Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
The Youth Apprenticeship program is for everyone! Youth Apprenticeship is about finding the right careers for young people whatever their gender, or background. The goal is help grow skills with the economic needs for the future.
Non-discrimination policy: The CESA 6 Youth Apprenticeship consortium does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, religion, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or disability. Inquiries related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, s.118.13, Wisconsin Statues, or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1072 should be directed to the home school non-discrimination officer or to the CESA 6 Youth Apprenticeship Consortium Director at 920-236-0531.
Any student—regardless of future plans—can benefit from apprenticeship!
Youth apprenticeship is an options multiplier. Apprenticeship can be a powerful enhancement to your education or a fast-track to a middle-class career, or both.
Apprenticeship is not a diversion from higher education—it’s a rigorous education option that combines theoretical learning with practical learning that focuses career and education objectives. It can also be a direct path to high-paying, in-demand jobs. We have seen students benefit from early admissions into programs because of their Youth Apprenticeship experience. A student can start as an apprentice and end with a Ph.D. It’s a model of education that reveals multiple options to career and higher education.
Students need to be at least 16 years old. Students are eligible to start the application process during the second semester of their Sophomore year. Students are not eligible to begin their Youth Apprenticeship employment until the summer entering into their Junior. Students have the flexibility to be in the program for one or two years.
No! If you are on track for graduation your GPA is not used as a determination factor for YA program enrollment. Students with varying GPAs have found success in the program. What is critical to your success in the program is your reliability, consistency, and willingness to learn at the job site.
*Please note that while GPA is not used as a criterion for program enrollment, some employers in the medical field may use GPA as a decision-making factor during the hiring process.
Students are eligible to apply for the program as early as the Spring going into their Junior year of high school.
Click here to complete the application process
Email us if you need assistance with the application process
- Patience and willingness to learn
- Ability to maintain passing grades while enrolled
- Dependable and punctual with attendance requirements
- Reliable transportation
Your YA Coordinator and/or School Counselor can assist you with selecting the appropriate courses that will be required as a part of the Youth Apprenticeship program. You will need to maintain a passing grade in these courses to remain eligible for the YA program.
There are many employers who seek to hire students in the YA program year after year. Your YA Coordinator can help you make connections to the employers that are seeking YA candidates. Once you have completed a YA application, your YA Coordinator will share your application materials with employers seeking YA candidates. Please keep in mind that some program areas are more competitive or may have limited employment opportunities for students under 18. It is important that during the hiring process that you remain patient and keep an open mind regarding placement options. Your YA Coordinator and your personal network can be great resources to support your connections with potential employers. Ultimately, it is up to the employer to determine which students based on applications and interviews are a good fit for their organization. Please use this guide to assist you with preparing for your employment search.
Great! If this is the career area of interest for you please share your employment information in your YA application , or connect with your YA Coordinator. Your YA Coordinator can connect with your current employer to explain the YA program requirements.
Yes, you can! Please share the contact information for the company that you are interested in working at with your YA Coordinator. Your YA Coordinator will connect with the employer to review program requirements and complete the necessary training agreements.
Student wages are determined by the YA employer during the hiring process. Wages can vary based on program area, region, the student’s previous experience and skills demonstrated while on the job.
Start dates and work hours are determined by the employer and the student. Students in the program have the flexibility to obtain release time from school to work during the morning or afternoon. If a student elects to work during the school day, they will need to work with their school counselor to ensure that required courses are being completed prior to graduation.
Youth Apprenticeship students interview with employers and get to make the decision regarding where they want to work. The employers have made a considerable investment in you by committing to your training and mentorship for at least one full year. It is expected that you provide that same level of commitment to learning within the career field you chose to explore. As you continue to grow through the career development process, you will learn that every employment situation has tasks and responsibilities that are more enjoyable or more interesting than others. As an apprentice you will be exposed to a wide variety of skills earlier than your peers which will be an advantage as you seek future employment and advancement opportunities. Sometimes learning what you don’t enjoy can turn out to be an even more valuable experience. If issues arise with your placement during the course of your experience, please speak to your YA Coordinator.
Credits earned on your high school transcript are determined by your local high school. Please connect with your School Counselor or review your course catalog for additional information.
Yes! YA students can choose to take college courses through the Start College Now Program, or through their local high school transcripted credit courses that are related to their YA program experience. YA Students are encouraged to keep copies of their related course work class syllabus and the completed on the job learning guide with their employer evaluations. These documents can assist you when seeking college credit for prior learning experiences.
Students enrolled in certain programs can also credit for UW Admissions, click here to learn more.
Yes! Every YA student that successfully completes the YA program requirements will earn an Occupational Skills Proficiency Certification. This certification verifies that they have gained the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to be successful in their chosen industry within the state of Wisconsin. Students also can earn workplace certifications such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), OSHA 10, First Aid, Photoshop, and Automotive Service Technician.