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Youth Apprenticeship (YA) integrates school-based and work-based learning to instruct students in employability and occupational skills defined by Wisconsin industries. Local programs provide training based on statewide youth apprenticeship curriculum guidelines, endorsed by business and industry. Students are instructed by qualified teachers and skilled worksite mentors. Students are simultaneously enrolled in academic classes to meet high school graduation requirements, in a youth apprenticeship related instruction class, and are employed by a participating employer under the supervision of a skilled mentor.
Key elements of the youth apprenticeship program are:
Level One:
Level Two:
Get started by talking to your school counselor, Youth Apprenticeship Local Coordinator or Regional Coordinator about how to apply and obtain career materials (plans of study) from your coordinators.
If accepted, you are eligible to interview at a company in the industry where you're looking to gain experience.
After a successful interview, you will participate in an onsite orientation where, among many other things, you will get to meet your new mentor.
Complete your industry specific YA requirements as you work and study during your apprenticeship.
Once all your requirements are fulfilled, you will receive your Certificate of Occupational Proficiency (YA certificate) from the Department of Workforce Development!
Careers have been organized into 11 clusters based on common knowledge and similar skill requirements. Within each cluster there are pathways that break those careers down further into smaller groups.
Choosing a career path can feel like a daunting process at times and that is why it is important to consider what career clusters could be a good fit and explore on a broader scale first, sort of like testing the water before getting in.
Career clusters are a framework that allows us to examine areas of interest without having to choose a specific career right away. Youth Apprenticeship offers several career programs to pursue. The options may vary depending on the offerings for your local area.
Careers involve creative tasks, such as performing or writing.
Wisconsin's Work Based Learning options include: