Developing Successful Career Pathways through Work-Based Learning, Youth Apprenticeship and Youth Skills Training

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In today’s rapidly evolving job market, workforce development is no longer just about filling open positions – it is about intentionally cultivating talent in communities around Minnesota. For employers, the question is shifting from “Who can we hire?” to “How do we intentionally engage with young people about our employment opportunities and help them witness the work firsthand?”

Engaging the next generation is the ultimate key to talent recruitment, development and retention. When we show middle and high school students the incredible career pathways available right in their own backyards, we set them up for long-term success while building a sustainable pipeline of skilled local talent.

In the October Workforce Wednesday session, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Workforce Strategy Consultants and panelists explored developing successful career pathways through Work-Based Learning, Youth Apprenticeship and Youth Skills Training. A summary of key points they made is below.

The Power of the "Earn and Learn" Model

Youth career pathway development is crucial for ensuring young people find fulfilling, sustaining careers that contribute to both personal growth and the local economy. Rather than settling for traditional after-school jobs, students can participate in structured "earn and learn" opportunities. This pivotal time allows them to safely explore their options, discover what aligns with their passions, and build a lasting foundation for their future while still in high school.

Minnesota’s accredited programs provide the robust framework needed to make this happen:

Work-Based Learning (WBL): Overseen by licensed coordinators through the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), WBL connects classroom instruction with authentic work experiences (40+ hours, paid or unpaid) aligned with a student's chosen career cluster.

Youth Apprenticeships (YA): Similar to WBL, these are always paid experiences requiring 450 hours of work within a year (or 900 hours over two years), 120 hours of related technical instruction, and an industry-aligned credential.

Youth Skills Training (YST): Managed by the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), YST is an employment-based training program focusing on high-demand, high-wage industries—most notably advanced manufacturing and health care, alongside growing sectors like agriculture, automotive, and IT.

Expert Insights: Collaboration in Action

Developing these programs requires strong, intentional partnerships between schools, local businesses, and state agencies. During a recent collaborative panel discussion, state experts shared invaluable guidance for employers looking to get involved:

Mary Berg (MDE): Emphasized that WBL and youth apprenticeships provide structured documentation—including training agreements, individualized training plans, and performance evaluations—ensuring that students receive adequate mentorship and academic credit for their hands-on learning.

Jo Daggett & Nimo Samatar (DLI): Highlighted the core components of the YST framework: industry exposure, specific high school technical courses, industry-recognized credentials, and safe, vetted paid work experiences. Notably, YST programs streamline child labor laws by providing blanket approvals for participating employers to hire trained 16- and 17-year-olds safely.

How Employers Can Get Started

You do not need to dive into a full apprenticeship program on day one. Employers can start small and scale their engagement over time:

Build Awareness: Serve as a guest speaker, participate in high school career fairs, or host facility tours so students know what opportunities exist in your industry.

Provide Short-Term Exposure: Offer 2-hour to 2-day job shadows, provide teacher externships, or volunteer for student mock interviews and resume reviews.

Deepen Partnership: Join a school Career and Technical Education (CTE) advisory committee to help shape curriculum and ensure students are learning the exact skills your business needs.

Launch Work Experiences: Open your doors to student workers through structured WBL, YA or YST programs.

Taking the Next Step

By connecting local youth with local businesses, we are not just filling entry-level vacancies – we are keeping high school students connected to our communities before and after graduation.

To explore approved programs in your area, check out MDE's map, or reach out to your local school district’s CTE coordinator to see how your business can help build the next generation of skilled workers.