Partner with Youth Apprenticeship

 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 section on our website.

 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.

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.