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Youth Apprentice

Preparing the next generation through apprenticeships.

Youth Apprenticeship (YA) is a highly successful talent acquisition strategy in which employers hire high school juniors or seniors for a one or two-year apprenticeship. During the apprenticeship, the student continues toward high school graduation and takes courses related to the profession as a way of enhancing what is being learned on the job.

Benefits for employers:
The YA Program has been connecting employers with high school student talent for over 25 years, creating a scalable and successful program with input from industry. Employers extend permanent job offers to more than 75 percent of the graduating youth apprentices annually, making YA an excellent pipeline for recruiting and retaining loyal, well-trained talent. Employers continually report a high level of satisfaction, and cite these program benefits:

  • Increase visibility of employer's industry / business.
  • Access to young workers who are eager to learn and have interest in the profession.
  • Quality, prescreened youth apprentices who receive ongoing support during their apprenticeship.
  • A method to address future hiring needs in a cost-effective and timely manner.
  • Opportunity to prepare future workers.
  • Opening to help educational personnel develop job-specific proficiencies.
  • Chance to become involved with worksite curriculum.
  • The chance to shape the skills, expectations and habits of youth apprentices at a young age.


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) at least minimum wage
  • Participate in regular Progress Reviews with youth apprentice(s) at least 3 times per year
  • Ensure 450 hours per year of worksite training/work hours
  • Comply with employment of minors (a.k.a. child labor) laws

Resources:
Where the business is located or what school the apprentice will be coming from will influence next steps on hiring a Youth Apprentice.
  • Eau Claire Area Youth Apprenticeship Consortium Schools - More Information
    • Altoona High School
    • Eau Claire North High School
    • Eau Claire Memorial High School
    • Fall Creek High School
    • McKinley Charter School
    • Regis High School
  • CESA 10 Schools - More Information

Have questions? Contact Taylor Wilkins.