Youth Apprenticeship

In partnership with Northeast Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship (NEWYA), the Green Bay Area Public School District (GBAPS) offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to be part of Youth Apprenticeship, a two-year program that combines classroom instruction and paid on-the-job training. Run through the Department of Workforce Development, this program allows students to gain valuable skills in high school, while local employers build a strong future workforce. Learn more about a few of our high school students and their employers below. 

Employers interested in being part of the Youth Apprenticeship program can contact NEWYA Regional Coordinator David Gordon at [email protected] or at (920) 309-0387.

Students interested in participating in Youth Apprenticeship should speak with their school counselor. 

Broadway Automotive

Broadway students

Waylon Fry (left) of East High School and Tyler Larsen (right) of Southwest High School

Broadway Automotive has been part of the Youth Apprenticeship program for more than 25 years. “This program is a phenomenal way for us to grow our future employees,” said Paula Kuse, Human Resources Director at Broadway. “The students are dependable, engaged, hardworking, and have an invested interest in the automotive industry.” 


Waylon Fry is a recent East High School graduate who works as a Quick Lane technician at Broadway. While in high school, he was enrolled in the City Stadium Automotive ® program at East High. Waylon plans to attend Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) this fall while working at Broadway, and hopes to eventually earn his Technical Diploma as a Diesel Maintenance Technician. “I like pretty much everything about working at Broadway,” said Waylon. “The whole community here, the people - they are always willing to answer questions and help when needed.”

Paula would encourage other employers to join the Youth Apprenticeship program. “This is an amazing way to invest in students and in our industry,” said Paula. “At Broadway, we are proud to offer our employees a tuition reimbursement program, a toolbox/tools to assist in their education, and a mentorship program after graduation.” Learn more about Broadway Automotive at www.broadwayautomotive.com.

Current Electrical Services

Current Electrical

Evan Barkow (left) of Southwest High School and Jesse Metko (right), owner of Current Electrical Services

Jesse Metko, owner of electrical contracting company Current Electrical Services, has employed high school students as youth apprentices for more than five years. “Youth Apprenticeship is a great opportunity for us to give students experience in the trades at a young age, and really jumpstart their careers,” said Jesse.

Southwest High School senior Evan Barkow is currently employed at Current Electrical Services as a youth apprentice. After graduation, Evan plans to join the college apprenticeship program through Associated Builders and Contractors to become a journeyman electrician, and eventually a master electrician. “I love this field,” said Evan. “I think Youth Apprenticeship is a good opportunity for students to get experience in a field they are interested in, and find out if it’s what they really want to do before they spend their money and time.”

Once Evan is enrolled in the college apprenticeship program, Current Electrical Services will pay half his tuition. If Evan stays employed with the company post graduation, he will have his education paid for entirely. Learn more about Current Electrical Services at www.currentelectricalservices.com.


HSHS St. Vincent Hospital

Ariana Cisneros


Ariana Cisneros of Preble High School

Preble High School senior and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Ariana Cisneros thought she wanted to become a nurse after high school. After getting real-world experience through the Youth Apprenticeship program, Ariana has decided to continue to pursue a career in the medical field by studying to become an ultrasound technician. “I enjoy my job and the experience I’ve had here at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital,” said Ariana. “The knowledge I have gained has helped me grow and decide what I want to do in the future.”

Melissa Buckmaster is a nurse manager at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital, and Ariana’s supervisor on the Medical Oncology floor. As a CNA, Ariana takes patient vital signs, helps them with their daily activities, and keeps patients comfortable. “This was Ariana’s first real clinical experience, and it has been a joy to watch her grow,” said Melissa. “She is a good worker, has patience, and is a team player.”

Melissa knows the importance and benefits of the Youth Apprenticeship program personally, as she was part of the first group of healthcare Youth Apprentices to graduate from Southwest High School. “Youth Apprenticeship is an opportunity to grow our pool of employees, and allow them to determine if this is the right field for them while they are still in high school,” said Melissa.

HSHS also offers a tuition reimbursement program for students, and various scholarship opportunities. To learn more about HSHS St. Vincent Hospital, visit www.hshs.org/stvincent.


Robinson, Inc.

Robinson, Inc.

Tony Spaude (left) of Southwest High School and Craig Bauer (right), Plant Manager at Robinson, Inc.

Robinson, Inc. is a single-source metal solutions provider employing more than 550 people at facilities in De Pere and Manitowoc. Robinson has a culture of internal promotion and growth, making their involvement with the Youth Apprenticeship program a perfect match. “Being involved in Youth Apprenticeship helps us develop our pipeline of talent, and allows us to cultivate a better quality employee,” said Chris Nielsen, Corporate Recruiter at Robinson.

Southwest High School senior Tony Spaude works part-time for Robinson as part of the Youth Apprenticeship program. “Welding is one of the more fulfilling jobs,” said Tony. “It’s not an easy job, but it’s rewarding.” After graduation, Tony plans to work full-time at Robinson while attending Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) to earn his welding certification and learn to read blueprints.

Tony’s supervisor Craig Bauer is also a Southwest High School alumnus, and began working at Robinson as an intern during high school. Almost 30 years later, Craig is still working at Robinson and has advanced his career to plant manager.

For employees who decide to advance their education with a post-secondary degree, Robinson offers a tuition reimbursement program. To learn more about Robinson, visit www.robinsoninc.com.


Somerville Architects & Engineers

Andrew Kuznetsov

Andrew Kuznetsov of Preble High School

Preble High School senior Andrew Kuznetsov is the first Youth Apprentice to be employed at Somerville Architects & Engineers. “The Youth Apprenticeship program is a great way to get outside the school walls and out into the real world to learn,” said Andrew. He has already committed to the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee to study architecture, and says his experience at Somerville helped affirm his chosen career path. “I enjoy the intellectual work environment, the professionalism, and the quality of work here at Somerville,” said Andrew.

Adam Drefcinski is the Vice President of Operations at Somerville, and Andrew’s supervisor. He believes it is important for employers to give young people exposure to careers at an early age to help prepare them for a career they enjoy and are fully engaged in. “There are a lot of great kids out there, and anytime you can contribute to their educational background, it strengthens us as employers and benefits society as a whole,” said Adam. 

Adam says his experience with employing Andrew as a Youth Apprentice has been very positive. “As architects we take such pride in what we do, and it’s important to share our work with students so they can understand the real-world applications of their future education,” said Adam. Learn more about Somerville at www.somervilleinc.com

Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.