How to become a YA

Explore regional career pathways through your high school’s career exploration program. Talk with your school-based youth apprenticeship coordinator for guidance.

Share your interest in the Youth Apprenticeship program with your school-based Youth Apprenticeship coordinator and complete the Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship Student Registration form.

Your school-based Youth Apprenticeship coordinator can help you connect with employers in your chosen career pathway. If you already have an employer in mind, either you or the school-based coordinator can talk with an employer representative about the youth apprenticeship program. Employers can interview youth apprentices, so make sure to dress appropriately and be ready to answer interview questions. Once you have had a successful interview and job offer, you, your parent/guardian, an employer representative, your school-based youth apprenticeship coordination, and a CESA 3 Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator will sign the Education/Training Agreement.

When you start your youth apprenticeship, you’ll participate in the employer’s onsite orientation and meet your employer mentor. As you complete your career pathway specific YA requirements, your employer will continuously evaluate your progress and provide feedback throughout your YA experience.

Youth Apprentices have the opportunity to receive related instruction at a value of six credits for a one-year apprenticeship or twelve credits for a two-year apprenticeship, at no cost to you. This related instruction may be college credit, certifications, or other related training that will apply to the career pathway. Related instruction is very individualized and your related instruction will depend on your post-high school plans, along with the needs of your employer and your chosen industry. You will work with your school-based youth apprenticeship coordinator to determine what related instruction is best for you. Related instruction courses or programs must be successfully completed to earn your Youth Apprentice Certificate of Occupational Proficiency from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.