As Idaho strives to increase continuing education rates for students, apprenticeships can help – The 74

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Over the past four years, more than 500 young people from every region of Idaho have enrolled in—and many have completed—state-registered apprenticeships in occupations as diverse as teacher’s assistant, welder, personal trainer and medical assistant.

Idaho Business for Education’s Youth Apprenticeship Program has been a key player in helping employers, school districts, training providers and young people ages 16 to 24 expand their opportunities to grow Idaho’s workforce through apprenticeships.

In Idaho, we hope to increase the percentage of high school graduates who go on to higher education (including the military). Even if training is not explicitly included in this goal, it can be a life-changing alternative for young people looking for innovative ways to enter meaningful careers that pay well and offer challenges and opportunities. And it often includes more traditional training that is integral to the state’s “continuation” efforts.

During National Apprenticeship Week (November 17-23), Idaho Business for Education would like to recognize and celebrate the start of its fifth year of supporting youth apprenticeships. It began in 2020 when IBE and the Idaho Workforce Development Council received a four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to establish, expand, support and sustain training for young people. It continues with a new grant from IWDC to extend this work through 2026.

Why do IBE and IWDC place so much importance on training young people?

Apprenticeship has a proven track record of supporting employees and employers by providing on-the-job training, classroom teaching, mentoring and a clear career path.
Apprenticeships help companies (and nonprofit employers) attract and retain top talent at a time when the job market is more competitive than ever.

Training creates partnerships between schools and employers, giving students aged 16 and over access to real jobs that lead to meaningful careers.

Our grant provides eligible young apprentices up to $750 per year to cover related costs such as equipment, clothing, supplies or even travel to and from work. For many young people, this is a game-changing service that makes the difference between being able to enter the workforce or not.

The program can be linked to other programs, such as Idaho LAUNCH, the new program that will pay postsecondary tuition and fees for up to 80 percent of eligible high school graduates. This can be part of a recognized youth apprenticeship.

Idaho has received national recognition for this program and has many highlights to celebrate. In Soda Springs, the high school has sponsored its own teaching assistantships and other opportunities and has worked with local employers to establish apprenticeships throughout the region. So far, over 70 apprentices have been placed.

Elsewhere, the Nez Perce Tribe has partnered with IBE to create unique and sustainable opportunities in various fields for over 50 of its young people. Large employers such as St. Luke’s Health System and Micron are key participants in training in the Treasure Valley. Idaho Central Credit Union works with high schools across the state using branches directly in the schools and has placed 65 trainees to date.

There are many more – dozens more. Each example tells its own story, with unique opportunities to expand the state’s workforce, introduce young people to new opportunities, and open doors to college credit and technical certifications.

Idaho Capital Sun is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Idaho Capital Sun maintains editorial independence. If you have any questions, please contact Editor Christina Lords: [email protected]. Follow Idaho Capital Sun on Facebook and X.

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