CESA 3 Youth Apprenticeship Program Serves Record Numbers
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The CESA 3 Career & Life Ready Team Youth Apprenticeship program exceeded all expectations during the 2022-2023 school year by serving a record number of students and businesses throughout Southwest Wisconsin. A total of 425 students from 34 school districts across the region enrolled in the Youth Apprenticeship program as compared to 321 students the previous school year. Schools in the CESA 3 district have Youth Apprenticeship participation rates three times the state average.
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The Youth Apprenticeship program is a Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development program that provides high school juniors and seniors with an opportunity to explore their chosen career pathway while allowing employers to develop a qualified and committed workforce. CESA 3 coordinates the program for the school districts in the Southwest Wisconsin region including school districts in Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland, and Vernon counties. Each CESA 3 school district designates a staff member as their school-based Youth Apprenticeship coordinator.
The main reason for the continued growth and success of the Youth Apprenticeship program in our region is the passionate dedication of our school-based Youth Apprenticeship Coordinators. In addition to their regular duties within their school, these professional educators work closely with students to complete academic and career planning to determine the student’s career pathway and then connect students with an employer in that pathway. This dedication and leadership are what has made the Youth Apprenticeship program successful for both the students and the employers of our region.
~Chuck Keller, CESA 3 Youth Apprenticeship Program Director
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The number of employers participating in the Youth Apprenticeship program during the 2022-2023 school year also increased to 345, a 28 percent increase over the previous school year.
Our Youth Apprenticeship employers experience so many benefits. The program allows employers to collaborate with high school staff and students, while creating a workforce pipeline by connecting with students before they graduate. In addition, the Youth Apprenticeship program contributes to local economic development by exposing our students to career opportunities right here in our region and encouraging them to continue to live and work in our communities after high school.
~Chuck Keller, CESA 3 Youth Apprenticeship Program Director
In addition to work experience, Youth Apprenticeship students receive related instruction that can include courses that earn them college credit, certifications, or academy programs. CESA 3 pays for up to six credits per year for each Youth Apprentice student. Any high school junior or senior is eligible to apply to participate in the Youth Apprenticeship program.
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Last Updated: 8/25/23 |
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