A youth apprenticeship is a structured, work-based learning program designed to start when apprentices are in high school.
High-quality youth apprenticeship programs include the following four core elements:
- Paid, on-the-job learning under the supervision of skilled employee mentors
- Related, classroom-based instruction
- Ongoing assessment against established skills and competency standards
- Culmination in a portable, industry recognized credential and postsecondary credit
Any youth apprenticeship program that aims to reflect the above definition is eligible to participate in the PAYA Network, including Registered Apprenticeships and those that are not currently registered with a state apprenticeship agency or the US Department of Labor.