Youth Apprenticeship
Youth Apprenticeship, or YA, is a rigorous one- or two-year elective program for juniors and seniors, that combines academic and technical classroom instruction with mentored, on-the-job training to provide students with industry-established occupational and employability skills. Post-secondary and business partnerships are essential for a successful youth apprenticeship program.
Please note that application to the Youth Apprenticeship program does not guarantee job placement. Full participation in the program and the ability to earn the Youth Apprenticeship certificate requires both on-the-job training and related technical classroom instruction.
Currently, YA programs are offered in the following areas (click on an individual area to find additional information):
- Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Program
- Architecture & Construction Program
- Arts, A/V Technology & Communications program
- Finance Program
- Health Science Program
- Hospitality, Lodging & Tourism Program
- Information Technology Program
- Manufacturing Program
- Marketing Program
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Program
- Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Program
In the news
Madison students get hands-on experience working on city vehicles - March 5, 2018
Checklist to Completing Youth Apprenticeship
STEP 1: Student Application
Students can apply online here to become a youth apprentice anytime during their sophomore year through the end of the 1st semester of their senior year. Interested students can also contact their School-Based Experiential Learning Liaison for more information.
STEP 2: Intake Interview
Once the student completes their application, they will need to meet with the school's Experiential Learning Liaison for an in-person interview.
STEP 3: Get Ready
Student will work with the school liaison to prepare a resume, submit a parent/guardian certification, and review or enroll in related coursework. Students will then work toward gaining employment within their chosen YA career cluster.
STEP 4: Employed
Once a student is employed, they will need to:
- Schedule an ETA meeting within 30 days of employment
- Meet with their school-based experiential learning liaison to join the YA google classroom
- Work with the liaison to schedule quarterly in-person performance evaluations
STEP 5: YA Program Completion
- Student will complete all required Google classroom check-ins, time tracking, in-person meetings and final reflection
- Student will complete a total of 450 hours per year
- Submit a final industry checklist and post survey
For general inquiries or questions on how to apply, please contact Annie Johnston, Experiential Learning Coordinator at ajohnston2@madison.k12.wi.us.
Resources for Students
Youth Apprenticeship Student Handbook
Resume and Interview Preparation
Resume Template (Google Doc)
School-based Experiential Learning Liaisons
The School-based Experiential Learning Liaison is an on-site contact for students to support increased student achievement and Youth Apprenticeship Program success.
- East High School - (See your counselor)
- La Follette High School - Jaime Alvis
- Memorial High School - Trina Menges
- West High School - Lianne Davis
- Capital High - Jovan Radicevic
- Shabazz City High - Elizabeth Long