Youth Apprenticeship (YA)
What is the Youth Apprenticeship(YA) program?
Wisconsin’s YA program is an educational initiative which opens doors to most private and all public high school students to more fully develop their potential in life. The program combines school and work-based learning to develop students with stronger skills, whether the student plans to go directly into the workforce or enroll at a technical college or university. This intensive elective program provides graduates with a state recognized skill certificate, high school graduation credits, and up to 12 credits in technical college occupational programs.
How does YA work?
The YA program allows students, as sophomores or juniors, to make application to be selected to complete their junior and senior years differently than traditional high school students. As a youth apprentice, a high school student may attend their high school only half-days for their required academic instruction. They are released one or two half-days or one to two evenings per week to study occupational coursework. If the school day is affected for the student to attend Youth Apprenticeship classes, the remaining three half-days per week the student is rotated out of the classroom to paid on-the-job experience. (Note: Some work opportunities will affect after school and weekend time to meet the minimum program required work hours.)
Am I eligible for Youth Apprenticeship?
Yes, if you:- Are a sophomore or junior attending a public or private high school that is participating in the YA program.
- Submit a completed YA application by the required deadline for each high school (typically mid-March of current school year).
- Are in good standing with your high school and are on track for high school graduation.
- Are able to make a one or two-year commitment to the program and can manage outside responsibilities and the strict attendance standards set for the YA program.
- Have your own transportation to attend occupational courses as far as Lakeshore Technical College and arrive to work on time throughout your Youth Apprenticeship commitment.
- Have a genuine interest in one of the occupational fields offered as a YA program within your high school.
- Are willing to purchase required textbooks that may be needed in order to attend the occupational course.
- Pass a complete a physical and testing (interest, academic, functional, mechanical aptitude, and/or substance abuse) deemed necessary by the educational facility or employer.
- Are selected by a participating employer through the interview process.
- Are able to attend occupational courses that may be offered in the evening.
What occupational areas are offered through Youth Apprenticeship?
The YA program is available through most public or private high schools throughout the Lakeshore area. Typically, the programs have been offered in finance, health services, industrial equipment, machine tool, manufacturing, auto maintenance technician, welding, and drafting & design, and hospitality. Other YA occupational areas may be developed in the future depending on the high school and area employers. Check with your high school’s School-To-Work Coordinator/Liaison or your guidance counselor.
How do I get more information?
Contact Lakeshore Technical College at 1.888.GO TO LTC (1.888.468.6582). Ext. 1233