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WSD Joins U.S. Department of Labor Registered Youth Apprenticeship Program
Oct. 9, 2024
In today’s tight labor market, demand for talent is at an all-time high, with manufacturing and skilled trades positions proving especially challenging to fill. To build a pipeline for these critical roles, Wentzville School District is collaborating with St. Charles County schools to replicate Fort Zumwalt’s successful U.S. Department of Labor Registered Youth Apprenticeship Program (RYA).
Fort Zumwalt’s program exposes students to skilled trades and professional careers by providing paid, on-the-job training with local businesses. The nationally recognized program boasts over 50 active apprentices in fields such as welding, precision manufacturing, carpentry, and engineering and benefits students and employers alike. Students who complete the program earn credit toward a Skilled Trades Associate of Arts degree from St. Charles Community College. Participating employers gain a pool of fully trained, job-ready employees upon graduation.
Last week, educators from the Francis Howell, Orchard Farm, and Wentzville school districts were officially named U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Coordinators, enabling these districts to launch RYAs based on the successful Zumwalt model.
These new programs are made possible thanks to the support of local manufacturers, who have partnered to host apprentice students and cover consultant, certification, and training costs. Companies including Component Bar, National Cart, Quest Specialty Products, Seyer Industries, Trinity Products, and True Manufacturing are leading the effort, with more employers expected to come on board soon. This expansion is spearheaded by consultant Cynthia Walker of Career Wayz, whose leadership has been instrumental in driving the program forward.
"This collaboration of manufacturers, educators, and policymakers will result in St. Charles County seeing an increase of skilled trades talent, thanks to students who can enter the workforce immediately upon graduation," said EDC Board Chair Dan Fitter. "By proactively developing local talent, we are addressing critical workforce gaps, filling essential roles, and driving economic growth."
"St. Charles County is leading the way when it comes to trades career development in our public high schools,” said EDC President & CEO Scott J. Drachnik. "We hope the success of the St. Charles County RYAs will convince districts around the metro to launch similar programs." Moving forward, one of the EDC's main conference rooms will be known as the "Youth Apprenticeship Accelerator," and will function as a dedicated space for training and collaboration on apprenticeship programs.
Questions regarding the youth apprenticeship accelerator should be directed to Cynthia Walker at info@careerwayz.org.