YA FAQs

All juniors and seniors should participate in the Youth Apprenticeship program! Everyone can benefit from the opportunity to explore careers and the Youth Apprenticeship program is a great opportunity to do so.

You need to be at least 16 years old and are eligible to start the application process during the second semester of your Sophomore year. You will not be eligible to begin your Youth Apprenticeship employment until the summer prior to your entering Junior year. 

Absolutely not. If you are on track for graduation, your GPA is not used as a determination factor for YA program enrollment. Students with varying GPAs have found success in the program. The critical components to success as a youth apprentice is reliability, consistency, and willingness to learn while at work.

A youth apprenticeship would be perfect for you! A youth apprenticeship will allow you to explore a career path to see if you like it or not. A youth apprenticeship is an enhancement to your education or a fast-track to a career, or both. Apprenticeship does not take the place of higher education. It’s an education option that combines what you learn in the classroom with what takes place in the work environment. It can be a direct path to high-paying, in-demand jobs.

Your Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator at CESA 3 and/or school-based Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator can assist you with selecting the appropriate courses that will be required as a part of the Youth Apprenticeship program. Please note: You will need to maintain a passing grade in these courses to remain eligible for the YA program.

There are many employers who seek to hire students in the YA program year after year. Your CESA 3 Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator and your school-based Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator can help you make connections to the employers that are seeking YA candidates. Once you have completed a YA application, your YA Coordinator will share your application materials with employers seeking YA candidates. Please keep in mind that some program areas are more competitive or may have limited employment opportunities for students under 18. It is important that during the hiring process that you remain patient and keep an open mind regarding placement options. Your YA Coordinator and your personal network can be great resources to support your connections with potential employers. Ultimately, it is up to the employer to determine which students based on applications and interviews are a good fit for their organization.

That's great! If your current job is the career area of interest for you, connect with your YA Coordinator at either CESA 3 or your school-based YA Coordinator. Either one can connect with your current employer to explain the YA program requirements to see if they would be a participating employer.

Absolutely! Please share the contact information for the company that you are interested in working at with your YA Coordinator. Your YA Coordinator will connect with the employer to review program requirements and complete the necessary training agreements.

Your wages will be determined by your employer during the hiring process and will be at least minimum wage. Wages can vary based on program area, region, your previous experience and skills demonstrated while on the job.

Prior to beginning work, you will interview with employers and can decide if you want to accept the YA opportunity. YA employers make a considerable investment in you by committing to your training and mentorship for at least one full year. It is expected that you provide that same level of commitment to learning within the career field you chose to explore. As you continue to grow through the career development process, you will learn that every employment situation has tasks and responsibilities that are more enjoyable or more interesting than others. As an apprentice, you will be exposed to a wide variety of skills earlier than your peers which will be an advantage as you seek future employment and advancement opportunities. Sometimes learning what you don’t enjoy can turn out to be an even more valuable experience. If issues arise with your placement during the course of your experience, please speak to your YA Coordinator.

Yes! Your CESA 3 Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator and your school-based Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator can assist you in choosing related instruction that will best suit your future plans for your chosen career pathway.

Absolutely! Upon successful completion of the YA program requirements, you will earn a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. This certification will verify that you have gained the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to be successful in your chosen industry within the state of Wisconsin. You can also earn workplace certifications such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), OSHA 10, First Aid, Photoshop, Automotive Service Technician, and more based on your chosen career pathway.