THE VALUED VOICE

Youth Apprenticeship Programs Help Employers Identify Potential Employees

Many hospitals and health systems participate in the state’s Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program. An apprenticeship offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to work in areas of interest in a school-to-work program that helps employers identify and potentially offer them employment in the future. In the 2016/17 school year, 638 youth apprentices worked in the health sciences field with employers around the state. Between 75 and 85 percent of YA employers offer their youth apprentices permanent positions at the completion of the program, the best testimonial possible of the program’s value.

The students gain valuable work experience and specific job skills, earn a wage, and upon completion are awarded a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency. Youth Apprenticeships are possible in a wide range of positions, from marketing, science, technology and IT to health sciences. To find out more about Youth Apprenticeship, visit http://ya.wi.gov. To find the local YA consortium in your area, go to https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/youthapprenticeship/consortiums_directory.htm. To explore the available program areas, including health sciences, click here: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/youthapprenticeship/programs.htm#. Contact YA staff at the Department of Workforce Development at 608-267-6705 or email ya@dwd.wisconsin.gov.