Investing in the Future with Youth Apprenticeships
As an employer you perennially ask the question “How do I find qualified employees for the future”. Each year high school students are asking “What do I want to do with my life”. Thankfully, there is an intersection where you and students can meet to find your answers. It is called Youth Apprenticeship (YA).
Ozaukee Youth Apprenticeship (OYA) is part of a consortia of statewide YA initiatives. Designed for high school students from the 6 area high schools OYA placements provide hands on learning in an occupational area at a worksite. This one or two year elective program combines academic and Career/Technical Education (CTE) at a high school/technical college with mentored on-the-job learning. Students who choose to apply for a youth apprenticeship are intentionally investing in their vocational futures.
Plan for the future
while building a future
Recruiting is a never ending process. To build a successful recruitment pipeline you need access to candidatesConsider Youth Apprentices who are eager to learn and provide a clean slate on which to instill high quality standards and work values. Better yet, each year a new group is available.
Hiring a Youth Apprentice takes no more time and resources than any effective recruiting, interviewing and onboarding process normally used for bringing on new employees. Employers provide a mentor for each apprentice to oversee their training, set expectations that include a set of career area skills and provide ongoing performance feedback. The relationship between the apprentice and mentor is essential to the growth of the student and the increasing value they have to the employer.
A Team Effort
One advantage Youth Apprentices have is the support that surrounds them. CTE teachers, technical college instructors, Youth Apprenticeship/high school guidance staff, and family all support the student’s efforts to be successful. Each is in the loop regarding the student’s progress and invested in their success. This benefits the employer by supporting their investment in the youth apprentice.
Create Career Opportunities
Ozaukee Youth Apprenticeship provides a number of program areas students can pursue and employers can tap for candidates. Areas of concentration can include:
If the above areas of concentration do not fit with your company’s requirements, do not hesitate to contact Ozaukee Youth Apprenticeship staff to discuss other possibilities. OYA is all about meeting an employer’s needs and student career aspirations whenever possible