The Wisconsin Health Services YA Youth Apprenticeship Program is designed to provide students with a working understanding of core health services industry skills and occupationally specific skills that serve as the standard for occupational clusters in the health care industry.  This program provides the framework for educators and industry to work together to produce work-ready, entry-level employees that will compete favorably in a global market, as well as, provide for post-secondary educational advancement while integrating work-based learning in the school and worksite.

The following features distinguish a YA Program from other similar youth school to work programs.

• Level Two Youth Apprenticeship is a two-year program for high school juniors and seniors with an interest in a particular field; i.e., health services.  One-year Youth Apprenticeship Programs are also available to pursue.
• Youth apprentices, parents, employers, YA school-based coordinators, and school districts enter into a written agreement approved by the Department of Workforce Development.
• Statewide skills are established by the industry, making the youth apprentice skill set more relevant to the state's employers.
• Youth apprentices are trained at the worksite by skilled mentors and are paid minimum wage or better for their work.  Students average 10-15 hours/week.
• Youth apprentices receive a high school diploma and a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) at graduation.
• Youth apprentices may receive advance standing credit and/or transcripted credit for the YA Program at a Wisconsin Technical College and/or at some four year colleges.
• Statewide skill standards focus on skills and knowledge needed by employers for entry level employment in the health services industry.