Employer Resources
Are you looking for a way to invest in the future workforce while gaining support for your business?
The CESA 1 Youth Apprenticeship Consortium connects engaged employers with aspiring young apprentices eager to learn and grow. We facilitate meaningful partnerships that enhance skill development and workplace readiness.
The YA Program has been connecting employers with high school student talent for over 25 years, creating a scalable and successful program with input from industry.
Employers extend permanent job offers to more than 75 percent of the graduating youth apprentices annually, making YA an excellent pipeline for recruiting and retaining loyal, well-trained talent.
Let’s work together to create pathways for success in your industry!
What is Youth Apprenticeship?
- A state-certified, one or two-year program for high school juniors and seniors that combines paid, mentored, on-the-job training with related classroom instruction.
- Students earn high school credit, and in some cases college credit, in addition to Certified Industry Recognized Credentials upon successful completion.
- Apprentices complete a minimum of 450 hours of work-based learning per year, averaging 10-20 hours per week.
- The program spans the 16 career clusters recognized by the Department of Workforce Development and the Department of Public Instruction.
YA Ignition Day - April 9, 2026
Employer Benefits
Recruitment - Develop a recruitment strategy to hire and train future employees.
Skills - Shape the apprentice's skills to match the specific needs of your organization.
Opportunities - Provide supervisory experience to staff. Mentoring is a great experience for managers.
Community Engagement - Build positive relationships with local high schools.
Turnover - Reduce turnover and increase retention by hiring youth apprentice graduates.
Employer's Role in YA
- Hire and mentor high school students for one or two years, providing structured, competency-based training.
- Assign a workplace mentor to guide and supervise the apprentice's development.
- Participate in signing an Educational Training Agreement with the student, parent/guardian, school, and coordinator that outlines responsibilities and expectations.
- Provide feedback on the apprentice's progress in both employability and technical skills throughout the program.
