College and Career Readiness
(209) 292-2693 •
Staff Directory
To be college and career ready, students must be prepared with the knowledge and skills necessary to enter the ever-changing workforce of the future. According to the Educational Policy Research Center, “a student who is ready for college and career can qualify for and succeed in entry-level, credit bearing college courses leading to a baccalaureate or certificate, or career pathway-oriented training programs without the need for remedial or developmental coursework.”
The San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) College and Career Readiness department supports all districts in the county with resources and training to help prepare students for success. This includes providing students rigorous and relevant curriculum content, quality career technical education (CTE) pathways (that include the 11 elements of a high-quality CTE program), and a solid understanding of the resources available upon high school graduation. Evidence has shown that early and consistent opportunities to explore college and career pathways are crucial for all students and their future success.
For more information about the College and Career Readiness department, please contact Pam Knapp at paknapp@sjcoe.net or Ebicalina Casillas at ebcasillas@sjcoe.net.
Apprenticeships - Registered Adult and High School Programs
Adult Apprenticeships
The SJCOE is the local education agency (LEA) for approximately 35 apprenticeship programs across California. The program manager and consultants oversee, review, and approve Related & Supplemental Instruction (RSI) for our apprenticeship programs. We work with the agencies listed below and local apprenticeship coordinator associations, management & and employee associations and other LEAs in support of California employers to develop a skilled workforce creating viable career pathways that increase productivity and strengthen our economy.
If you are a student/employee looking for more information, please go to the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards website.
Employers interested in learning more can contact: Apprenticeship Consultant Rick Guantone at rguantone@sjcoe.net, or Account Clerk Marianne Parra at mparra@sjcoe.net.
High School Apprenticeship Program
The SJCOE received the California Apprenticeship Initiative grant for $500,000 from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office to fund the first-of-its-kind High School Apprenticeship program, based upon the concept of “growing our own” whereby high school students will be employed in one of four career training programs listed below, while simultaneously completing high school, participating in dual enrollment classes through San Joaquin Delta College, and working part-time. High school apprenticeship programs are being developed in the following career pathways:
- • Information Technology Support Specialist (Currently running with approved standards and registered students with the Division of Apprenticeship Standards)
- • Automotive Master Mechanics
- • Home Health Aides/CNA
- • Logistics - Warehouse Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
- • Classroom Aides/Para-professionals
Students will be recruited by their career technical education (CTE) teachers and/or counselors and will be provided an application to apply to become an apprentice in one of the pathways. Eight area high school districts have been provided funding from this grant to help offset the costs of training and supplies for the student apprentices, in exchange for agreeing to hire student apprentices within their school district or help secure employers who will hire high school student apprentices. Participation in this program will prepare students for direct employment upon graduation from high school. Grants funds may not be used to pay the high school student apprentice wages.
Learn more in the Apprenticeship Reaching Career Horizons (ARCH) program flyer.
Signing Ceremony Highlights.
Read more about in articles published about the program: SJCOE Outlook Magazine, The Record, Lodi News Sentinel, Escalon Times, and Newsletter - Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
Additional High School Apprenticeship Resources
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Training
Direct support professionals provide direct care, guidance, and support to developmentally disabled residents in community care facilities (CCF). These facilities are designed to allow the individuals to live as independently as possible. Employees of CCFs are required to complete training that provides skills necessary to meet the needs of the residents, supervisors, and administrators to ensure their health and safety.
Direct Support Professional training is a state certified program taught by qualified instructors from the SJCOE College and Career Readiness department. This two-year, 70-hour course is taught in two separate phases, Year I and Year II. Both courses are 35 hours and are in accordance with Title 17 regulations. Year I training must be completed within the first year of employment, and Year II training must be completed by the end of the second year of employment. At the conclusion of each course, the direct support professional will complete a skill check and written test.
The SJCOE College and Career Readiness department provides this training at no cost to direct support professionals working in CCFs. Classes are available in-person and via Zoom.
All DSP registration is completed online at www.dsptrain.org.
For more information, please visit the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) website at http://www.dds.ca.gov/DSPT. For questions regarding DSP registration or Results Notification, contact the eDSPT Helpline at 800-910-4604.
Student Resource Guides
College Readiness
The following links are helpful in learning more about college admissions, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. Additionally, below is a link to the CDE Dashboard and the College Career Indicator.
College Admissions & Resources
Financial Aid and Scholarship Websites
College Assessment Exams
California School Dashboard and System of Support
Career Technical Education (CTE)
The College and Career Readiness department coordinates monthly meetings for district CTE directors and administrators to discuss current issues related to grant funding, career pathways, and opportunities for students in career technical education (CTE). Below are links to important CTE related information: