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Employer information for Youth Skills Training and Youth Apprenticeship

CMMA has embraced work-based learning as an effective avenue to deter workforce shortages at our member plants moving into the next decade. We have collected this information to help you shorten your journey to successful Youth Skills Training and Youth Apprenticeship. We are available to help you through this process.

The models

There are two work-based training/student-learner models in the State of Minnesota. The Youth Skills Training (YST) program has fewer barriers to entry and fewer requirements, while the Youth Apprenticeship (YA)  program delivers industry credentials to students, and requires a certified CTE instructor. Schools and employers often start with a YST program and work their way into a YA program after a year or two. You may want to investigate each option to determine which option is best for you.

 

What does my business need to do?

What your business needs to do will vary between the two models listed above. In short you will need to:

  • Verify your insurance company will allow for student learners
  • Identify an area or areas that a student or apprentice can work in
  • Identify a wage scale with increases
  • Identify a school partner
  • Choose one of the models listed above and start the application
  • Business forms you will need
    • Application
    • Job description
    • Orientation
    • Training
    • Safety manual
    • Employee handbook
    • Skills test
  • Hiring process
  • Training plan
  • Safety plan
  • Performance evaluations.

 

Costs

  • Wages
  • Mentor and human resources time
  • Insurance

Resources that may be available to assist with costs/investments

Here are a few work-based learning/on-the-job training programs that can reimburse partial wages to your company and provide wrap around support services to student/employee, including

 

Forms

 

What's in it for your business

  • Develop your future talent pipeline
  • Reduce hiring and training costs
  • Increase competitive advantage in recruitment and employee retention
  • Limit turnover
  • Make meaningful investments in your local community
  • Engage more employees
  • Measure impact
  • Provide support to local schools and education initiatives.
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