Youth Apprenticeship
Students and Families
Today’s registered apprenticeships are no longer limited to traditional trades—they’re high-quality, paid training programs that span cutting-edge fields like healthcare, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing. Designed for students as early as high school, modern apprenticeships offer youth the opportunity to earn while they learn, often gaining college credit and industry-recognized credentials without incurring student debt.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 91% of apprenticeship completers are employed after graduation, with an average starting salary of $77,000. This means apprenticeships are a proven, future-ready path to meaningful careers, not a fallback option.
Full Time Employment
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Over 90% of registered apprentices gain full-time employment after completing their program.
Average Starting Salary
The average starting salary for apprenticeship graduates is $70,000+ in many technical fields.
Continuing Education
Many apprentices continue on to earn college degrees — paid for by their employers.
Why Choose Registered Apprenticeship?
1) Skip the Debt and Earn While you Learn – While many students leave college with tens of thousands in student loans, apprentices start their careers with zero debt and a paycheck in hand from day 1.
2) Earn Industry Credentials – Apprenticeships give you a nationally recognized credential that employers value — no degree required.
3) Work alongside mentors in fields like: I.T., Healthcare, Finance, Education, Construction and many more. There are hundreds of occupations to choose from!
4) Apprentices gain valuable experience that sets them apart — whether they decide to go straight to work or continue their education later.
5) High Employment and Retention Rates: 91% of registered apprentices are employed after completing their program. And a 93% retention rate means youth are likely to stay employed and grow within the company or industry.
How do I Become an Apprentice?
Step 1:
Look for employers who are currently participating to determine what county you would like to work in and what you would like to pursue. Click Here
Step 2:
Contact the sponsor/program/employer directly to find out how to apply for their apprenticeship program.
Step 3:
For any questions or further assistance with your job or apprenticeship search, connect with your local Workforce Center through the KansasWORKS Network. Click Here
Note: The Kansas Office of Apprenticeship does not place individuals directly into apprenticeship programs. Sponsor and/or employers hire apprentices directly.
DID YOU KNOW?
The proportion of job openings requiring a bachelor’s degree has been on a downward trend. In 2017, 51 percent of job postings required a degree, but by 2021, this figure decreased to 44 percent. This shift reflects a growing emphasis on skills-based hiring, where employers prioritize practical experience and competencies over formal educational credentials. Apprenticeship is a long-tested approach to training and learning that can offer apprentices:
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Competitive pay from day one
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High-growth career opportunities
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Debt-free learning
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Professional mentorship and hands-on skills
Choose the right path for your goals, strengths, and future. On-the-job training, certifications and college can all be part of the journey. The first step right out of high school will look different for every one. Chart a course that works best for you!
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
Here's What it's Like to be and Apprentice
A Smart Choice for Families...
“The apprenticeship helped my son discover a passion for engineering. He’s now working full-time and taking classes debt-free!”
We know parents want the best for their children. Youth apprenticeships are designed to:
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Build confidence and independence
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Open doors to sustainable careers
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Offer real-world insight into career options — before students commit to college or debt
“It’s the best decision I made in high school. I learned more at my apprenticeship than in any textbook — and I got paid for it.”