Department of Workforce Development

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

ATHENS – Gov. Tommy G. Thompson announced today that the North Central Wisconsin School To Work Consortium will create the newest Youth Apprenticeship Program in Tourism.

Gov. Thompson said the tourism industry is one of the fastest-growing business enterprises in Wisconsin totaling over $6.6 billion in Wisconsin. By the turn of the century, tourism is projected to be the largest employer in the nation.

"The tourism industry needs highly qualified workers and this youth apprenticeship program helps interested teens begin pursuing a career in this exciting field," Gov. Thompson said. "Tourism certainly is an important industry in this region of the state, and it’s an industry vital to a strong Wisconsin economy. We appreciate educational leaders and employers joining with the state to provide this unique opportunity for Athens high school students."

Wisconsin’s tourism industry was the first in the nation to implement a Youth Apprenticeship Program to meet the demand for highly skilled personnel.

Five businesses in the North Central Wisconsin School To Work Consortium will employ the youth apprentices. The Abby Inn of Abbotsford, Budgetel of Wausau, Ramada Inn of Wausau, Hampton Inn of Wausau and Amerihost of Mosinee will provide the students with up to 900 hours of work-based instruction in addition to their classroom studies during the two-year program.

The tourism youth apprenticeship focuses on customer service, marketing, sales and public relations, human resources, management operations and fiscal resources and specialized training.

After successful completion of the requirements for a high school diploma and the apprenticeship program, graduates receive a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency from the Department of Workforce Development and are eligible to receive advanced standing credits from a Wisconsin Technical College offering tourism-related degree programs.