Find Your Future Career

The Youth Apprenticeship program is for everyone! Youth Apprenticeship is about finding the right careers for young people whatever their gender, or background. The goal is help grow skills with the economic needs for the future.

Non-discrimination policy: The CESA 6 Youth Apprenticeship consortium does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, religion, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or disability. Inquiries related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, s.118.13, Wisconsin Statues, or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1072 should be directed to the home school non-discrimination officer or to the CESA 6 Youth Apprenticeship Consortium Director at 920-236-0531.

Absolutely! Youth Apprenticeship (YA) is not a detour from college, it’s a powerful way to enhance your education. Whether your goal is to attend a university, a technical college, or go straight into a career, YA opens doors and gives you a head start.

Many students gain early admission to college programs thanks to their apprenticeship experience. Plus, some YA programs offer opportunities to earn college credit or transition into registered apprenticeships after high school. You can start as an apprentice and still go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, master’s, or even a Ph.D.

Youth Apprenticeship is an options multiplier! YA will help you explore careers, build real-world skills, and keep future pathways open.

Students can begin the application process during the second semester of their sophomore year, with work placements starting as early as the summer before junior year. Students may choose to participate for one or two years, depending on their goals and availability.

Applications are accepted year-round. As long as students can meet the required work hours and related instruction hours, they are eligible to complete the program successfully.

This flexible timeline allows students to gain real-world experience while still in high school—building a strong foundation for both future careers and continued education.

No specific GPA is required to enroll in the Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program. As long as you're on track for graduation and maintaining passing grades, you’re eligible to participate. Students with a wide range of GPAs have found success in the program.

What matters most is your reliability, consistency, and willingness to learn on the job. While GPA isn't a factor for program enrollment, keep in mind that some employers, may consider GPA during the hiring process.

Students are eligible to apply for the program as early as the Spring going into their Junior year of high school.

Click here to complete the application process.

Email us if you need assistance with the application process.

• Patience and willingness to learn
• Ability to maintain passing grades while enrolled
• Dependable and punctual with attendance requirements
• Reliable transportation

Your YA Coordinator and/or School Counselor can assist you with selecting the appropriate courses that will be required as a part of the Youth Apprenticeship program. You will need to maintain a passing grade in these courses to remain eligible for the YA program.

There are many employers who seek to hire students in the YA program year after year. Your YA Coordinator can help you make connections to the employers that are seeking YA candidates. Once you have completed a YA application, your YA Coordinator will share your application materials with employers seeking YA candidates. Please keep in mind that some program areas are more competitive or may have limited employment opportunities for students under 18. It is important that during the hiring process that you remain patient and keep an open mind regarding placement options. Your YA Coordinator and your personal network can be great resources to support your connections with potential employers. Ultimately, it is up to the employer to determine which students based on applications and interviews are a good fit for their organization. Please use this guide to assist you with preparing for your employment search.

That’s great! If your current job aligns with your career interests and matches a Youth Apprenticeship (YA) pathway, you may be able to complete your apprenticeship with your existing employer.

Be sure to include your employment details in your YA application or reach out to your YA Coordinator. They can connect with your employer to explain the program requirements and determine if your current position qualifies for the YA program.

Yes, you can! Please share the contact information for the company that you are interested in working at with your YA Coordinator.  Your YA Coordinator will connect with the employer to review program requirements and complete the necessary training agreements.

Student wages are determined by the YA employer during the hiring process. Wages can vary based on program area, region, the student’s previous experience and skills demonstrated while on the job.

Start dates and work hours are determined by the employer and the student. Students in the program have the flexibility to obtain release time from school to work during the morning or afternoon. If a student elects to work during the school day, they will need to work with their school counselor to ensure that required courses are being completed prior to graduation.

Youth Apprenticeship students interview with employers and get to make the decision regarding where they want to work. The employers have made a considerable investment in you by committing to your training and mentorship for at least one full year. It is expected that you provide that same level of commitment to learning within the career field you chose to explore. As you continue to grow through the career development process, you will learn that every employment situation has tasks and responsibilities that are more enjoyable or more interesting than others. As an apprentice you will be exposed to a wide variety of skills earlier than your peers which will be an advantage as you seek future employment and advancement opportunities. Sometimes learning what you don’t enjoy can turn out to be an even more valuable experience. If issues arise with your placement during the course of your experience, please speak to your YA Coordinator.

Credits earned on your high school transcript are determined by your local high school.  Please connect with your School Counselor or review your course catalog for additional information.

Yes! YA students can choose to take college courses through the Start College Now Program, or through their local high school transcripted credit courses that are related to their YA program experience. YA Students are encouraged to keep copies of their related course work class syllabus and the completed on the job learning guide with their employer evaluations. These documents can assist you when seeking college credit for prior learning experiences.

Students enrolled in certain programs can also credit for UW Admissions, click here to learn more.

Yes! Every YA student that successfully completes the YA program requirements will earn an Occupational Skills Proficiency Certification. This certification verifies that they have gained the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to be successful in their chosen industry within the state of Wisconsin. Students also can earn workplace certifications such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), OSHA 10, First Aid, Photoshop,  and Automotive Service Technician.

Learn more at Wisconsin Registered Apprenticeship.

Consistent attendance is essential for success in the Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program. Employers value reliability and dedication, and strong attendance reflects both. Poor attendance can affect your standing in the program, and some employers may ask about your attendance record during the hiring process.

The Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program offers opportunities in over 80 career areas across 16 industry clusters. From healthcare and manufacturing to information technology and finance, there’s a wide range of pathways to explore. For detailed program descriptions and career options, visit the Career Pathways tab on our website.

Yes! If you're homeschooled or your school isn’t listed, you may still be eligible to participate in the Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program. Please complete the Contact Us form, and our team will gladly guide you through the next steps and help connect you to available opportunities.

Unlike a typical part-time job, the YA program offers structured, career-focused experiences that include ongoing mentoring and exposure to the deeper, more technical aspects of an industry. Students work toward a defined set of competencies and receive a state-issued Certificate of Occupational Proficiency upon completion.
This certification can be a valuable asset—eligible for post-secondary credit at some UW System schools and recognized by many registered apprenticeship programs. It also enhances future resumes by demonstrating real-world skills, professional experience, and a clear commitment to career development.