Youth Skills Training (YST) in Minnesota is a program that creates paid, on-the-job training opportunities for students aged 16 and older in high-growth industries like advanced manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, health care, and information technology. It involves partnerships between schools, employers, and community organizations to provide classroom instruction, safety training, industry-recognized certifications, and paid work experience, preparing students for future careers.  

The Minnesota Department of Labor oversees the YST (Youth Skills Training) Program. YST partnering schools need to provide the following for students: 

• meaningful industry exposure for diverse students;

• an offering of at least one industry-related course for high school credit;

• a pathway to industry-recognized certification/credentialing; and

• paid work experiences in one or more of the following industries: advanced manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, health care and information technology. 

MN Dept of Labor & Industry Website: https://www.dli.mn.gov/yst 

Alexandria Area High School has been fortunate to be awarded the YST Grant through the MN Department of Labor & Industry in both 2023 and 2025.