Injury to Impact: Physical Therapy Youth Apprenticeship

How Youth Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Building America 2 Launched Carina's Dream Career

When Carina experienced a sports injury in high school, it changed the way she saw the world and herself. What could have been a setback became a turning point. Through her recovery, she discovered a deep passion for physical therapy and sports rehabilitation. Today, she’s not only pursuing that passion, she’s thriving in it.

Carina was first introduced to the Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program, administered by the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin (WDBSCW), by a friend and quickly adjusted to the work. As a Youth Apprentice in the Physical Therapy/Sports Rehab program, she is already immersed in her dream career. She splits her time between a field placement at East Madison UW Health Hospital, where she’s actively learning treatment plans and physical therapy techniques firsthand, and working on the athletic training team for Forward Madison to apply her skills in a real-world setting.

Her journey has been further supported by the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Building America Round 2 (ABA2)* grant, which is administered by the WDBSCW. The national initiative was designed to expand and develop both Registered and Youth Apprenticeship opportunities in the healthcare industry. Through this grant, Carina (and more than 40 Youth Apprentices) qualify for critical wraparound services to successfully earn the Youth Apprenticeship credential. Supports include, but are not limited to transportation, uniform and work equipment, and childcare assistance. Access to resources from this grant has allowed Carina to pursue her goals with stability and confidence.

Physical Therapy Youth Apprentice (YA) Carina Caspar at UW Health's training facility.

Through the apprenticeship and supportive services from the ABA2 grant, Carina has had the opportunity to shadow professionals, participate in patient care, and get hands-on with the daily realities of the job. She’s already applying what she’s learning and contributing meaningfully to her team, so much so that she will even be training new apprentices coming in over the summer.

“Youth Apprenticeship has allowed me to do more than just observe. I’m actually learning what it takes to work in physical therapy before I even graduated high school,” Carina shared. “It’s helped me build real skills and confirmed that this is the right path for me.”

Career Pathways Coordinator for UW Health’s Allied Health Education team Kelly Bangs, has been a support for Carina throughout her apprenticeship by managing scheduling, coordinating field placements, and assisting her along the way.

“I’ve seen Carina grow so much in her role,” Kelly reflects. “She’s incredibly hardworking, intelligent, and driven. It’s clear she’s meant for this work and going to go so far.”

Carina’s academic journey is just as impressive. She’s recognized as a three-time academic scholar and student leader. In the fall, she will be attending Macalester College in Minnesota to study Sociology and Spanish, laying the foundation for a holistic approach to care as she then pursues Physical Therapy school.

Carina is a hardworking, dedicated young professional who’s already made significant strides toward her dream career before even graduating high school. Through Youth Apprenticeship and support from the ABA2 grant, she’s not only gained early, hands-on experience in her chosen field, but also the confidence to pursue it with purpose. We’re proud to have provided the support and opportunities that helped launch her journey, and we can’t wait to see how far she’ll go!

*For more information on the Apprenticeship Building America 2 (ABA2) grant, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's website.