Youth Apprenticeship & Co-op Programs

What is the Youth Apprenticeship Program?

The Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship program, authorized in 1991 by the Wisconsin Legislature, provides high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to explore their chosen career while still in high school. Students receive occupational related instruction and on-the-job training as part of their regular high school schedule and they leave high school with a state skill certificate and career related work experience. The program prepares students for all options after high school, whether it correlates directly into the workforce, a technical college, or a university.

Department of Workforce Development Youth Apprenticeship Website

You can learn more about the Youth Apprenticeship program on the Department of Workforce Development website by clicking on a link to their website found below:

Department of Workforce Development YA Website

Youth Apprenticeship Program Areas:

• Agriculture

• Architecture &

• Construction

• Auto

• Health Sciences

• Hospitality, Lodging, Tourism

• Information Technology

• Manufacturing

• Marketing

• Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

• Any work experience that doesn’t fall under a Youth Apprenticeship program area is then considered a DPI Skills Co-op/school Co-op. Both programs are run the same.

What are the requirements of the YA/Co-op program?

• Students must have a job that works an average of 15 hours (or more) per week.

• Students must have taken two related classes in the YA program area.

• Complete an application that you received from Mrs. Kenyon, Counseling Office or see the forms linked below.

• Complete weekly logs in Skyward.

Do I have to leave school early in order to participate in the YA/Co-op program?

• No, you do not have to leave school early. If you are accepted into the program and you want to leave early, your schedule can be adjusted so that you can leave to work during 6th hour.