Apprenticeships
High School Signing Day

Creating the next-generation workforce

Invest your time in an apprentice and you'll likely gain a loyal, long-term employee for the future. Apprenticeships offer on-the-job training and allow you to showcase your organization and culture while building the next generation of talent to keep your business running and growing. The High School Registered Apprenticeship program allows you to address workforce challenges by developing and retaining a skilled talent pool. When partnering with a local school district, businesses are able to professionally develop student apprentices with on-the-job training that you'll help customize.

 

 

How it works

High School Registered Apprenticeship programs combine work-based on-the-job learning with relevant technical education in the classroom. Students who participate in these programs graduate with a high school diploma, college credits and national industry credentials.

Students typically begin their on-the-job learning in the summer between 11th and 12th grade by working eight hours a day at your site. During their senior year, they’ll spend four hours a day working on-site at your business while attending a half-day of school. After graduation, students continue in their apprenticeship until all related training hours and standards are met. 

According to Future Ready Iowa, 91% of apprentices who complete an apprenticeship are still employed nine months later.

High school registered apprenticeships offered in the QC

In the Quad Cities region, many of the school districts offer a variety of apprenticeship programs and are ready to help you grow your workforce for the next generation.

  • Welder
  • CNC Machining
  • IT Software Engineering (ITSE)
  • IT Electronic Systems Technology (ITEST)
  • Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
  • Bank Teller
  • Electrician (pre-apprenticeship)  
  • Automotive Technology
  • Auto Body / Repairer
  • Auto Service Technician
  • Airframe Mechanic
  • Diesel Tech
  • Farm Worker General
  • Farming General
  • Baker

Note: This is not a comprehensive list. Programs are added regularly, so it’s important to check with local school districts for the most up-to-date information.

Business requirements for participation in apprenticeship programs

High School Registered Apprenticeship programs are hosted by area high schools in partnership with local businesses. Businesses provide:

  • On-the-job training
  • Paid work-based learning opportunities which start the summer after junior year and continue until requirements are met
  • Training for students in both technical and behavioral competencies outlined in the program standards
  • A mentor that works with the student throughout the process
  • Student performance feedback to the school 

We are always welcoming new business partners into the program. Click on the 'Talk to Us' button on the right and let us help you build your next-generation workforce.


FAQs for businesses looking to host high school apprenticeships

  1. Can a student under the age of 18 work in a factory in these occupations?
    Yes, 16-year-old students can work in a factory setting. According to Child Labor Provisions for Nonagricultural Occupations under the Fair Labor Standards Act, Child Labor Bulletin 101, a High School Registered Apprenticeship student under 18 and at least 16 can work in a factory setting and conduct welding, machining and other manufacturing operations. However, apprentices are not legally allowed to operate a motorized vehicle or a power-driven hoisting apparatus until they turn 18. Businesses may have to adjust their internal processes to accommodate this change by working with their human resources department.
     
  2. Would a business expect to see its insurance coverage costs remain the same?
    Yes, insurance coverage costs remain the same. It's recommended that businesses consult with their insurance provider for guidance prior to participating in an apprentice program. Most businesses find there is no change to insurance coverage or rates to host apprentices.
     
  3. Do businesses select the students assigned to their company?
    Yes, businesses can participate in the selection process with the schools. Schools partner with businesses at the beginning of the apprentice’s junior year. During this time, students participate in factory visits and job shadows to see which companies they are interested in. Businesses will conduct a series of follow-up interviews to ensure the selected apprentice is a good match for their organization. By the time placement occurs, typically in June, students and businesses should know each other very well.
     
  4. Will students be ready to add value to the organization? 
    Yes, most students will have completed advanced classes related to your industry by the end of junior year. School programs vary so businesses should carefully review student qualifications prior to hosting.
     
  5. Have the students been showing up on time?
    Yes, students have shown that they want to work and show up on time. Students have shown strong attendance and professional skills. They realize these programs provide them with an excellent opportunity and want to ensure they capitalize on it. Most students have adopted the attendance mantra – “If you are not 10 minutes early, you are late!”
     
  6. What if things do not work out - can a business end the relationship?
    Yes, if the student is not meeting the requirements agreed upon in the program standards, they can be dropped from the program. There are multiple evaluations and student check-in points during each phase of the work-based learning experience. If a student does not meet the minimum passing requirement (a score of 3) for the technical and behavioral competencies identified, the student can be dropped from the program.
     
  7. Is it true that the business does not have an obligation to hire the apprentice for full-time employment after completion of the program?
    Yes, businesses are not obligated to hire students full-time. Apprenticeships are competency-based programs and business partners are obligated to provide students with the opportunity to meet all specified program standards by providing a minimum of 2,000 hours towards the apprenticeship program. Businesses are not obligated to hire students upon completion of the apprenticeship program.
     
  8. Is there a common process to handle pay rates?
    Yes, business partners agree upon a standard rate of pay that will be used as guidance. Each program administrator from the local school will gather input from local businesses to define the expected pay rates for the apprentices during each phase of the apprenticeship. Pay rates are established to allow maximum flexibility at each business and should be used as a guideline. Businesses are advised to consult their human resources department to confirm pay rates.
     
  9. Do apprenticeship programs work in union environments?
    Yes, hosting a High School Registered Apprenticeship program is possible in union environments. Introducing the program requires multiple up-front conversations and integration with your local union leadership and workforce. Program processes and guidelines can be set up to ensure that the program is sustainable over the long term and does not violate the key tenants of any labor agreements.
     
  10. Are manufacturing programs different from skills trade shop apprentice programs?
    Yes, this is a unique program targeting manufacturing positions and allows high school students to participate in work-based learning experiences while in school. There are several work-based programs that are helping future employees gain the skills to start a career. The high school student programs are unique because they focus on specific production-type roles that require certifications (i.e. welding, machining, auto techs), they allow students to begin the process in high school, and they are competency-based programs. High School Registered Apprenticeship programs are not intended to replace the skills trades programs and could potentially be used as a feeder for students who want to do this work long-term.

Compiled by John Deere High School Student Apprenticeship coordinators

James Porter
Contact
James Porter
Vice President, Talent & Inclusion
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