Youth
Apprenticeship
YOUTH REGISTERED
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
MODEL
Youth Registered Apprenticeship is a work-based learning opportunity that helps students develop academic and workplace skills and prepare them for post-secondary education opportunities and careers. Youth apprentices receive paid, on-the-job training along with supplemental technical instruction designed to meet high school graduation requirements. Youth programs are developed to create a clear pathway to full-time employment in a Registered Apprenticeship program.
Youth Registered Apprenticeship is a competency-based program. Students work for an employer part-time between 5 to 18 hours each week. On-the-Job-Learning is pathway-focused and based on the specific goals of the employer, educator and young person. Please note that on-the-job training attainment is not tied to High School Graduation deadlines and can be extended post graduation.
Program Eligibility
Kansas Youth Apprenticeship is defined as a paid employment and training opportunity that starts as early as 16 years of age.
We have successfully acquired a letter from the Kansas Insurance Commission clearing up the confusion around workman’s compensation liability for registered apprentices 16+! We hope this letter will set the stage for significant growth in the youth apprenticeship sector and will facilitate conversation between workman’s compensation carriers and business leaders. Please feel free to share!
We have successfully acquired a letter from the Kansas Insurance Commission clearing up the confusion around workman’s compensation liability for registered apprentices 16+! We hope this letter will set the stage for significant growth in the youth apprenticeship sector and will facilitate conversation between workman’s compensation carriers and business leaders. Please feel free to share!
REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP AND CHILD LABOR LAWS
Fair Labor Standards Act Factsheet: Information for Interns and Students Working for For-profit Employers
Federal and State Employment Standards for HAZARDOUS OCCUPATIONS contain LIMITED EXEMPTIONS for 16 and 17-year-old apprentices. Exemptions apply when employed under the
following conditions:
1. The student-learner (youth apprentice) is enrolled as an apprentice and employed in a craft recognized as a DOL apprenticeable trade that encompasses approved educational training.
2. The student-learner (youth apprentice) is employed under a written agreement which provides; that the work of the student-learner is incidental to his training; that such work shall be intermittent, for short periods of time, and under the direct and close supervision of a qualified and experienced person; with on-the-job training; and that a schedule of organized and progressive work processes to be performed on the job have been prepared; all which will be encompassed in the Sponsor’s Boilerplate Standard of their Registered Apprenticeship program.
3. Written Apprenticeship Agreements will contain the name of the student-learner, and is signed by the employer and by a person authorized to represent the educational authority or school.
4. Copies of the Boiler Plate Standards and Apprenticeship Agreements are kept on file by both the educational authority or school and by the employer.
REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP AND CHILD LABOR LAWS
Fair Labor Standards Act Factsheet: Information for Interns and Students Working for For-profit Employers
Federal and State Employment Standards for HAZARDOUS OCCUPATIONS contain LIMITED EXEMPTIONS for 16 and 17-year-old apprentices. Exemptions apply when employed under the
following conditions:
1. The student-learner (youth apprentice) is enrolled as an apprentice and employed in a craft recognized as a DOL apprenticeable trade that encompasses approved educational training.
2. The student-learner (youth apprentice) is employed under a written agreement which provides; that the work of the student-learner is incidental to his training; that such work shall be intermittent, for short periods of time, and under the direct and close supervision of a qualified and experienced person; with on-the-job training; and that a schedule of organized and progressive work processes to be performed on the job have been prepared; all which will be encompassed in the Sponsor’s Boilerplate Standard of their Registered Apprenticeship program.
3. Written Apprenticeship Agreements will contain the name of the student-learner, and is signed by the employer and by a person authorized to represent the educational authority or school.
4. Copies of the Boiler Plate Standards and Apprenticeship Agreements are kept on file by both the educational authority or school and by the employer.
How to Build
A Youth
Program
STEPS
Assess
career pathways and skills are most in-demand in your
community? What barriers exist between students and
opportunities to gain those skills? What businesses are
willing to partner with your students?
Build
registered apprenticeship programs that includes
boards, faculty, staff, and industry partners.
Register
with the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship Program to design and build your program. Submit your program to be credentialed.
To become an established Intermediary or Sponsor, visit our step by step page below.
Write
Expand
established. Note: It is imperative that Youth Registered
Apprenticeship leads to established Registered
Apprenticeship for continuity, so partnership is key.
KSDE Resources for Work Based Learning
Kansas Work-Based Learning: Personalized Learning Plan - Guidance Document
This resource outlines the process for creating a customized learning experience for students participating in work-based learning (WBL) programs. It emphasizes aligning student career goals with structured learning and authentic work experiences, culminating in measurable outcomes and potential employment opportunities.
Postsecondary Readiness Digital Reference Guide
This resource is designed to support students in planning their post-secondary paths, whether it be in higher education, technical training, or the workforce. It provides a framework for students to develop Individual Plans of Study (IPS), aligning their academic and career goals with appropriate coursework, work-based learning experiences, and other relevant opportunities. The guide emphasizes personalized learning, helping students identify their strengths and interests to create a roadmap for future success.
The Kansas Career Cluster Guidance Handbook
This resource outlines career pathways and provides a framework for students to explore career options. It is designed to help students transition from high school to postsecondary education, apprenticeships, the military or the workplace. The handbook organizes knowledge and skills into coherent course sequences, guiding students through relevant coursework and work-based learning experiences.
Other Youth Apprenticeship Considerations for School Districts
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Kansas Works and the Local Workforce Boards can provide resources and support with connecting with local employers in your community and other opportunities for students to participate in job fairs, employability skills workshops, and other programs.
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Traditionally, apprenticeships require 2000 hours of work (full time employment) per year, youth apprenticeship allows for that requirement to be relaxed so that apprentices currently enrolled in school can work part time with their employer and still be in a registered apprenticeship program.
Youth Apprenticeship Resources and Success Stories
Suggested Resources
- Kansas State Department of Education
Work Based Learning resource page - URBAN Institute
Rural Apprenticeships for Young People: Challenges and Strategies for Success White Paper - DOL Youth Apprenticeship Resource Page
- Department of Labor Training and Employment Notice: Framework on Registered Apprenticeship for High School Students
- Urban Institute: Mentor Guide for Youth Registered Apprenticeship Programs
- USDOL Frequently Asked Questions about Youth Apprenticeship