About me
Dr. James Pritchett serves as a Registered Youth Apprenticeship (RYA) Consultant for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, supporting schools, employers, and communities across the South Central and Southeast regions through the Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC) network. In this role, he works with school districts and industry partners to develop and expand youth apprenticeship programs that connect high school students to high-demand career pathways and meaningful work-based learning opportunities.Dr. Pritchett brings more than three decades of experience in education, including 18 years in educational administration. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his commitment to student success, and the development of authentic learning experiences that prepare students for life beyond high school.Since joining Missouri’s Registered Youth Apprenticeship initiative, Dr. Pritchett has focused on strengthening partnerships between schools, workforce partners, and local industries to create sustainable apprenticeship programs. His work emphasizes regional collaboration, workforce readiness, and helping students gain the skills, credentials, and real-world experiences needed for successful postsecondary transitions.
