Youth Apprenticeship Slide Overview --this is a slide presentation to review for more information on the McFarland High School Youth Apprenticeship program. (Updated 9/2025)

How do I begin the YA process?

1. Visit the Dane County website to see the variety of program options.
2. Some students find it helpful to go through this YA Pre-Talk form with me before starting the interest application process.  
3. The application portal can be found on the Dane County YA Student Resources page.
4. Register for a Youth Apprenticeship Info Night.
   • November 12, 2025 — Virtual @ 7:00 pm
   • December 3, 2025 — Virtual @ 7:00 pm
   • January 21, 2026 — Virtual @ 7:00 pm
   • February 18, 2026 — Virtual @ 7:00 pm
   • March 11, 2026 — Virtual @ 7:00 pm 
     • Please note:  this is the ONLY session specifically for YA positions at UW Health or BTCI.  Interested students Must attend this session to be considered.
5. Begin to develop a resume.
   • Use resources from the Dane County website.
   • Develop a draft and then schedule a time with Ms. Thompson to polish it up.
6. An interview will be conducted in the spring to see if you will qualify for the program.
7. Consider possible work placements for your YA.  Talk to family and friends to begin to network and have potential ideas.  Just a reminder with a few things:
   • As a coordinator, I can offer ideas and contacts, but I don’t “give” you a job.  
   • Students are responsible for securing their job placement which includes job seeking, applying, interviewing, etc,
   • Some industries/pathways are more challenging to find placements—a placement is not guaranteed.
   • If you are working and want to stay with that employer, you need to be advancing your responsibilities and have job tasks that allow you to continue to grow.

Once the application process is done, some details of the program include:

• Secured placement as a paid employee.  It is the responsibility of the student to secure placement, but positions must be approved by the coordinator.
• A worksite mentor identified to assist in job mentoring and student progress feedback.
• A program is completed over a one or two-year process.  Level 1 (one-year program) requires 450 hours and Level 2 (two-year program) requires 900 hours.
• Youth Apprentices must complete Weekly Work Reports each week documenting hours and answering questions related to their work experience.
• Concurrent enrollment in a technical-related course is required every semester of the program.
• It is required to complete the Youth Apprenticeship skills checklist with the work mentor and Ms. Thompson.

 

Certified Nursing Assistant--this is a slide presentation to provide more information about CNA courses.  (Updated 09/2025)

 

Contact Information--

Ms. Penny Thompson    

(Schedule an appointment w / Ms. Thompson)
School to Career Coordinator
Career & Technical Education Coordinator
McFarland High School--Room 106
5101 Farwell Street
McFarland, WI 53558
Office: (608)838-4500 Ext. 4709