High School Youth Apprenticeship Participation and its Effects on the Advancement of Employability Skill Development and Post-SecondaryCareer Decisions

Abstract

This mixed methods study examined the perceptions of employers on employability skill attainment of high school students who participated in a formalized Youth Apprenticeship program in central Wisconsin. The study further examined the influence participation in the program had on post-secondary career decisions for students. The study employed a survey design instrument for its quantitative analysis of employability skills data attained through employers. The qualitative analysis utilized a semi-structured interview process with current youth apprenticeship students to seek and understand the influence participation in this program had on their future career path decisions. A thematic analysis of the interviews presented five key themes: key influences on participation, mentorship, influence on future career plans, work-based learning student access type, and employability skill advancement. The study’s implications and findings are discussed along with further recommendations on work-based learning opportunities for high school students.