Youth apprenticeship programs
21 V.S.A. § 1124
in effect1124. Youth apprenticeship programs
(a) A youth apprenticeship program is one that prepares a youth apprentice for acceptance into an apprenticeship program and is designed for youth apprentices who:
(1) have not completed secondary education;
(2) are in an educational program approved by the Agency of Education; and
(3) are enrolled in a career technical education program.
(b) A youth apprenticeship program may be registered by the Department after a regional CTE center submits the following information to the Department:
(1) a written plan that articulates the work processes and how a youth apprentice will receive supervised work experience and on-the-job training or training in an experiential setting;
(2) how time spent by a youth apprentice in each major work process will be spent or that specifies how competencies or proficiencies are aligned between the youth’s high school education and the youth apprenticeship program, and that states which graduation requirements will be met;
(3) a description of the mentoring that will be provided to the youth apprentice;
(4) a description or timeline explaining the periodic reviews and evaluations of the youth apprentice’s performance on the job and in related technical instruction;
(5) a process for maintaining appropriate progress records, including the reviews and evaluations;
(6) a description of related classroom-based instruction, which may be fulfilled through dual or concurrent enrollment courses;
(7) whether and how the program is aligned with high school diploma requirements;
(8) whether the program meets the related technical instruction requirements for an apprenticeship program;
(9) if a program includes paid work during or outside the school year and outside the school day, a progressively increasing, clearly defined schedule of wages to be paid to the youth apprentice as skills are mastered;
(10) how the program prepares the youth apprentice for placement in further education, employment, or a registered apprenticeship program;
(11) the procedure for advanced standing that grants credit for demonstrated competency, acquired experience, training, or skills to youths who are interested in transferring to full apprenticeship registration upon completion of the youth apprenticeship program;
(12) an accounting of costs for the program covered by the participating partners, grants, or other sources of funds; and
(13) an assurance that school staff, employer partners, and others involved in the program are aware of youth legal protections regarding child labor, wage payment, and youth apprenticeship and other applicable laws and regulations.
(c) An apprenticeship plan submitted in conformity with subsection (b) of this section shall be developed in partnership with apprenticeship sponsors for specific occupational areas and sending high schools.
Added 2023, No. 55, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023; 2025, No. 107 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. July 1, 2026.
Source: Vermont General Assembly (legislature.vermont.gov)URL: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/21/013/01124Fetched: 10/21/2026