Youth Apprenticeship (YA)

The Valders Area School District is proud to participate in the Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship program. A Youth Apprenticeship is a one or two-year “earn while you learn” program for high school juniors and seniors consisting of work and related classroom instruction in a chosen occupation. Training is received on the job where the employer teaches the skills of the occupation. This is augmented by taking courses that are related to that occupation. No matter what the youth apprentice decides to do after high school, they will be more prepared for success because of their apprenticeship! Click here to learn more!

Info for Students and Families

Student Benefits

• From day one, you will earn a paycheck for your work

• Receive practical on-the-job training in your chosen occupation

• You will learn from both your job and classroom-related instruction

• Youth Apprenticeship can lead to a fulfilling, long-term career

• Earn an industry-recognized completion certificate

Student Responsibilities

• Meet academic requirements for high school graduation
• Maintain good attendance at school and on the job
• Complete the number of required work-based learning hours
• Participate in regular progress reviews
• Exhibit maturity and responsibility to employer

Family Responsibilities

• Assist the youth apprentice in meeting the academic and attendance requirements of the program
• Ensure transportation to and from the work site is provided
• Participate in progress reviews scheduled with mentors, school personnel, and the youth apprentice

Info for Employers

Employer Benefits

• Young workers are eager to learn and have an interest in the profession
• Address future hiring needs in a cost-effective and timely manner
• Shape the skills, expectations and habits of your future workforce
• Expose youth to careers within your specific industry
• Over 75% of youth apprentices are offered employment by host employer after the apprenticeship has ended
• Students enter industry more confident about their career decisions
• Youth apprentices work with a YA coordinator who provides ongoing support during their apprenticeship
• Students are screened for interest to ensure commitment and intent to work
• Students learn in the classroom and on the job concurrently
• Youth apprentices are classified as student learners, allowing them to perform some work that would otherwise be unavailable to youth under the age of 18

Employer Responsibilities

• Participate in mentor training session
• Interview and hire YA student(s)
• Provide on-the-job training to YA student(s)
• Pay YA student(s)
• Participate in regular progress reviews
• Ensure 450 hours per year of worksite training/work hours
• Comply with child labor laws