The Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) invites businesses across Nebraska to join a growing group of employers providing youth Registered Apprenticeship opportunities. Eighty-six businesses across the state are now employing youth apprentices in 30 different occupations. Six high schools, three community colleges, and two universities are partnering with these businesses to offer youth ages 16-24 positions that earn a wage while teaching valuable job skills.

Earlier this month, the NDOL was among the organizations on hand for the youth apprenticeship signing ceremony at Grand Island Career Pathways Institute.  Career & Technical Education (CTE) and Grand Island Senior High (GISH) hosted the annual event. For the eighth straight year, juniors in the GISH Academy of Technical Sciences signed on to participate in Registered Apprenticeships with local businesses. Registered Apprenticeships combine supervised on-the-job training with technical classroom instruction in subjects related to the apprentice's chosen occupation.

Grand Island Senior High became the first high school in Nebraska to offer paid apprenticeships for students in career and technical education (CTE) programs. Over 60 students have since completed Registered Apprenticeships, with Grand Island representing 18 apprenticeship business partners across the state. 

Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly addressed the latest group of apprentices at the Grand Island event. "What a great way to keep you here in Nebraska,” said Lt. Gov. Kelly.  “We're always looking for that. I think everybody in the state can look at a program like this and say, 'Yeah, let's do it like Grand Island.'" 

Youth Apprenticeship Week (YAW) was celebrated last week nationwide.  The week celebrates the benefits and value of Registered Apprenticeship program opportunities for youth. There are 101 enrolled youth apprentices in Nebraska across 11 different programs.

If you're an employer interested in learning more about Youth Apprenticeship Programs, email NDOL.Apprenticeship@nebraska.gov. 

NDOL press releases are accessible here: dol.nebraska.gov/PressRelease

Photos courtesy: Grand Island Public Schools