Youth Apprenticeships
In 2015 we launched our Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program and have partnered with Districts in Rock, Dane, and Milwaukee counties since. Our YA program is a great opportunity to learn from experienced veterans and earn credits toward your registered apprenticeship while still finishing High School.
Apprenticeship Opportunities
Requirements for Youth Apprentices
- Entering senior year of high school
- Minimum 450 hours of work-based learning
- Two semesters of related classroom instruction
- Complete program by August 31st after graduation
Useful Resources
- Get the details form the Department of Workforce Development
- Want to take this information with you? Download our Youth Apprenticeship flyer
Application Timeline
September:
Start Accepting Applications
January:
Start Reviewing
Applications
March-April:
Hold Interviews
May:
Signing Day
Youth Apprenticeship working timeline
June:
Youth Apprentice
Orientation
Summer:
Work Full-Time
School Year:
Work Part-time
Post-Graduation:
Work Full Time
Why Become a Youth Apprentice
Hands-On Experience
Opportunity to explore careers in construction and learn in a hands-on environment dedicated to personal development, family and community.
Earn Money Before Graduation
Start earning money as early as the summer before your high school graduation, avoiding the need to accumulate student loans after graduation. Construction workers can earn more money than new college graduates.
Earn Credits
Completing your Youth Apprenticeship not only counts toward over 50% of the credits needed for an associate’s degree at select Wisconsin junior colleges, but also applies toward your Registered Apprenticeship hours—giving you a head start on both college and career.
Our Trades
Mason
Masons lay and bind building materials, such as brick, structural tile, concrete block, cinder block, glass block, and terra-cotta block, with mortar and other substances to construct or repair walls, partitions, arches, sewers, and other structures.
$63,000+experienced Level Salary*
4,680 total hours
4,280 hours on the job &
400 hours paid instruction time*
Laborer
Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instruments. May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support the sides of excavations, erect scaffolding, and clean up rubble, debris, and other waste materials.
$49,000+experienced Level Salary*
4,400 total hours
4,000 hours on the job &
400 hours paid instruction time*
Carpenter
Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings.
$58,000+experienced Level Salary*
6,240 total hours
4,840 hours on the job &
400 hours paid instruction time*
*Estimated salaries and hours are provided by the Department of Workforce Develpment. Actual salaries will vary by employer and other factors.
Employee Check-In
Then & Now
Meet AAron
Aaron Roach, Carpenter Foreman, has been with JP Cullen since starting as one of our very first Youth Apprentices in 2017:
“I learned a ton as a Youth Apprentice and worked with plenty of good Foremen who helped me be where I am today. I recommend doing any type of apprenticeship program to anybody, it will give you a lot of skills and offers great benefits to yourself and others. JP Cullen has been a great company to work for! Any advice I would give to young ones coming into an apprenticeship is to ask questions and work hard. You will find yourself in a great spot in life.”
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11
Youth Apprenticeships in past year
98
team members employed 20+ years
73
Registered Apprentices
85
trainings offered through Cullen College
