Milwaukee High Schoolers Take Part In 'Youth Apprentice Interviews'

From Milwaukee Public Schools:

Posted on Friday, December 20, 2019

About 40 MPS high school seniors were nervous but excited to take part in youth apprentice interviews this December. The event was hosted at ManpowerGroup, a committed partner of the MPS Department of College and Career Readiness.

Youth Apprenticeships are a major initiative in Milwaukee Public Schools. Many in-demand career pathways can be entered with on-the-job training and further education. Youth Apprenticeships, in conjunction with the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, are helping students enter career fields while still in high school, gain valuable work experience, and acquire a certificate of completion. Youth apprentices work 450 paid hours over the course of their senior year. Those who pursue an apprenticeship as juniors can participate for two years for a total of 900 paid hours.

Interviews were offered by seven local employers: Aurora St. Luke’s, Brady Corporation, Kriete Truck Center, Luther Manor, Russ Darrow Group, St. Camillus, and Teens Grow Greens. Apprenticeship options included dietary aide, nursing assistant, greenhouse associate, landscaper, automotive technician, diesel technician, and warehouse associate. At least five students have already received apprenticeship offers.

“Students who pursue Youth Apprenticeships are truly taking their first steps toward a lifelong career in an in-demand industry,” said Teri Salzer, Youth Apprenticeship & Work-based Learning Leader. “Employers are filling high-need jobs and are committed to training and retaining these students as part of their permanent workforce. Our students are really excited to enter this program.”

To learn more about Career and Technical Education programs in MPS, visit the web page under the Department of College and Career Readiness.

This press release was produced by Milwaukee Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.