Youth Apprenticeship Program

PURPOSE: To provide high school students with an opportunity to gain paid work experience in a skilled trade that is credited towards their first year of postsecondary apprenticeship training.

---

MINISTRY

---

Department of Advanced Education & Skills, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

---

DESCRIPTION

---

The Youth Apprenticeship Program provides high school students ages 16-19 with an opportunity to explore and begin a career in the skilled trades as many students struggle with choosing a career path and are often unaware of the apprenticeship options available to them.

Other benefits include:

• Increased employment opportunities;

• Direct work experience in the skilled trades;

• Ability to earn credit hours for entry-level apprenticeship while in high school and reduce the time required to complete an apprenticeship program;

• Increased awareness of the apprenticeship system and early exposure to the skilled trades to assist with a smooth transition to postsecondary apprenticeship training;

• Paid work afterschool, weekends, and during summer vacation; and,

• Priority placement in a skilled trades training program at the College of the North Atlantic for students entering directly after high school.

---

RESULTS

---

The program is currently in the pilot stage in nine high schools in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Approximately 30 students have participated in the program since 2012.

A review of the pilot program in 2014 identified the benefits and challenges currently being experienced by students, employers and school administrators.

The review included a survey with participating school administration and faculty.

Based on the feedback obtained through the pilot review, full implementation of the program has been recommended to transfer from a pilot program to a regular program within the department. A response is expected soon.

---

FURTHER INFORMATION

---

Apprenticeship and Certification | Advanced Education and Skills

---