
3. Apprenticeship is an “options multiplier” for young people
Students can go directly into work, continue postsecondary education, or do both — expanding opportunity rather than limiting it.
4. Legislation + higher-ed innovation were essential
Colorado passed enabling legislation allowing teaching credentials through nontraditional, work-based pathways — opening the door for special education licensure via apprenticeship.
5. Rural communities benefit profoundly
Teacher Degree Apprenticeships allow future teachers to stay in their hometowns while earning credentials, combating rural teacher shortages.
6. Apprenticeship strengthens national unity
Noël believes that expanding pathways to family-sustaining careers can help heal division by creating visible opportunity for all.
CW Transcript
⭐ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS WITH TIMESTAMPS
(Timestamps correspond to transcript markers)
00:00 – Introduction
Bob frames the episode around staffing shortages in special education and introduces Noël’s background.
Bob frames the episode around staffing shortages in special education and introduces Noël’s background.
03:00 – Entrepreneurship roots
Noël explains founding Intertech Plastics and realizing early that success depends on surrounding yourself with skilled talent.
Noël explains founding Intertech Plastics and realizing early that success depends on surrounding yourself with skilled talent.
06:00 – The “I Have a Dream” Foundation and a 90% → 90% turnaround
His 10-year commitment to 42 students shaped his belief in scalable, caring systems.
His 10-year commitment to 42 students shaped his belief in scalable, caring systems.
08:00 – The Switzerland revelation
The moment he realized apprenticeship could be a nationwide solution for workforce development.
The moment he realized apprenticeship could be a nationwide solution for workforce development.
11:00 – Bringing the model to Colorado
Texting Governor Hickenlooper, organizing a 48-person delegation, and building the first U.S. proof points.
Texting Governor Hickenlooper, organizing a 48-person delegation, and building the first U.S. proof points.
15:00 – Overcoming misconceptions about apprenticeship
Educating parents, schools, and business leaders that apprenticeship expands — not restricts — opportunity.
Educating parents, schools, and business leaders that apprenticeship expands — not restricts — opportunity.
21:00 – What schools need from modern workforce pipelines
Why business partnerships allow schools to teach what they teach best while leveraging real-world environments.
Why business partnerships allow schools to teach what they teach best while leveraging real-world environments.
29:00 – Teacher Degree Apprenticeships in Colorado
How legislation enabled teaching credentials — including Special Education Generalist licensure — through work-based learning.
How legislation enabled teaching credentials — including Special Education Generalist licensure — through work-based learning.
32:00 – The Harrison School District example
A paraeducator apprentice in SPED shows how the pathway transforms careers and solves staffing shortages.
A paraeducator apprentice in SPED shows how the pathway transforms careers and solves staffing shortages.
35:00 – What it takes to expand SPED apprenticeships nationally
Demand, leadership vision, legislative support, and strong intermediary organizations.
Demand, leadership vision, legislative support, and strong intermediary organizations.
41:00 – Why apprenticeship is about more than jobs
A unifying national force that restores pathways to opportunity.
A unifying national force that restores pathways to opportunity.
CW Transcript
⭐ QUOTABLE MOMENTS
“Apprenticeship is an options multiplier — it expands pathways rather than narrowing them.” — Noel
“Paraeducators know the classroom. When they choose to pursue licensure, that choice is priceless.” — Noel
“We’re not building a program; we’re building systems that can change a country.” — Noel
“What you’re describing is a symbiotic path to adult success — that’s why you’re on this show.” — Bob
