Youth Apprenticeships

What is a Youth Apprenticeship?

Youth Apprenticeship (YA) integrates school-based and work-based learning to instruct students in employability and occupational skills defined by Wisconsin industries. Local programs provide training based on statewide youth apprenticeship curriculum guidelines, endorsed by business and industry. Students are instructed by qualified teachers and skilled worksite mentors. Students are simultaneously enrolled in academic classes to meet high school graduation requirements, in a youth apprenticeship related instruction class, and are employed by a participating employer under the supervision of a skilled mentor.


Key elements of the youth apprenticeship program are:

  • Exposure to multiple aspects of the industry

  • Skilled mentors assigned to train the students

  • Paid on-the-job work experience

  • Related classroom instruction concurrent with work-based learning

  • State-issued skill certificate


What is the timeline of a Youth Apprenticeship?

Level One - 1st Year

  • Junior OR Senior year of High School

  • 450 hours of work-based learning MINIMUM

  • 2 semesters of related classroom instruction



Level Two - 2nd Year

  • Junior AND Senior year of High School

  • 900 hours of work-based learning MINIMUM

  • 4 semesters of related classroom instruction


How do I apply to Youth Apprenticeship?

  1. Get started by talking to your school counselor (Room 2031) about your schedule and whether you are on-track for graduation. You have to have room in your schedule to be able to participate in YA programs.

    • Ms. Elmore (AVID)

    • Ms. Gillis (Warner Neighborhood)

    • Ms. Micklos (Tenney Neighborhood)

    • Ms. Murphy-Sinha (ELL)

    • Ms. Olson (Yahara Neighborhood)

    • Ms. Schuchardt (Olbrich Neighborhood)

  2. Your school counselor or Mr. Kastner will help you get in contact with MMSD's Youth Apprenticeship Local Coordinator about how to apply and obtain career materials (plans of study) from your coordinators.

  3. Interview with employers and companies in chosen industries. If accepted, you are eligible to interview at a specific company in the industry where you're looking to gain experience.

  4. After a successful interview, you will participate in an onsite orientation, onboarding, and safety training where, among many other things, you will get to meet your new mentor.

  5. Complete your industry specific YA requirements and progress reviews as you work and study during your apprenticeship.

  6. Complete industry specific classroom and worksite YA requirements. Once all your requirements are fulfilled, you will receive your Certificate of Occupational Proficiency (YA certificate) from the Department of Workforce Development!