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Youth Apprenticeship (YA)
Youth Apprenticeship (YA) integrates school-based and work-based learning to instruct students in employability and occupational skills defined by Wisconsin industries. Local programs provide training based on statewide youth apprenticeship curriculum guidelines, endorsed by business and industry. Students are simultaneously enrolled in academic classes to meet high school graduation requirements, in a youth apprenticeship related instruction class, and are employed by a participating employer under the supervision of a skilled mentor. YA offers several career programs including Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Architecture & Construction, Art, A/V Technology & Communications, Finance, Health Science, Hospitality & Tourism, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM), Transportation, Distribution & Logistics, and Marketing.
Key elements of the youth apprenticeship program are:
- Industry-developed skill standards
- Exposure to multiple aspects of the industry
- Skilled mentors assigned to train the students
- Paid on-the-job work experience, which can be built into a student’s school day
- Minimum of 450 hours
- Related classroom instruction concurrent with work-based learning
- Curriculum guidelines for all programs
- Performance evaluation of demonstrated competencies
- State-issued skill certificate
(source: Department of Workforce Development)
Students wishing to participate in YA must submit an application, complete an employer agreement, and maintain a job in one of the career program areas. Upon successful completion, students will receive a state issued Youth Apprenticeship certificate.
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