Youth Apprenticeship
What we do:
Provide opportunity for work release time associated with career interests.
What you need to know:
Earn 2 credits. Classroom learning compliments employment opportunity. Youth Apprentices connect with Mrs. Baber in quarterly evaluation meetings while working 450 hours during a one year period. YA provides an opportunity for immersion into a career choice during high school.
This class is a good fit if:
You are searching for an experience in a chosen career before you graduate.
Youth Apprenticeships are offered in 12 different Programs through various pathways. Click here for Checklists of tasks for each Youth Apprenticeship option. Below are the Programs/Options.
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Agriculture Mechanic
Animal Fundamentals: Hear, Dairy, Small Animal Vet Tech
Arborist
Plant Fundamentals: Crops, Floral/Greenhouse, Landscaping
Environmental Systems
Architecture & Construction
Architectural Drafting
Carpentry
Electrical
Gas Distribution Technology
Heavy Equipment Operator
Masonry
Mechanical-HVAC
Plumbing
Utilities Field Technician
Arts, Audio/Visual, Technology & Communication
Graphic Design
Media Broadcast Technician
Pre-Press Operator
Post-Press Operator
Business Management & Administration
Administrative Professional
Human Resources Professional
Education & Training
Early Childhood Education
School Age Education
Finance
Accounting
Banking
Insurance
Health Science
Dental Assistant
Dietary Aide
Medical Assistant
Medical Imaging
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Medical Office
Nursing Assistant
Optical Assistant
Pharmacy Technician
Phlebotomist
Physical Therapy Aide
Resident Aide
Hospitality, Tourism and Lodging
Food & Beverage
Lodging
Meeting & Events
Information Technology
Broadband Technician
IT Essentials
IT Network & Security
IT Software & Application Development
Manufacturing
Assembly and Packaging
Electromechanical Mechatronics
Industrial Equipment
Machining
Manufacturing Process
Production Operations
Welding
Marketing
Marketing Communication
Marketing Management
Merchandising
Marketing Research
Professional Sales
Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM)
Bioscience Lab Foundations
Bioscience Applications
Civil Engineering
Engineering Drafting
Mechanical Engineering
Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Airport Operations Management
Automotive Technician
Aviation Maintenance
Airframe and Powerplant Technician
Avionics Technician
Auto Collision
Diesel Technician
Supply Chain Assistant
Distribution Transportation Operator
Inventory Management
Planning and Purchasing
Storage and Warehousing
The steps involved with the Youth Apprenticeship Program are listed below.
- Meet with School to Career Coordinator
Discuss your Youth Apprenticeship with Mrs. Baber. What interests you, why do you seek a YA, what questions do you need answered, what are the next steps, how do you apply, etc.
2. Apply for Youth Apprenticeship
Complete the application in a google form (available after Jan 1st, 2024). Application for 2024-2025 school year is due January 31, 2024.
All students who inform Ms. Baber of their interest in Youth Apprenticeship and meet with her to discuss plans will be sent an email with a link to the YA application along with a tutorial on how to complete the form (specifically how to complete the related courses area).
4. Attend a Youth Apprenticeship Information nigh in Jan/Feb/Mar
Required - students and a parent or guardian must attned a Dane County School Consortium YA Information Meeting that is hosted by DCSC in January, February or March. Only one meeting is required. YA for 2024-2025 Dates and information are forthcoming.
4. Research and Apply for Employment
You can use a current employer if it is relevant to your chosen pathway. Mrs. Baber can provide leads to employment too. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the student to obtain employment.
Here is a link for sample cover letters and resumes.
Employers will provide mentors for Youth Apprenticeship students. The mentors (supervisors) will ensure exposure to and assist with mastery of specified skills. These skills are listed on Checklists relevant to the YA program. Here is a link for the specific pathways.
5. Sign Education Training Agreement
Youth Apprentice sets up a meeting with the employer, Mrs. Baber, and a parent to review and sign the Education Training Agreement.
The ETA will be provided at the time of the meeting. This document is the final step in setting up the Youth Apprenticeship. During the meeting, all parties will discuss the details of the YA opportunity and have time to ask and answer questions.
6. Update your school schedule
Upon signing the Education Training Agreement, your schedule will be updated to include release periods for your employment. These periods of release will be discussed during the ETA meeting with your employer so all parties understand when the Youth Apprentice will be available for school, extra curricular activities and work.
NOTE: Students are required to take 1.0 High School Credits of related coursework along with their other courses. The Youth Apprenticeship Program is designed to be a capstone class that furthers the learning and advancement of skills for students. Therefore, continued learning that is concurrent to the YA experience is optimal for immersion into a chosen career path. In other words, students learn skills outside of work and directly apply them to their employment.
7. Begin your Youth Apprenticeship experience!
A student may start work before the Youth Apprenticeship and employer signs the ETA. However, hours counted toward the YA will begin as of the ETA signing date. A level 1 YA (Senior) will work 450 hours before August 31st of the following year. A Youth Apprentice may continue working after the 450 hours have been met. A level 2 YA (Junior) will work 900 hours to complete the program.
8. Build relationships with employer and Ms. Baber
The Youth Apprentice will meet in person/virtually with Mrs. Baber on a quarterly basis at their employer to discuss the YA experience. These meetings are required and are directly related to the student receiving 2.0 High School Elective credits.
Additionally, each YA will be included in a Google Classroom that provides information regarding schedule updates, expectations of the YA and requirements of the program.
Information about the Youth Apprenticeship Program in detail
Navigate to this website to find detailed information about the Youth Apprenticeship Program: DCSC Website - specifically you will find the On the Job Learning (OJL) documents - checklist of duties/tasks required for each program that must be completed by the end of the Apprenticeship to be awarded credit and certificate.