The Great Oaks Youth Apprenticeship Program is one component of a career opportunity system designed to help students enter a career path that leads to a highly skilled occupation. The program links secondary and postsecondary education, business, industry, organized labor and government together to provide a seamless career path. Well-planned and supervised school-based and work-based learning experiences are the foundation for the program. By the time they complete the two-year high school segment of the program, students will have achieved approximately 2,200 hours of work-site training and 1,300 hours in a school based-setting. Competent instruction, supervision, coaching, and mentoring by adults is a key feature. Because it is linked with a formal apprenticeship program approved by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, high occupational and academic standards are set for participating students.

• May begin after first quarter of junior year
• Enrolled in a career preparation program
• 95% attendance
• Maintained overall 2.5 grade point average in high school
• Passing all subjects
• Demonstrates 9th grade skills in math, science, writing, and citizenship
• Participate in a summer program
• Transportation
• 16 years of age
• 12 months school and work
• In order to continue in the Youth Apprenticeship Program, the student must maintain an overall 2.5 GPA and 95% attendance from Junior year into their Senior year

Apprenticeship is a system for teaching the practical and theoretical aspects of technical and skilled trades needed by business and industry. It combines on-the-job training with related classroom technical instruction. Apprentices train under the direction of experienced craftsmen commonly called “journeymen."

Training begins in the first semester of the senior year. It is open to any senior student, 16 years or older, enrolled in a qualified program, and meets the job placement guidelines.

• May begin the second week of senior year
• Attendance-95% junior year-no more than 9 days absent in junior year
• Grade Average-B or better in each course that is presently being taken and in courses completed during the junior year.
• Instructor and Apprenticeship Coordinator recommendation
• Dean’s approval
• On schedule to graduate from affiliated school
• Demonstrates 9th grade skills in math, reading, science, writing and citizenship

The Internship Program is designed to place students in a workforce development area Intership Program where a registered program is not available. The program will give the student an opportunity to compete in their trade area.

• May begin second week of senior year
• Attendance – 95% junior year-no more than 9 days absence in junior year
• Grade Average - B or better in each course that is presently being taken and in courses completed during the junior year
• Instructor and Apprenticeship Coordinator recommendation
• Dean’s approval
• On schedule to graduate from affiliated school
• Demonstrates 9th grade skills in math, reading, science, writing and citizenship