Apprenticeship programs combine academic and technical classroom instruction with work experience, which allows students to explore a career and develop occupational skills while in high school. High school is a critical time for career and professional development. Apprenticeship programs can play a vital role in this development by offering a pathway into high-demand careers and a college degree.
Youth apprenticeship programs provide the foundation for students to choose among multiple pathways after high school. They can:
Enroll in college
Enter an apprenticeship program
Begin full-time employment
Or participate in a combination of these options
In addition to earning a high school diploma, many apprenticeship programs offer students dual enrollment in college and the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials.
Through partnerships among businesses, high schools, community and technical colleges, workforce systems and others, communities around the country are developing high school apprenticeship programs that are making a difference in the lives of youth and helping businesses thrive. From healthcare to advanced manufacturing and child care development and electricians, apprenticeship programs provide new opportunities for high school students and businesses to recruit new talent from the bottom up.
What makes high school apprenticeship programs successful?
All high-quality high school apprenticeship programs have several key common elements. They address the needs of students, businesses and local school districts. High school apprenticeship programs are developed to match the skills and competencies businesses need. They are also aligned with the academic and technical standards in secondary and post-secondary education and with industry-recognized credentials and certifications. Finally, they have strong links to adult apprenticeship programs in the community.
Every community has the flexibility to design their high school apprenticeship program to provide quality results for their students, businesses and schools. Most programs fall into one of two types of models:
Pre-apprenticeship programs for high school students
Apprenticeship programs begin in high school
Pre-apprentice programs for high school students
This type of program prepares students to enter an apprenticeship program after high school.
Students take courses directly related to the apprenticeship field in addition to their required high school coursework, which counts towards high school graduation.
They participate in on-the-job learning activities (beginning at age 16), which can count towards entry into an apprenticeship program.
Students can apply to an apprenticeship program before or after high school graduation.
Apprenticeship programs that begin in high school
In this type of program, students begin an apprenticeship during high school, meaning they are employed by a business as an apprentice while still a student.
Students become apprentices through an agreement signed by the parent or guardian, the student and the employer.
The work portion of the program is flexible and is done when school is not in session or through a formal work-study program.
Students take courses at their high school and/or community and technical colleges in addition to their required high school coursework, which counts towards high school graduation.
Students may complete the apprenticeship program during high school or continue after graduation, depending on the length of the program.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor
