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What is Youth Apprenticeship?

When people think about Youth Apprenticeship (YA), the construction trades and manufacturing are usually what come to mind. However, YA is now for everyone - especially students who want to get real-world experience in Information Technology.

As a junior or senior in high school who is selected to be YA student, you will have the opportunity to be paid to work with and learn from experts in the Information Technology field in one of four distinct Department of Workforce Development IT pathways. Your mentors will teach you what you need to know to be successful in the real world of Information Technology. In addition to , you will also receive college credit for the industry-related coursework that you complete. Get paid to learn and receive college credit? Why wouldn't you apply?

YA Consortia in Northeast Wisconsin

The following consortia are located in the Northeast Wisconsin region:

  • Greater Green Bay Chamber

  • Ahnapee Consortium

  • Lakeshore Technical College

  • CESA 6

  • CESA 8

  • Marinette and Oconto

  • Wolf River School to Work

Benefits of Youth Apprenticship for Students

Benefits for Students

  • Get paid to learn what you love!

  • Build your resume with real-world experience working with professionals in the field

  • Make connections for potential future summer internships

  • Earn advanced standing credits for a technical college or university

  • Strengthen your college and scholarship applications

Secura Insurance

YA Spotlight

Secura staff discuss how youth apprenticeship fits into their talent pipeline and benefits their business. Grace Vanden Heuvel details how her YA experience has helped her grow as a student and is setting her up for a successful career in Digital Technology.

Heartland Business Systems

YA Spotlight

Heartland, a new participant in IT YA, interviewed Kung Lee from Hortonville High School and brought him onboard. They are giving him hands-on experience working with clients and on the software and web app team.

Green Bay Packaging

YA Spotlight

Green Bay Packaging mentors shared their expertise with Fox Valley Lutheran student Stephen Allcox through a computer science youth apprenticeship. Stephen explains how the training he received on the job site relates to his classroom learning and how the youth apprenticeship benefited everyone.



Benefits of Youth Apprenticeship for Businesses

Benefits for Businesses

  • Build a pipeline of young talent that you can assess early to see potential for future employees

  • Retain talent in your geographic business area

  • Diversify your workplace

  • Foster a culture of learning and innovation

  • Give your employees leadership opportunities

Connecting Your Business with Information Technology Youth Apprenticeships

Kim Iverson and Rebecca Deschane from NEW Digital Alliance talk about how the Information Technology Youth Apprenticeship program can give you one more way to connect your business with a diverse talent pool and invest in a healthy Wisconsin workforce.

Youth Apprenticeship Coffee Break with Amy Bires of Microsoft TEALS

Join Amy as she teaches us about the Information Technology Youth Apprenticeship program and the benefits that your business can experience when you provide paid youth apprenticeship opportunities for high school juniors and seniors.

Steps to Apply

Step 1 - Learn About the Program

Watch the video to learn more about the program including how it benefits students and the process for applying.

Step 2 - Complete the Application

Fill out the application with your consortium. Your school guidance counselor, computer science teacher or your parents can help you fill out the forms.

Which Consortium am I in?

Click the button below to find your consortium

Step 3 - Interview for Positions

In mid-May, IT YA candidates will have the opportunity to interview with potential employers. The interview will last for approximately 15-30 minutes during which employers will ask you a series of questions to determine how you might fit with the opportunity that they will be providing.

Step 4 - Complete YA Requirements

Of course, once you are selected, you will go through your employers onboarding and training process to ensure that you understand what is expected of you.

Requirements

  • Fulfill your high school credit requirements

  • Complete at least 450 hours of paid work per year with an IT employer

  • Complete industry-related college coursework as assigned by the program