In Idaho, we’ve long believed that the best way to prepare young people for the future is to give them real opportunities in the present. That belief is coming to life through the growth of youth apprenticeships—programs that blend classroom learning with paid, hands-on work experience in high-demand industries.

Youth apprenticeships are more than a job and more than a class. They are a structured partnership between schools, students, and employers. Students split their time between academic instruction and supervised, skill-focused work at a company. Along the way, they earn wages, industry credentials, and—just as importantly—the kind of confidence that only comes from applying knowledge in the real world.

The results speak volumes. Idaho students in youth apprenticeship programs graduate at higher rates, transition more smoothly into full-time employment or college, and enter the workforce with less debt. Employers benefit too, building a pipeline of skilled, motivated workers who already understand the company’s culture and standards.

In Idaho, 1368 youth (ages 16-24) are currently participating in federally registered apprenticeship programs.  Idaho Business for Education has worked to recruit employers, create apprenticeship pathways, support apprentices financially, and make connections between schools and businesses through apprenticeships. These programs are thriving in fields as diverse as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, information technology, and construction. Whether it’s a high school student learning to operate precision machinery, a junior assisting in a hospital setting, or a senior working with elementary school children, apprenticeships connect education to Idaho’s economic needs.

For rural communities, apprenticeships are especially powerful. They give students meaningful work without requiring them to leave home—and they give local businesses a reason to invest in the next generation of talent. In Soda Springs, seven local employers have committed to providing work-based placements for juniors and seniors in the high school.  Results? Over 80 Soda Springs High School students have enrolled or completed apprenticeship programs in the last 3 years.

Investing in apprenticeships, growing connections between business and education, and investing in our youth is a win for Idaho businesses.  Youth apprenticeships is an effective tool for all Idaho businesses.