--- title: Benefits of Youth Apprenticeship for Employers description: Gain motivated student apprentices through the Youth Apprenticeship program to meet the evolving needs of your workforce. Explore the benefits for employers. --- - [ Student Portal ](https://my.yawisconsin.org/student-and-employer-portal) - [ Employer Portal ](https://my.yawisconsin.org/student-and-employer-portal) - [ Apply Now ](https://www.yawisconsin.org/lp/apply-now) [![logo-full-color](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hubfs/assets-cr/logos/logo-full-color.svg)](https://www.yawisconsin.org/) - Youth Apprenticeship Program - [Students](https://www.yawisconsin.org/students) - [ Apply Now ](https://www.yawisconsin.org/lp/apply-now) - [Employers](https://www.yawisconsin.org/employers) - [ Sign Up ](https://www.yawisconsin.org/lp/company-profile) - [School Districts](https://www.yawisconsin.org/schools) - [ Learn More ](https://www.yawisconsin.org/schools) - [ Career Pathways ](https://www.yawisconsin.org/career-pathways) - Resources - [Resources](https://www.yawisconsin.org/resources) - [ Employer Resources ](https://www.yawisconsin.org/resources#employer) - [ Student Resources ](https://www.yawisconsin.org/resources#student) - [ School District Resources ](https://www.yawisconsin.org/resources#school) - [ Parent Resources ](https://www.yawisconsin.org/resources#parent) - [ Blog ](https://www.yawisconsin.org/blog) - About - [About Us](https://www.yawisconsin.org/about-us) - [ Our Team ](https://www.yawisconsin.org/ya-team) - [Get Started ](https://www.yawisconsin.org/get-started) Menu Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce # Partner with Youth Apprenticeship A strong recruitment strategy helps expand your company’s talent pipeline, and many Youth Apprenticeship graduates continue working with their employers while furthering their education. By participating in the program, you develop skilled talent tailored to your needs while reducing turnover and hiring costs. [Get Started ](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hiring-inquiry/) ![gallery-center-students](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hs-fs/hubfs/assets-cr/images/gallery-center-students.jpg?width=1140&height=1308&name=gallery-center-students.jpg) ![gallery-large-left-agriculture](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hs-fs/hubfs/assets-cr/images/gallery-large-left-agriculture.jpg?width=1136&height=736&name=gallery-large-left-agriculture.jpg) ![gallery-small-right-students](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hs-fs/hubfs/assets-cr/placeholder/gallery-small-right-students.jpg?width=528&height=492&name=gallery-small-right-students.jpg) ![gallery-small-left-students](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hs-fs/hubfs/assets-cr/placeholder/gallery-small-left-students.jpg?width=528&height=492&name=gallery-small-left-students.jpg) ![gallery-large-right-students](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hs-fs/hubfs/assets-cr/placeholder/gallery-large-right-students.jpg?width=568&height=368&name=gallery-large-right-students.jpg) ![](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hubfs/web-ready/graphics/paper-airplane-1.svg) ## Invest in the Future of Your Workforce with Youth Apprenticeship ![invest-in-future-workforce](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hs-fs/hubfs/assets-cr/images/invest-in-future-workforce.jpg?width=1044&height=1566&name=invest-in-future-workforce.jpg) A strong **recruitment strategy** is key to growing your company’s talent pipeline. By participating in the **Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program**, your business can: - **Develop Skilled Talent** – Train high school students in your industry, ensuring they gain the skills your business needs. - **Increase Retention** – Many YA students transition into **full-time or part-time roles** with their YA employer while pursuing further education. - **Reduce Hiring Costs** – Seamlessly hire **trained, experienced apprentices** who are already familiar with your company’s culture and expectations. - **Strengthen Workforce Development** – Invest in **the next generation** of workers, helping build a reliable and skilled talent pool for the future. ### Why Partner with Youth Apprenticeship? By engaging in YA, you’re not just filling positions—you’re **creating a sustainable workforce** with employees who are eager to learn, grow, and contribute to your company’s success. **Join the Youth Apprenticeship initiative today and build the workforce of tomorrow!** ## Explore More Benefits of Youth Apprenticeship ![Recruitment-1-1](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Youth%20Apprenticeship/Website/Recruitment-1-1.png?width=830&height=565&name=Recruitment-1-1.png) ### Recruitment Develop a recruitment pipeline and train future employees. ![Diversity-1-1](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Youth%20Apprenticeship/Website/Diversity-1-1.png?width=830&height=781&name=Diversity-1-1.png) ### Diversity Increase workforce diversity. ![Opportunities-1-1](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Youth%20Apprenticeship/Website/Opportunities-1-1.png?width=817&height=864&name=Opportunities-1-1.png) ### Opportunities Provide supervisory opportunities for staff. ![Motivation-1-1](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Youth%20Apprenticeship/Website/Motivation-1-1.png?width=865&height=953&name=Motivation-1-1.png) ### Motivation Work with highly motivated students and create