Supporting Your Teen Through Youth Apprenticeship: A Parent’s Guide

Youth Apprenticeship is an exciting opportunity for high school students to explore career paths, gain real-world experience, and build valuable skills—all while continuing their education. As a parent or guardian, your encouragement and support play a vital role in helping your teen succeed in this unique program.Youth Apprenticeship doesn’t lock your student into one career—it opens doors and teaches them what they like and what they don’t. Your role is to guide, support, and encourage exploration as they take this important first step toward adulthood.

What is Youth Apprenticeship?

Youth Apprenticeship allows high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to:

Work part-time in a real job related to a career pathway
Earn wages while learning
Receive mentorship from industry professionals
Take related coursework at school or through technical colleges
Potentially earn industry-recognized credentials or college credit

It’s more than a job—it’s a head start on a career.

Why It Matters

Youth Apprenticeship helps students:

Explore interests before committing to college or a career path
Develop confidence and professionalism
Build a network of mentors and industry connections
Learn time management, responsibility, and teamwork
It’s especially valuable for students who learn best through hands-on experience or who want to see how classroom knowledge applies in the real world.

How Can You Support Your Student?

Your involvement can make a huge difference. Here are ways to help your teen thrive:

✅ Do

Talk openly about goals and interests. Help your teen reflect on what they enjoy, what they're good at, and what kind of environment they thrive in.
Encourage independence and responsibility. Apprenticeships build skills like punctuality and professionalism—with your support, your teen will grow.
Stay informed. Learn about the program requirements, employer expectations, and time commitments.
Celebrate progress. Managing work, school, and life is a big deal—acknowledge your teen’s effort.
Ask questions. Talk with your teen and reach out to the school coordinator if you need support.

🚫 Don't

Micromanage the experience. Let your teen own their schedule, communication, and challenges—they’re building real-world skills.
Underestimate the commitment. This is a real responsibility—treat it like a job or college-level program.
Compare your teen to others. Every path is different—support your teen’s unique journey.
Dismiss career paths that don’t seem "traditional." Many apprenticeships lead to great careers without needing a 4-year degree right away.