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What is the Youth Apprenticeship Program?

Youth apprenticeship is a rigorous statewide elective program for high school juniors and seniors that combines high school course work with technical classroom instruction and mentored on-the-job learning in a skilled career area.

How does the Youth Apprenticeship Program work?

• Students attend and graduate from high school
• Students take youth apprenticeship classes which follow industry standards and are delivered at the high school, technical college or through local industry instructors
• Students work 10-20 hours per week during the school year and may elect to work during the summer
• Employers provide wages, worker's compensation, competency training, mentoring and rotation through the business
• Students who master competencies and graduate from high school, receive a state issued skill certificate which awards two-year program graduates advanced standing at technical colleges offering a related program.
• There is no commitment from the employer to hire the student nor for the student to remain with the employer after graduation. However, successful experiences have resulted in the student continuing with their employer.
• Upon completion, all post secondary options are still open to students: university, two year and technical college, adult apprenticeships and work.

How do students get involved?

All students apply for the program through their local participating school if they are:

• Enrolled in a public or private secondary school
• On target to graduate or have achieved at least junior standing
• Interested in a hands-on learning experience
• Are at least 16 years of age

Students and parents who are interested in a Youth Apprenticeship Program should contact their high school School To Work Coordinator or the WCTC Youth Apprenticeship Specialist (262.691.5557).

What programs are available in Waukesha County?

Waukesha County currently offers ten Youth Apprenticeship Programs. The programs offered may differ between school districts. The majority of students enroll in the standard two year program. However, there is flexibility for one year participation in all Youth Apprenticeships programs offered in Waukesha County. The programs available are:

• Automotive Tech
• Architectural Drafting
• Mechanical Design Drafting
• Engineering Drafting
• Banking/Finance
• Health Services
• Machining
• Printing
• Production Tech
• Welding

For additional information, call 262.691.5557 to contact the Waukesha County Youth Apprenticeship Specialist in the WCTC School to Work office.

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