positive relationships with local school districts. ![Skills-1](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Skills-1.png?width=830&height=844&name=Skills-1.png) ### Skills Students gain technical skills in the classroom that help them perform at a high level on the worksite. ![Curriculum-1](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Curriculum-1.png?width=817&height=823&name=Curriculum-1.png) ### Curriculum Provide influence on curriculum offerings and student preparation. ![Bullseye Icon](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Bullseye%20Icon.png?width=340&height=403&name=Bullseye%20Icon.png) ### Retention Reduce employee turnover and increase retention by hiring youth apprentice graduates. ## Foster Community Engagement and Empower Local Students Partnering with the **Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program** connects your business with **local schools** and **motivated students** eager to learn. As an **employer and mentor**, you help **shape young talent** while strengthening ties within your **community**. Apprenticeships create **valuable partnerships**, support **workforce development**, and provide a direct path to future employees who are **prepared and engaged** in your industry. ![foster-community engagement](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hs-fs/hubfs/assets-cr/images/foster-community%20engagement.jpg?width=1140&height=1308&name=foster-community%20engagement.jpg) ## Success Stories ![](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hubfs/assets-cr/images/succes-stories/kiana-resized.jpg) ![](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hubfs/assets-cr/images/succes-stories/kate-resized.jpg) ![](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hubfs/assets-cr/images/succes-stories/ryker-resized.jpg) > My mentor has played a huge role in helping me plan my career path. She supports me with so many tasks and brings such confidence and passion to her work—it’s truly inspiring. Seeing how she communicates and collaborates with her coworkers has given... > My mentor has played a huge role in helping me plan my career path. She supports me with so many tasks and brings such confidence and passion to her work—it’s truly inspiring. Seeing how she communicates and collaborates with her coworkers has given me a new perspective. Even while managing thousands of responsibilities, she always finds a way to turn them into learning experiences for me. Without her, I don’t think I would have pursued this career. Her passion has rubbed off on me, and now I have a strong passion for it, too Kiana, Class of 2025 > Hiring our two Youth Apprentices during a staffing shortage in Phlebotomy was a huge help. They were quick learners, great with patients, and passionate about healthcare. Our team welcomed them, and they became valuable contributors in no time. Jennifer K, SSM Health, Medical Technologist > The Youth Apprenticeship program greatly boosted my confidence and prepared me for both the workforce and college. It allowed me to apply what I learned in school to real-world situations, making me more comfortable with technical challenges and... > The Youth Apprenticeship program greatly boosted my confidence and prepared me for both the workforce and college. It allowed me to apply what I learned in school to real-world situations, making me more comfortable with technical challenges and collaborating with professionals. I also gained valuable communication skills and learned to adapt to different challenges, which has been incredibly helpful in my college education. > > Hortonville High School Class of 2024: Plexus Corp, Information Technology > >   Ryker, Alumnus 1 of 3 ## Frequently Asked Questions How is the Youth Apprenticeship student matched with our organization?  Students interested in the Youth Apprenticeship program complete an application and are pre-screened by our YA Coordinators. As an apprenticeship provider, you’ll have access to view student applications and select candidates you'd like to interview. Your YA Coordinator can also assist by recommending students who align with your specific needs and expectations. To attract the most qualified candidates, we strongly encourage you to post your available positions on our hiring portal—there is no cost to use this platform. What does the work placement involve? The Youth Apprenticeship (YA) work placement is a structured, hands-on learning experience based on a set of industry-specific competencies. These competencies can be reviewed in the Career Pathways section of our website. Your YA Coordinator will work closely with you to outline the required skills and tasks. They will also conduct two site visits during the placement to review progress, verify skill development, and ensure the student is meeting program expectations. Employers are asked to designate a workplace mentor who provides day-to-day training, guidance, and feedback on both technical and employability skills. Mentorship plays a critical role in student success. Our team is always available to answer questions and provide support throughout the experience. When can a Youth Apprenticeship student work? Students are eligible to begin their Youth Apprenticeship placement in the summer before their junior year of high school. During the academic year, many students receive release time from school to work at their job site as part of their apprenticeship experience. Work hours are flexible and should be based on your business needs, as well as the