Our guest for this episode of College & Career Readiness Radio is Dr. Heather Handler, author of The Educator’s Guide to Youth Apprenticeships.

Heather says youth apprenticeships allow students to “test the waters” of a career while getting paid, developing skills, and avoiding the financial risk of pursuing a pathway they may not ultimately enjoy.

She explains that youth apprenticeships should not be positioned as an alternative to college. They can help students determine whether a career or college major is actually right for them.

Heather says schools interested in apprenticeships should start by examining their own systems because K–12 structures can often be the least flexible part of the partnership between schools, industry, and higher education.

She recommends connecting with chambers of commerce, workforce networks, economic development organizations, higher education, and other groups that already have relationships with employers.

Heather says midsize businesses can be ideal first partners because they are large enough to provide mentors but often flexible enough to avoid the bureaucracy found in larger corporations.

She stresses the importance of identifying someone who can become the “face” of the apprenticeship program—a relationship builder who is comfortable communicating with people across industries and environments.

Heather says students should receive classroom preparation before entering apprenticeships, followed by authentic workplace experiences where they can earn credentials and learn directly from experienced professionals.

She explains that the most valuable credentials are not always the ones recognized by state accountability systems. Schools need to understand which credentials employers actually value and advocate for flexibility when the two do not align.

Heather tells listeners that apprenticeships build durable skills that can be difficult to replicate in a classroom, including punctuality, responsibility, communication, confidence, professionalism, and the ability to work with adults.

She emphasizes the power of workplace mentors, sharing examples of students whose confidence, maturity, and direction changed dramatically because professionals invested in them.

Heather says one of her biggest early mistakes was not involving teachers soon enough. Successful apprenticeship programs require teachers, families, employers, postsecondary partners, and community organizations working together from the beginning.

Her final message to educators and leaders is simple: “Let them try.” Give students opportunities to experience careers, take chances, discover what fits, and show adults what they are capable of doing.

College & Career Readiness Radio is brought to you by MaiaLearning, your fully comprehensive college and career planning tool, including the ability to manage and track students’ work-based learning experiences (such as apprenticeships), credentials, work-related competencies, industry partnerships, and more. Schedule a demo today.