Youth Apprenticeships

Requirements and Benefits of HS Apprenticeships

Learners combine academic and technical classroom instruction with work experiences through a program registered with or through an employer sponsor. Historically involving skilled trades careers but increasingly applied to all occupations.

The Framework of How to Build Youth Apprenticeships

  1. Legal Compliance: High school students should meet the minimum legal age of 16 can be employed as apprentices. Across the country, Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs for high school students have diverse definitions and requirements dictated by state laws. Such programs must comply with all applicable laws, including Federal regulations on child labor as stated in the FLSA, in addition to state child labor laws. Programs must also comply with state workers’ compensation laws.
  2. Academic and Career Alignment: Programs for high school students should combine academic and technical classroom instruction with work experience, allowing youth to explore a career and develop industry-specific workplace competencies, skills, and knowledge, while still enrolled in high school.
  3. Academic and Technical Skill Alignment: Programs should align academic and technical standards in secondary and postsecondary education, CTE, and industry-recognized credentials and certifications.
  4. Credential Attainment: Programs should incorporate stackable credentials of value for multiple pathways, including entrance into RA programs, community and technical colleges, universities, and sustainable employment.
  5. Employer involvement is critical in developing and sustaining the program.

Core Elements of an Apprenticeship

  • Direct business involvement
  • On-the-job training
  • Academic and technical classroom instruction
  • Develop industry-specific workplace competencies
Youth Apprenticeships Resources

MVA Definition: Work Experience & Youth Apprenticeships

Learners combine academic and technical classroom instruction with work experiences through a program registered with or through an employer sponsor. Historically involving skilled trades careers but increasingly applied to all occupations.

5 Key Components for Youth Apprenticeships

  1. Quality Considerations

    One


    —Direct links between youth apprenticeships to pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs.

    —Progression in on-the-job learning to enhance skills and productivity.

    —Consistent with state and local employment and education guidelines.

  2. Student Support

    Two

    —Career exploration activities such as job shadowing and career fairs should occur prior to program entry.

    —Relationships exist between the school, employers and workforce intermediaries to connect students to Youth Apprenticeship opportunities that also meet high school graduation course requirements.

  3. Making it “Real”

    THREE

    —Students choose to pursue IRCs or certifications relevant to their chosen career path, which provides them with tangible qualifications and enhances their employability.

    —Employer involvement is critical in Pre-Apprenticeships for developing and sustaining the program.

  4. Student Agency & Voice

    FOUR

    —Students are actively involved in providing feedback on the apprenticeship program structure, curriculum, and overall experience.

    —Students can describe their experience and the value of the achievement and are prepared to add it to their resume or LinkedIn profile.

  5. Assessment & MVA Completion

    FIVE

    —Completion is largely contingent on individual pre-RA or RA program.

    —Students may have earned industry-recognized credentials and certifications.

    —Application to RA program before or upon high school graduation.

    —Awarding of postsecondary credits through signed articulation agreements between school districts, postsecondary institutions, and RA programs.