Wisconsin Youth Apprentice Arthur Anderson with his mentor (and father) Matt Anderson at Matt Anderson Helicopter Repair in Janesville.
by Olivia Conklin
(Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development)
& Meredith Alt
(Wisconsin Department of Transportation)
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine August/September 2022 Digital Issue
Through a partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics and statewide aviation and aerospace employers, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development – Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, recently developed four new pathways in aviation. The new pathways are the first of their kind in aviation in Wisconsin and will be available to interested high school students and employers this summer 2022. The new pathways offer Youth Apprenticeship opportunities in Aviation Maintenance Fundamentals, Airframe and Powerplant (A&P), Avionics, and Airport Operations and Management.
With over 30 years of success, Wisconsin’s Youth Apprenticeship program is a work-based learning program that combines work experience and classroom instruction in 11 different occupation areas. Apprenticeships offer paid, on-the-job learning experience that benefits apprentices and employers in many ways. Beyond work experience and education, apprentices also gain skills, build relationships with mentors, and get a head start on their careers. Additionally, apprentices may be eligible for college credit by participating in Youth Apprenticeship. The new aviation apprenticeship pathways allow students to explore and gain real-world experience in the aviation industry.
Employers also receive benefits through the Youth Apprenticeship program. Youth Apprenticeship gives employers access to motivated students interested in the aviation industry. Employers’ recruitment and development strategies improve as they train the next generation of their workforce. Apprentices bring innovative ideas and a strong desire to learn, which are critical commodities in today’s workplace. More than 75% of youth apprentices receive permanent job offers at the end of their apprenticeship experience, showing the success Youth Apprenticeship brings.
With a strong need for skilled workers across the aviation industry, we in Wisconsin are eager to see how Youth Apprenticeship will help build the pipeline into the aviation industry. Students and employers interested in an aviation youth apprenticeship program should visit WisconsinApprenticeship.com or connect with staff at
ya@dwd.wisconsin.gov.
