May 22, 2023: St. Thomas More High School seeks employer partners for its new Youth Apprenticeship program. Sponsored by the Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) and beginning this fall, this program will connect employers of all industries with current St. Thomas More students looking to gain work experience and professional mentorship.

Employers participating in the Youth Apprenticeship program must offer students a paid position and guarantee 450 hours of employment over the course of a year. At least 250 hours must occur during the school year; the remaining hours may be completed during the summer. To maximize the educational experience, students must receive growing responsibilities during their time working with a participating employer.

“The Youth Apprenticeship program offers tangible benefits for both student employees and their employers,” St. Thomas More Dean of Academics Aliscia Benetti said. “In addition to class credit and an hourly wage, student employees gain hands-on experience and valuable connections to help them advance in their professional careers. Employers gain ambitious, educated employees for at least a year but possibly even longer.”

St. Thomas More staff will provide additional structure and accountability for student employees. All participating students and their parents must sign an agreement with St. Thomas More and the employer stating that they will complete the required work hours and abide by the program’s and their employer’s rules and regulations. To receive credit for the program, students will be required to confirm their hours with their supervisor and submit written reflections on their work experience.

“Because St. Thomas More is facilitating the employment, we will be able to help hold students responsible for their work attendance and performance,” College & Career Counselor Staci Roscizewski said. “The school will act as an additional supervisor who ensures student employees are meeting their employer’s expectations.”

The St. Thomas More Youth Apprenticeship program will begin for the fall 2023 semester, although students may start working this summer to reach their 450 required hours.

Interested employers should contact Kevin Russell at [email protected] or 414-481-8370 x131.

Students interested in the program should contact Staci Roscizewski at [email protected] or 414-481-8370 x112.