http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/childcare-dropoff-s460.pngSince September 2023, approximately 413 students and 326 employers have signed up for the four new pathways.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Amy Pechacek, today announced hundreds of high school students and employers around Wisconsin are taking part in four new occupational pathways in Wisconsin’s Youth Apprenticeship program this academic year.

“Building a strong workforce that can meet the needs of the 21st Century starts with making sure students have access to a wide range of career advancement options,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m excited our successful Youth Apprenticeship Program is continuing to expand and offer more career pathway opportunities for Wisconsin students. Providing firsthand experience and on-the-job training for our kids is essential to expanding and bolstering our workforce and our economy while ensuring young people across our state have the skills and resources to lead successful lives and careers.”

The new business administration and education pathways and associated careers include:

• Early Childhood Education
• School Age Education
• Administrative Professional
• Human Resources Professional

Since September 2023, approximately 413 students and 326 employers have signed up for the four new pathways. The new options increase the total number of Youth Apprenticeship pathways to 79 in 13 career clusters.

“These additional pathways help fill critical employer needs and allow students to earn as they acquire necessary training, and we are pleased to see the response from students and employers,” said DWD Secretary Pechacek. “DWD will continue seeking ways to strengthen connections between employers, educators, students, and communities while offering new opportunities to our young people to build their futures.”

Youth Apprenticeship is a one-year or two-year “earn while you learn” program for high school juniors and seniors consisting of work and related classroom instruction in a chosen occupation. This program implements a dual training system that combines skills obtained on the job site with technical knowledge in the classroom.

Last year, Gov. Evers celebrated an all-time high of 8,357 Youth Apprentices enrolled during the 2022-23 school year, with a record 5,719 employer sponsors participating. In November, the governor also announced the state’s Registered Apprenticeship program achieved a record 16,384 enrolled apprentices, an all-time record in the program’s 112-year history and surpassing the previous year’s record-high participation. 

Youth Apprenticeship, which was created in 1991, is run through a consortium comprised of school districts, technical colleges, chambers of commerce, and other partners. Over 80 percent of Wisconsin’s 421 public school districts had students enrolled in Youth Apprenticeship for the 2022-23 school year.

Employers interested in becoming a youth apprenticeship sponsor can find more information here. Students interested in becoming a youth apprentice can find more information here.