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Youth apprenticeship grows in La Crosse: 98 apprentices this year, 72 senior graduates
Summary
The board heard that the La Crosse youth apprenticeship consortium now offers 16 state pathways; 98 students were in youth-apprenticeship placements in 2024–25 and 72 graduating seniors had apprenticeship experience. Staff highlighted employer partnerships and credentialing supports.
Brida, the district’s supervisor for career and technical education, gave a large‑format update on the youth apprenticeship program, citing rapid growth over five years. "Youth apprenticeship is a program that I'm incredibly passionate about," Brida said, and staff emphasized that today the district has 16 state‑approved pathways and strong employer partnerships that place students in real workplaces.
Brida told the board there were 98 youth apprentices in 2024–25 (up from three five years earlier) and 72 seniors in 2024–25 who finished with youth‑apprenticeship experience. Presenters described three ways students enter placements: existing student‑employer connections, employer outreach to the district, or district‑driven matchmaking after application and readiness screening. Staff said related instruction credit and program audits are managed through the Department of Workforce Development, and the district recently added a youth‑apprenticeship facilitator (Matt Wiggy) to support placements and in‑school coordination. Board members praised employer partnerships (Amplify Health, local farms, Boys & Girls Club) and noted gains for socioeconomically disadvantaged students.
