Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process of matching youth apprenticeship students with our organization?
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The NEWYA Consortium has school based coaches within each of the high schools that we support. These coaches have an established recruitment process and have a clear understanding of each student enrolled in the program. Once a clear understanding of your open role is provided, you will have access to student applications and resumes. From there, you can select the candidates that you would like to bring in for an interview. Your YA Employment Coordinator/School Based Coach is a great resource to help support the recommendation of students that match your needs. Employers can also be involved at different stages in the program prior to placements, such as: tours, job shadowing, guest lecturing etc. Please reach out to learn more about these opportunities.
What are the requirements of the employer in a youth apprenticeship placement?
Employers play a key role in the success of a youth apprenticeship student.
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Hiring: Our consortium will help identify potential youth apprentices and assist with coordinating interviews, but employers conduct interviews, determine who to hire, and may opt to not hire any youth.
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Mentors: Before hiring a youth apprentice, employers are asked to identify individuals who will act as a mentor at the workplace for the apprentice. The mentor will participate in a mentor training session provided by NEWYA.
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Education Training Agreement: Signed by the apprentice, their parent/guardian, the employer, the school principal or designee, and the YA Consortium, this agreement enumerates the expectations and responsibilities of each party during the apprenticeship.
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Training: Each type of apprenticeship offers a guide of competencies that youth apprentices are expected to learn at the workplace. These are shared with employers prior to hiring the apprentice to ensure the employer's capability of providing the experiences outlined.
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Pay: YA students must be paid at least the minimum wage.
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Progress Reviews: Participate in regular progress reviews with youth apprentices at least 3 times per year and engage in monthly check ins with the consortium.
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Hours: Ensure 450 hours per year of worksite training/work hours
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Child Labor: Comply with employment of minors laws
What is the process of matching youth apprenticeship students with our organization?
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The NEWYA Consortium has school based coaches within each of the high schools that we support. These coaches have an established recruitment process and have a clear understanding of each student enrolled in the program. Once a clear understanding of your open role is provided, you will have access to student applications and resumes. From there, you can select the candidates that you would like to bring in for an interview. Your YA Employment Coordinator/School Based Coach is a great resource to help support the recommendation of students that match your needs. Employers can also be involved at different stages in the program prior to placements, such as: tours, job shadowing, guest lecturing etc. Please reach out to learn more about these opportunities.
What hours are youth apprenticeship students able to work?
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State and federal laws no longer limit the hours that minors 16 years of age or over can work. State employment of minors laws ALLOW minors to work during scheduled school hours as long as the student is participating in work experience and career exploration programs operated by the school.
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Minors under 18 years of age may not work more than 6 consecutive hours without having a 30-minute, duty free meal period.
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Minors 16 and 17 years of age who are employed after 11:00 pm must have 8 hours of rest between the end of one shift and the start of the next shift.
Does the youth apprenticeship program cost anything for the employers to participate?
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No, utilizing the services of NEWYA is a free service that helps connect employers and education to help create the future workforce of our state.
What happens to my youth apprenticeship after their work experience is complete?
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Youth apprenticeship hours must be completed by August 31 of the year the student participates. Extensions beyond August 31 may be granted. Upon completion of the program requirements, the youth apprentice receives a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency from the Department of Workforce Development. Once the apprentice completes the requirements, they may:
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Continue to work in the industry with your organization long term
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Apply to a registered apprenticeship or work with our consortium to bridge from YA to RA
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Pursue a technical or college degree
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Go into the military
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Are employers allowed to hire someone
under the age of 18?
YES!
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Youth apprentices enrolled in approved youth apprenticeship programs and their employers are subject to all state and federal child labor laws regarding the employment of minors. The Department of Workforce Development will review all statewide youth apprenticeship curriculum for compliance with the employment of minors laws and will clarify the laws whenever necessary to allow for program implementation. Youth apprentices ARE allowed to work in some prohibited occupations because they meet the criteria of a “Student Learner Law.”
How does liability and insurance work with youth apprenticeship students?
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As employee’s of the company, youth apprentices are covered by YOUR workers compensation in the event of injury on the job. Employers should review their specific liability coverage to ensure there are no restrictions on employing minors and/or on coverage of minors operating particular machinery.
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Schools are not allowed to cover youth apprentices through their own workers compensation policy while the youth apprentice is an employee of the local business. It is important that a signed Education Training Agreement be kept on file by both the school and the employer to ensure that employers will not be cited for illegally employing a minor in a prohibited occupation.
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General Liability: An employer is liable for the finished product produced or the service provided. In general, if an employer has adequate general liability and workers compensation coverage, no additional liability is required as a result of hiring youth.
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Worker’s Compensation: Once a youth apprentice becomes a paid employee, they will be covered under the employers workers compensation insurance, just like all other employees. Youth apprentices must be covered by a workers compensation policy, even if the employer is NOT required by workers compensation law.
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Unemployment Insurance: Minors can apply for unemployment insurance; however, if a minor is enrolled full time in a public educational institution and receives school credit for participation in a work based learning program (like NEWYA), the student learner is generally not eligible for unemployment insurance.
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