Youth Apprenticeship
Employer Benefits
Kansas currently faces severe outmigration of residents and declining working population rates.
Youth apprenticeship is an underutilized strategy for talent attraction, development, and retention.
Can an Employer in Kansas hire an apprentice who is under the age of 18 and they still be covered by Workman's Compensation?
YES! This letter from the Kansas Insurance Commission clears up the confusion around workman’s compensation liability for registered apprentices 16 years of age or older.
What is YRA?
Youth Registered Apprenticeship is more than just a training program—it’s a strategic investment in your company’s long-term success. By engaging enrolled high school students in paid, part-time work-based learning (3 to 18 hours per week), you’re not only shaping future talent tailored to your specific needs, but also boosting retention and building a strong, loyal workforce from the ground up.
YRA Programs are designed to align with RA Programs where once a student completes their high school requirements, they shift to full time employment to complete their RA program.
Apprentices can start as early as age 16, gaining paid hands-on experience while earning high school credit, post-secondary credit, and real-world skills that directly align with your business goals. This is your opportunity to develop skilled, motivated employees who are ready to grow with your company.
Start building your talent pipeline today—partner with the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship!
How does an Employer
create a
YRA Program?
Steps to Registering a Youth Apprenticeship Program:
Identify the Right Occupation and Skills
Select an occupation that aligns with your business or staffing needs. Clearly define the essential skills and competencies your apprentice will need to succeed.
Develop an On-the-Job Training Plan (Work Process Schedule)
Outline the hands-on skills your apprentices will learn during their time on the job. This structured plan ensures consistent, effective training aligned with your business goals.
Set Up Related Technical Instruction (RTI)
Determine the educational component of your program. Choose from community colleges, online courses, high school CTE pathways, or industry associations to provide the necessary classroom-based learning.
Register Your Program
Work with the Kansas Office of Apprenticeship or a registered Kansas apprenticeship intermediary to get your program ready for review and approval by the Kansas Apprenticeship Council.
Get Approved and Start Hiring!
Once approved, you’re ready to begin hiring apprentices and growing your skilled workforce!
What are the Benefits of Apprenticeship for Employers?
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Reduced recruitment costs – the average cost per hire is $4,700 without apprenticeship
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Average return on investment with registered apprenticeship is $2.03 per $1.00 spent
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Access to a skilled talent pipeline to grow your organization and retain/promote quality employees
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Increase the quality of applicants and employees – offset the 12-50% temp agency fee by investing it in a permanent employee at completion of the apprenticeship program
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Shape future employees with customized employer-driven training that meets your needs
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Access to funding opportunities like the Kansas Apprenticeship Tax Credit
Can youth apprentices work in hazardous occupations?
Know the Rules when working with Hazardous Occupation:
When working with Youth Registered Apprentices, the Child Labor Laws The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) still apply. The FLSA restricts minors under 18 from working in hazardous occupations.
HOWEVER – there is an exemption for apprentices and student-learners in bona fide registered programs.
To legally place youth in hazardous jobs under a registered apprenticeship: The program must be registered with the state of Kansas Registered Apprenticeship Office.
The hazardous duties must be:
- Closely supervised,
- Clearly part of the approved training plan,
- And incrementally taught under safe conditions
Example HO exemptions include areas like:
- Operating certain power-driven machines,
- Electrical work,
- Roofing (very limited),
- Welding (limited types and under supervision)
Links to Other Resources:
Hazardous Occupations for Youth
Child Labor Provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act
Framework on Registered Apprenticeship for High School Students
What Incentives are Connected to Registered Apprenticeship?
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Grant and tax credit eligibility – GRANTS AND RESOURCES
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Apprentices are tracked and receive national certification
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Ability to employ minors in apprenticeship programs