Applications Now Accepted for PrepareRI Youth Apprenticeship

Published on Friday, March 01, 2019

First-Year Program Will Give Students Hands-On Experience in High-Demand Career Pathways

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Applications for the first year of the PrepareRI Youth Apprenticeship Program are now being accepted through April 15 for rising juniors and seniors at Rhode Island public high schools. Funded through a $500,000 U.S. Department of Education STEM grant that Rhode Island was awarded in October 2018, this program will place more than 100 students statewide in apprenticeships by 2022.

A youth apprenticeship combines work-based learning with related classroom instruction, allowing students to begin a career pathway while still in high school. This program sets students up for employment immediately after graduating high school; participants will be hired either as a formal apprentice working towards a nationally recognized industry certificate, or as a full-time employee, depending on the program.

“Through Prepare Rhode Island, a record number of students are taking advantage of advanced coursework, college access, and work-based learning opportunities. The PrepareRI Youth Apprenticeship Program is the next step in strengthening these kinds of career pathway programs, and preparing more students for the high-wage, high-demand jobs that will continue to grow in our state,” said Governor Gina M. Raimondo.

There are several industry partners collaborating with the state in designing the pilot year of this program, with the Community College of Rhode Island serving as the primary instruction provider. The apprenticeship program pilot will include career pathways in health care, manufacturing, and environmental sustainability, with additional fields anticipated in future years.

Starting in the fall, successful applicants will be on a pathway that consists of job-related instructional coursework at CCRI and work-based learning. The first-year cohort will include around 50 public high school seniors.

“By combining classroom learning with hands-on, on-the-job experience, students can put their knowledge into practice and better equip themselves with the kinds of skills they need to be competitive in the workforce,” said Ken Wagner, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. “An apprenticeship is really about education in action, and we’re excited to add the PrepareRI Youth Apprenticeship Program into our growing portfolio of college and career pathway options.”

Applications are due April 15. Interested students and guardians will be invited to attend an informational session held at the beginning of April. Acceptance decisions will be issued by early May. For more information and to download the application, visit www.prepare-ri.org/apprenticeships or contact info@prepare-ri.org.

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