Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship Programs

Following the renewed interest in apprenticeship programs triggered by the Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1990 (PL 101-392), there arose the need to research youth apprenticeship programs and their impact on career and technical education. Previous research in traditional crafts apprenticeship programs suggested that, apprenticeship programs lacked academic content necessary for the graduands to function properly in a formal workplace environment. This study investigated perceptions of youth apprentices who transitioned from Fox Valley Technical College to the Graphics Communications Management Program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. The study found that, apprentices were significantly satisfied with the Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship Program. Those who had already graduated from the Graphics Communications Management Program attributed their success in the program to the work-based component of the apprenticeship program and will be willing to advise young people to enroll in youth apprenticeship programs.