Classroom to Career: Discovering the Power of Youth Apprenticeship

This week is National Apprenticeship Week! We’re celebrating the wide variety of Youth Apprenticeships (YA) available to our students. 

Youth apprenticeship connects students to paid, real-world jobs within the local economy that align with their career interests. From Manufacturing and Finance to Health Science and Information Technology, students have 16 program areas to choose from.

“Through the youth apprenticeship program, students get experience working in real jobs,” said Brent Gostomski, YA Coordinator. “They get on-the-job training and get paid while also earning high school credit.”

The program is open to juniors and seniors but the application process can start as soon as the end of sophomore year.

“Youth apprenticeship is a great opportunity for you to explore potential careers,” said Mr. Gostomski. “It allows you to build skills while having your interests a little bit out of your comfort box.”

Hear from some of the students currently completing a YA program:

Wyatt Witte, YA at Pointe Precision

As a Youth Apprentice at Pointe Precision, SPASH junior Wyatt Witte is gaining hands-on experience manufacturing precision metal components for rockets, missiles, and aircraft. With a long-term goal of becoming an aerospace engineer, he is building a technical foundation that few students access before college.

“My Youth Apprenticeship has really helped me grow in life,” said Wyatt. “It has bridged the gap between childhood and adulthood as I enter college and my career.”

His advice to those interested in a YA? “Just do it,” Wyatt said. “It’s good knowledge that gets passed around and it helps the next generation with skilled workers.”

Abby Bemowski, YA at Aspirus

Abby Bemowski is completing her YA program as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Aspirus. 

“I chose Aspirus because it allows me to have a broader scope of practice with my CNA,” said Abby. “I can do a lot here and I’ve learned so much.”

She started by earning her CNA license for free at Mid-State through the Start College Now program.

“If you’re wanting to do an apprenticeship, especially if you’re interested in going into healthcare, it’s definitely worth it,” said Abby. “You’ll find out what you do and don’t want to do instead of just going with what you think you’d like to do.”

As an aspiring Physician Assistant (PA), Abby plans to attend UW-Eau Claire this fall and major in biology on the pre-physician assistant track.

Gage Warner, YA at Simplicity Credit Union

SPASH senior Gage Warner has been a YA at Simplicity Credit Union for one year. He is a Member Service Representative, where he processes transactions, cashes checks, opens CDs, and more.

“In the YA program, you’re getting more than just a work experience, it’s like another school experience,” Gage said.

His advice for those interested in a YA is to start early. “I recommend the YA program to anybody,” said Gage. “My biggest piece of advice is to start as early as you can.”

Molly Rechner, YA at Sentry Insurance

Molly Rechner is a Claims Youth Apprentice at Sentry Insurance, where she reviews arbitration notices, orders transcribed statements, and makes phone calls to police departments for investigation updates.

“I chose this apprenticeship to gain the hands-on experience that you don’t get to experience in the classroom,” said Molly.

One skill Molly gained through her YA experience is time management. “It has forced me to be forward thinking, often planning my schedule months in advance,” said Molly. “And this is something I will carry with me into my future career and into college.”

“For any student who is looking to apply for youth apprenticeship, my advice is to put yourself out there and do it,” Molly said. “I never would’ve had this opportunity at Sentry if I didn’t step outside my comfort zone and try something new.”

Bryce Bannach, YA at Steel King 

In addition to SPASH senior Bryce Bannach’s busy school and sports schedules, he also gets hands-on, real-world experience as a YA at Steel King.

“This just really taught me that, if you show up and be there, you can really achieve and succeed,” said Bryce.

In his role, Bryce is a welder who sees projects from start to finish. “We get dished out a blueprint, we take that blueprint and read it, and then make and fabricate the whole thing,” Bryce said.

Bryce plans to attend Northcentral Technical College this fall to study welding technology.

For those interested in YA, Bryce's advice is to do anything and everything. “I think doing this as a young person, it's just a great thing to do,” Bryce said.

Jackie Borjas-Gonzalez, YA at Dimensions Living Stevens Point

In Jackie Borjas-Gonzalez’s two years as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Dimensions Living Stevens Point, she has built a strong foundation in nursing while fostering strong relationships with co-workers and residents. 

“It’s just great working here,” said Jackie. “The main thing that I learned is the presence of being there in the moment. I will definitely take that into the future.”

Jackie’s role includes transporting residents, facilitating activities, and assisting with their exercise routines.

To become a CNA, Jackie had to become certified through the state. “I went through the Career Center at SPASH and they enrolled me in the Start College Now program,” said Jackie. “And then I went to Mid-State for three months and then took the test for the state and then became certified.”

This fall, Jackie will be attending college in Florida with a major in nursing.

Looking for a head start in your future? Learn more about the Youth Apprenticeship program and stop into the Career Center at SPASH!

Watch the full video series to see the possibilities!