Earlier this week, the state announced 14 new occupational options (called pathways) for Youth Apprenticeships, bringing the total number of Youth Apprenticeship opportunities to 75.
The new pathways came as an initiative from the Department of Workforce Development to modernize and diversify Youth Apprenticeship offerings for Wisconsin students. New pathways were developed this year as the result of input from employers, industry associations and other stakeholders regarding their training and education needs.
We are so fortunate in the Monroe area to have a wide diversity of businesses and industries able to provide career exploration opportunities to our students.
New Industry Pathways
Under the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources category, new pathways include: Arborist and Dairy Grazer. The Architecture and Construction field added Heavy Equipment Operator, Utilities Electrical Technician, and Gas Distribution Technician. Health Sciences welcomed Phlebotomists and Resident Aides. Information Technology added a pathway for IT Broadband Technicians. The field of Manufacturing is gaining a Youth Apprenticeship in Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics. Transportation, Distribution and Logistics gained a number of aviation-related pathways including: Airport Operations and Management, Aviation Maintenance Fundamentals, Aviation Airframe and Powerplant Technician, and Aviation Avionics Technician.
Student Commitment to Youth Apprenticeship
Youth Apprenticeships require a year-long commitment, and are offered by employers willing to provide a mentor to help students master the knowledge, skills and competencies needed for career success in their industry. Students apply for Youth Apprenticeships and interview with participating businesses. Youth Apprenticeship students work a minimum of 450 hours (generally a school year plus a summer) while receiving competitive pay and related educational training through school. Juniors and seniors on-track to graduate are eligible for Youth Apprenticeships. Students may be released from school for up to 2 hours per day for their work experience. During the school year, students are required to work 10 hours a week, and they earn school credit for working instead of taking a class.
Youth Apprenticeships look great on a resume or job application because they also provide a certification from the State of Wisconsin in their chosen industry pathway. Students can start a Youth Apprenticeship as early as the summer before their junior year and continue to graduation.
Could Your Business Hire a Youth Apprentice?
The most important part of the Youth Apprenticeship experience is a good business partner with an excellent mentor for our students. The ideal mentor is someone who is willing to teach new skills, answer questions, and provide regular check ins and opportunities for students to experience new things.
The skills students learn through a Youth Apprenticeship are beneficial in any career. Critical thinking, complex problem-solving and data analysis are necessary skills in today’s workforce. Most importantly, Youth Apprenticeship experiences give students a chance to evaluate career options before they invest in higher education.
Youth Apprenticeships are a win for business owners too. They offer a valuable tool to develop new employees and a pipeline of talented workers to help businesses grow.
— If you are interested in hiring a Monroe High School student, please contact Cara Carper at caracarper@monroe.k12.wi.us or (608) 328-7573.
