Free apprenticeship children’s book is available for schools to order

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 8, 2024
Media Contact: Gina.Robison@labor.idaho.gov

The children’s book, “Booper Dreams Big: An Almost True Story of Apprenticeship,” is available for Idaho schools and libraries to order before Aug. 30 at no cost. Booper Dreams Big cover

Kindergarten to fifth grade students will follow Booper the dog as he learns the value of career education through his apprenticeship as a satellite technician.

The book was created on behalf of the Idaho Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Idaho program and comes in both English and bilingual (English-Spanish) versions.

Research suggests exposing children early to different career paths encourages lifelong career planning. College is not the only option — paid on-the-job training through apprenticeship can also lead to a fulfilling career and guaranteed wage increases.

Apprenticeships in Idaho continue to grow in popularity — the number of active apprentices in the state has grown by 200% since 2014. Currently, over 262 Idaho businesses sponsor Registered Apprenticeship programs, and over 2,600 Idahoans are enrolled as apprentices.

Educators can email apprenticeship@labor.idaho.gov to request a free copy for their classroom.

The author, Elaine Zabriskie, is available to do classroom readings of the book upon request. A free digital version of the book and a teacher resource guide can be found online.

For more information on apprenticeship opportunities in Idaho, visit ApprenticeshipIdaho.gov

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“Booper Dreams Big” was 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Labor by an Apprenticeship State Expansion grant totaling $1,331,490.75.