The Charleston Regional Youth Apprenticeship (CRYA) is a two-year program that was initially driven by employer demand. In 2014, Trident Technical College was approached by an employer who was interested in youth apprenticeship. The Community College worked with the employer to bring others together as a sector partnership to develop a youth apprenticeship in industrial mechanics, to ensure sustainability of the program over time. This ambitious group of employers pushed for a program start in four months and hired 13 initial apprentices. This challenge from employers has grown to 18 pathways in nine industry sectors, with 180 registered companies. Through 2020, the program has had 351 youth apprentices, with approximately 70 new hires for the 2021-22 school year as of August 2021. There were 119 apprentices for the 2019-20 school year.
Under the youth apprenticeship model, rising juniors, rising seniors, and graduating seniors are eligible to participate. Students work through a rigorous application process in the year preceding the apprenticeship. Under the “learn and earn” model, students must be hired by one of the participating employers, which make all hiring decisions. Students commit to two years in this program; however, because it is a competency-based Registered Apprenticeship Program, there is flexibility: apprentices who excel can complete the program sooner, and others may take additional time.
Managing the Program
CRYA ensures that program design is driven by employer needs and demand and is organized by the intermediary. That intermediary, Trident Technical College’s Community Partnerships, which includes both the Division of Apprenticeship and Employer Partnerships and the Division of School and Community Initiatives, helps employers figure out exactly what they need and want. It offers ongoing support to employers through consultation; supports the design and implementation of necessary program paperwork, including the development of an MOU; and works with the college to shift or change the curriculum to meet employer needs.
Trident Technical College works with local employers to identify their hiring needs. It begins by working within the college to align curricula to meet those needs. Once employers are committed, the Division of School and Community Initiatives begins secondary school engagement. Student- and parent-facing marketing materials are created that highlight new and existing opportunities and company partners. Informational sessions are delivered in both English and Spanish when possible. School counselors are involved in the process, through specific outreach efforts and counselor days on Trident’s campus. Where feasible, secondary CTE and core academic courses are leveraged as part of the course pathway. Where specific courses are not offered in high school, Trident Technical College provides the related technical instruction.
CRYA does not ask employers to cover the costs of tuition. Employers do, however, pay the wages of mentors and apprentices. As an intermediary, CRYA does not ask any program partners to cover its staff members’ salaries but has sought support from local and national funders.
CRYA in Action
The following graphic shows a representation of the type of journey CRYA students may experience and the foundations and supports they receive along the way.