student's school schedule. These hours are agreed upon collaboratively between the student, employer, and school. Your YA Coordinator is available to help with scheduling questions and ensure a smooth placement process. Are there any costs to the employer? The primary investment for employers is the wages paid to Youth Apprenticeship (YA) students and the time dedicated to mentoring and training. Students must be paid at least the minimum wage. If needed, our team can provide guidance on average wages based on your region and industry sector. In some program areas, students are required to earn specific industry-recognized credentials, which employers often choose to support. Additionally, our hiring portal is available at no cost to employer partners and is a valuable tool for recruiting qualified candidates. How can my Youth Apprentice progress after their experience? There are a variety of opportunities for your Youth Apprentice after they complete their program.  It is encouraged that employers engage in ongoing conversations with the students regarding the potential for ongoing employment, post-secondary education recommendations tied to the careers that they were exposed to, and opportunities when available to transition into a registered apprenticeship. When employers show interest in the apprentice, the retention rate is very high following the experience. Can we hire someone under 18? Yes. Youth Apprenticeship (YA) students under the age of 18 can be hired through the program. All students sign an Education Training Agreement and are classified as "student learners" under Wisconsin labor laws. This designation allows them to participate in structured, work-based learning experiences while complying with state employment regulations. What types of industries or careers are available in the Youth Apprenticeship Program? The YA program offers hands-on learning opportunities in over 80 career pathways across 16 industry clusters—including healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, finance, and more. We encourage employers to think broadly about the roles within their organization, as many companies successfully place YA students in a variety of job functions,from technical roles to business operations. To explore specific program areas and skill sets, visit the [Career Pathways](https://www.yawisconsin.org/career-pathways) section on our website. Can I hire a student as an independent contractor?  No. Students participating in the Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program must be hired as employees, not independent contractors. This ensures they are covered by appropriate labor laws, workplace protections, and can receive the structured mentoring and oversight required by the program. What happens after a student completes the Youth Apprenticeship program? Over 90% of Youth Apprenticeship (YA) students are offered continued employment after completing the program, with many choosing to stay in full-time or part-time roles. Others may pursue post-secondary education or transition into related positions within the industry, sometimes even into a registered apprenticeship. Employers are encouraged to engage in regular conversations with students about long-term opportunities. When students see a clear career path and feel supported, they’re more likely to stay engaged, and retention rates increase significantly. ## Employer Resources [ Helpful Information: Grievance Form View ](https://cesa6.jotform.com/221146557871056) [ Career Exploration & Prep: Resume Resource View ](https://www.canva.com/design/DAF6FUHe3pE/t9h6JiGCApq94Vr84BlyeQ/view?utm_content=DAF6FUHe3pE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor) [ Career Exploration & Prep: Interview Preparation View ](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hubfs/Youth%20Apprenticeship/Sample%20Interview%20Questions%20%26%20Etiquette.docx) [ Helpful Information: Student Handbook View ](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hubfs/Youth%20Apprenticeship/Website/Student%20Handbook_Revised%202.7.25%20(1).pdf) ![background image](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hubfs/web-ready/graphics/light-orange-circle-1.svg) ## Ready to jump start your future career? [Apply Now](https://www.yawisconsin.org/lp/apply-now) ![](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hubfs/web-ready/graphics/paper-airplane-3.svg) ## Stay in the Loop Subscribe to our newsletter to get insights sent directly to your inbox. ![logo-vertical-on-dark](https://www.yawisconsin.org/hubfs/assets-cr/logos/logo-vertical-on-dark.svg) [ 2300 State Road 44 Oshkosh, WI 54904](https://www.google.com/maps/place/CESA+6/@43.9872855,-88.5922889,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8803eee422aa9d0f:0x56bc16d187b1ef4c!8m2!3d43.9872817!4d-88.589714!16s%2Fg%2F1th87pp_?entry=ttu) - [Students](https://www.yawisconsin.org/students) - [Employers](https://www.yawisconsin.org/employers) - [Parents](https://www.yawisconsin.org/parents) - [Career Pathways](https://www.yawisconsin.org/career-pathways) - [Contact](https://www.yawisconsin.org/contact) ©2026 CESA 6. All rights reserved. - [Privacy Policy](https://www.yawisconsin.org/privacy) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ya-wisconsin/) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/YAwisconsin) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/ya_wisconsin) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdRQEeyT0MEcJgsGCEpeGDA) - [Podcast](https://thesmartthinkingpodcast.podbean.com/)