Superior High School Youth Apprenticeship Program Seeks New Business Partners
Superior High School Youth Apprenticeship Program Seeks New Business Partners
(Superior, WI) – The Superior School District is actively seeking new business partners to support its expanding Youth Apprenticeship (YA) Program. As part of the CESA 12 Youth Apprenticeship Consortium, in partnership with the Department of Workforce Development, the program is set to grow significantly. In the 2023-2024 school year, 10,041 students participated in YA programs across Wisconsin, supported by 5,675 active employers. For the 2024-2025 school year, CESA 12 projects nearly 200 students from ten area schools and 62 unique employers will participate, reflecting the increasing value placed on youth apprenticeships by both students and employers.
Businesses like Norvado and Blakeman Plumbing & Heating have already experienced the benefits of this program. "It has been a pleasure working with Nolan. The Youth Apprenticeship Program is a win-win for both students and employers. It allows us to mentor and train future workers while investing in our own future," said Keri Erickson, Billing Account Manager at Norvado. Kallie Koistinen, Office Manager at Blakeman Plumbing & Heating, added, "As a mentor, I was thrilled to witness the tangible impact we’ve made in teaching young students within a hands-on work environment. Their growth has been remarkable."
Amy L. Starzecki, EdD, District Administrator for the School District of Superior, emphasized the program’s importance: “The Youth Apprenticeship Program is helping to create new educational opportunities for our students by combining their education with real-world work experiences and caring workplace mentors. We are excited to expand these opportunities and deepen partnerships with local and area businesses, ensuring our students are well-prepared for the workforce and their future careers.”
Taylor Pedersen, President and CEO of the Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce, added: "The Youth Apprenticeship Program is a critical link between our educational institutions and the business community. By providing students with hands on experience and valuable skills, we are not only preparing them for future success but also strengthening our local workforce. The collaboration between schools and businesses is essential for the long-term economic vitality of our region."
The success of the YA program lies in its ability to connect juniors and seniors in high school with local businesses, providing hands-on training and mentorship that prepares them for the modern workforce. As the program continues to grow, now is the perfect time for businesses to get involved.
Participants in the YA program are learning valuable skills through paid employment experiences while continuing to earn high school and even college credits. The program is making local graduates career, college, and community-ready. However, for the program to continue its success, it needs businesses willing to partner as YA employers. There are motivated students seeking employment across various career areas, with especially high interest in:
● Welding
● Cosmetology / Barber Assistants
● Office Assistant/Human Resources Assistant
● Agriculture Business, Herd, Mechanic, and Cropping
● Healthcare, including Nursing Assistants and Dietary
● Hospitality Industry, including Restaurant and Retail
● Firefighter, Police, Law and Government Services
● Early Childhood Education
● Manufacturing Production, Packaging, and Assembly
● Information Technology
● Business Administration
Employers do not have to be located in the immediate Superior area to become a YA business partner and may include employer partners from outside of the state. Partnering with the YA program waives many of the “18 and older” requirements, allowing students to be trained earlier and providing employers with the opportunity to hire motivated students even before they turn 18. Many students also have flexible schedules and daytime availability, making them valuable additions to businesses during regular business hours.
Interested employers can sign up at yawisconsin.org or contact the Superior School District for more information. If you already have a student who is working and learning with you, or know a student looking for an opportunity to earn credit while working, please have them reach out to Tara Hansen, Superior High School Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator through email at: tara.hansen@superior.k12.wi.us
By partnering with the YA program, businesses can shape the future workforce while gaining value from motivated students eager to work and stay in the area.
