District: youth apprenticeship completers rise to 36 on track this year

Jefferson School District staff reported that the districtyouth apprenticeship program had 20 certified completers last year and is on track to certify 36 students this year, the program coordinator said.

"Last year we had 20 certified completers at the end of their senior year. This year we're on track to have 36 certified completers in our youth apprenticeship program," S Wallace said during the board meeting.

The program is part of a statewide school-to-work initiative and requires students to complete 450 hours of work in a school year plus a related classroom credit, staff said. District staff listed employers and placements across agriculture, business/finance, manufacturing, automotive, construction and health care, citing examples such as Lindle Farms, Tag Lane Dairy, Wisconsin Aviation, Premier Bank and Jones Dairy Farm.

Staff said recognitions for participating students and employers will take place at the district academic and athletic awards ceremony to increase attendance by student employees. The district also described procedures for certifying program completers, including documentation and sign-offs required by the Department of Workforce Development.

Board members asked about participant eligibility; staff confirmed the program typically includes juniors and seniors and that students must meet the programrequirements and coursework to earn state-recognized certification.

The presentation emphasized employer partnerships and local investments that pay program costs for some students(e.g., tuition support to technical college), and staff noted full evaluations showing participating students met or exceeded job competencies.

The board did not take a separate vote on the apprenticeship report; it proceeded to the next agenda items.