Provides apprenticeship opportunities to students in every school system within the Northwest Georgia RESA service area AND support services to RESA member systems that have individual or multi-system apprenticeship programs already in place.

Youth Apprenticeship allows junior and senior high school students to explore the career area of their choice before making college, technical school and full-time employment decisions. It establishes a "career pathway" to the real world so that students make connections between classroom study and applying those skills to work.

The program is a structured combination of school-based and work-based learning linked to postsecondary instructional programs/training programs, military, technical schools and colleges. Through a coordinated effort with business and industry, the program is designed to prepare students for competitive careers by providing education that is academically challenging and relevant to future opportunities.

What does youth apprenticeship provide?

Employers:

1. Pre-screened potential employees
2. Industry practiced and recognized training for every occupation and trade
3. Structured training program to develop employee skills and occupation related education
4. Training method for employees to learn skills recognized by industry and customized for employers specific needs
5. Method to use state academic and vocational education in the training of employees
6. A method to motivate employees to upgrade their present skills
7. Reduced employee turnover
8. Shared training with schools = reduced costs

Apprentices:

1. A structured training method directly related to the chosen job and career
2. Development and expansion of training skills in their selected occupation
3. Incentives and set goals to obtain competency in a choice of more than 800 occupations recognized as apprenticable
4. Periodic wage increases as skills develop and new levels are attained
5. Participation in an interesting and challenging program

Students! What's in it for you?

1. You have the opportunity to learn the needs and expectations of business before you enter the workplace on a full-time basis
2. You receive assistance in setting good career goals
3. You can earn technical college and/or college credits while still in high school
4. You earn money $$$$$$ while still going to school
5. Your career options are expanded

Apprenticeship eligibility requirements:

1. A strong academic foundation, good reading, writing and math skills
2. On track for graduation and career oriented
3. Minimum grade point average of 80 or special considerations
4. No discipline or attendance problems
5. Maturity can you make decisions, set priorities, communicate well, follow through on commitments?
6. Furnish own transportation, insurance, work permits
7. Parental support