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 instructed by qualified teachers and skilled worksite mentors. 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. 

Program Framework

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
• Related classroom instruction concurrent with work-based learning
• Curriculum guidelines for all programs
• Performance evaluation of demonstrated competencies
• State-issued skill certificate

Program Timeframe

Level One:

• Junior OR Senior year of High School
• 450 hours of work-based learning MINIMUM
• 2 semesters of related classroom instruction

Level Two (standard YA program):

• Junior AND Senior year of High School
• 900 hours of work-based learning MINIMUM
• 4 semesters of related classroom instruction