Gov. Scott Walker has awarded $1.8 million to the Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship program for grants that are used to train high school juniors and seniors.
The funds will be used to for skills training in the 2013-’14 school year. Last year, the program trained 1,900 students.
The Department of Workforce Development manages the program, which will benefit 31 regional consortia.
Students have the choice of 40 different occupations, and interview with employers to train in one of 10 program areas. The apprentices receive on-the-job training from the employer and technical college level instruction at their high schools.
Upon completion, students earn a completion certificate and could get technical college credit. They are trained to start at an entry level role in their chosen field.
The consortia receiving funding included Waukesha County STW Partnership, Sheboygan Area YA Consortium, GPS Education Partners, Milwaukee Public Schools, Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce and Kenosha Unified School District.
“Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship helps students train for in-demand careers,” Walker said. “The program is a key part of our goal to equip workers with the skills employers need and to help workers succeed in those jobs. I am pleased that we will build on the success of this program by serving hundreds of additional students this year through strengthened collaborations and innovation among local partners.”
