Youth Apprenticeships

Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship (YA) dates back to 1991 as an innovative idea: a school-to-work initiative that prepares students for careers. Now 30 years later, we’re continuing the work to show over 450 high school students every year how YA can better their future.

How It Works

YA is designed to shape and skill young talent for the needs of the profession. Think of it as an early recruitment and training strategy for your future talent pool. By design, YA integrates school- and work-based learning to instruct students on employability and professional skills as defined by Wisconsin industries.

Local programs provide training based on statewide YA curriculum guidelines. Students are instructed by qualified trainers and skilled worksite mentors while they’re enrolled in academic classes to meet high school graduation requirements, in a YA-related instruction class and are employed by a participating business under the supervision of a skilled mentor.

Industry Tracks

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Architecture & Construction
Art, A/V Technology & Communications
Finance
Health Science
Hospitality, Lodging & Tourism
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Markerting
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

YA Alumni Testimonials

Hear from Youth Apprenticeship Program graduates on how the program helped them explore different industry pathways.

YA 101 Session

If you’re interested in hiring a youth apprentice but want more information, watch our most recent YA 101 session recording. You’ll hear directly from employers already working with students, as well as graduates of the program.

Companies gain new employees that are ready to learn the business, all while helping to alleviate challenges like skilled worker shortages or the ongoing need for a highly skilled workforce. The program allows you to tailor the employee to fit your specific needs in your facility, on your equipment, in your environment, and to your specific standards and goals.

Youth Apprentices experience a challenging and rewarding development opportunity with hands-on learning under the supervision of a skilled mentor. This is combined with classroom instruction to engage students in their learning process and motivate them to focus on their future.

Contact Resources