While education within the school’s walls is valuable, districts are continuing to increase their investments in students outside of the classroom, and the WI Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program is no different.

The program is funded through grant funding, allowing high school students to work for businesses that fit the pathway they are looking for. In addition to the work, students remain in some or all classes in school. Many of the classes they continue to take in school are specific to the path they are on in the program.

“Students are sometimes able to leave school to go to work if that makes sense in their school schedule and their work schedule,” YA Regional Coordinator Katie Feuerhelm said. “They don’t have to though. Some students just primarily work on the weekends.”

Feuerhelm said there are benefits of the program for the students, the businesses and the schools involved.

“They learn about their job at school and then they get to implement those skills that they’re learning at school on the job,” Feuerhelm said.

This track allows students to pick up the skills needed for future employment while getting a feel for what they would be doing if they decide on the career path.

Students graduate the program at 450 hours over a school year, including the summer, receiving a certificate from the state and can be entered into a post-secondary apprenticeship program.

Feuerhelm said the businesses that hire through the program can also benefit because they hire students who are committed to that field and invested to put in at least 450 hours. As for the districts, they benefit by having more options for students looking for a chance to spark their careers and bringing a balance with their coursework.

Having 83 different pathways, Feuerhelm said only a handful of jobs students have been interested in could not work through the program.

“As long as the student is making minimum wage and is not paid in cash, we can basically get any student into a pathway,” Feuerhelm said.

Students interested in the program can reach out to their school’s YA coordinator, and if they do not know who it is, they can talk to a school counselor. Businesses and organizations looking to get involved can reach out to Feuerhelm at katief@cesa11.k12.wi.us. River Falls is involved in the YA program, but operates separately, and interested businesses can reach out to Melisa Hansen at melisa.hansen@rfsd.k12.wi.us.