Here’s a step-by-step look at what’s really involved and how GAP supports you along the way.
For many companies, learning how to start a youth apprenticeship program sounds like a smart long-term investment, but also a complicated one.
You may be wondering what it actually involves. Will it require building a training system from scratch? How much time will your team need to commit? And what does the process even look like from start to finish?
These are valid questions — and they’re often the reason companies hesitate to explore apprenticeship as a workforce strategy. The reality is, starting a registered youth apprenticeship program is far more structured and supported than most employers expect. With the right partner, you don’t have to navigate compliance, program implementation, marketing & recruitment, access to talent pools, education & credentialing, networking, and funding opportunities on your own.
In this blog, we’ll walk through what it actually takes to get started, what your role looks like as an employer, and how Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP) guides you throughout the process.
Hiring gaps don’t fix themselves.
Learn how a partnership with GAP helps employers recruit, train, and retain future talent with youth apprenticeships.
Steps to Implement a Youth Apprenticeship Program
Many companies hesitate to explore youth apprenticeship because the process can seem time-consuming or disruptive to their operations. GAP has helped businesses of all sizes successfully navigate each step, making the process far more manageable than most employers expect.
Identify the Role You Want to Build
Start by looking at your current workforce needs. Where are the gaps? Which roles would benefit from developing talent internally? Apprenticeships can support a wide range of positions, from advanced manufacturing to IT, business operations, healthcare, and more.
Connect with a Local Partner
Once you’ve identified your needs, connecting with GAP, the Triad’s trusted youth apprenticeship partner, can help you move forward with clarity. Our team works directly with employers to navigate ApprenticeshipNC and turn your workforce needs into a structured program for youth apprentices.
Register Your Program with ApprenticeshipNC
To establish a formal youth apprenticeship program, companies register through ApprenticeshipNC and with the DOL (Department of Labor). This step ensures your program meets state requirements. GAP works alongside you and provides guidance throughout the process.
Align with an Education Partner
Youth apprentices split their time between on-the-job training and related instruction, typically through a community college. GAP helps connect you with the right program so your apprentices are building both practical skills and formal credentials.
Define Your Program Structure
This includes identifying mentors, outlining training goals, and determining how apprentices will balance work and school. Some companies choose to rotate apprentices across departments, while others focus on a specific role. There’s flexibility to design a structure that fits your organization.
Recruit and Select Apprentices
Through GAP’s network, you’ll have access to a pipeline of students who are actively exploring youth apprenticeship opportunities. From community events to school partnerships, GAP helps generate interest, while your team selects the candidates who are the best fit for your company.
When you break it down, the process is straightforward, and each step is supported. You’re not building a program from scratch; you’re following a proven framework designed to help you develop talent with intention.
What GAP Handles And What Your Team Owns
One of the biggest misconceptions about starting a youth apprenticeship program is that your team has to manage every detail on its own. GAP is designed to support you throughout the process, while still giving you full control over how your program is structured and run.
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GAP Supports You With: |
Your Team Focuses On: |
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Program setup and registration guidance through ApprenticeshipNC and the local community college |
Identifying the roles that align with your workforce needs |
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Recruitment and community outreach, helping you access a pipeline of qualified students |
Selecting the apprentices who are the right fit for your organization |
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Connections to education partners and alignment with related instruction |
Providing mentorship and on-the-job training for your recruited youth apprentices |
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Ongoing support and best practices from a network of participating employers |
Shaping the structure of your program, including schedules, rotations, and expectations |
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Guidance on compliance and employer requirements for youth apprenticeship, so nothing is overlooked |
Participating as an active GAP member, gaining access to shared knowledge, peer support, and community visibility |
“By the time [our youth apprentices] graduate, they know the culture and the technology, as well as have years of experience under their belt. [Our youth apprenticeship program] is proving to be more efficient as we are on track to achieve 100% retention for our first graduates.”
Christian Ingram
Manager of Lincoln Financial Group’s IT Apprenticeship Program
Starting a Youth Apprenticeship Program for Your Company: Take the First Step
If you’re curious about youth apprenticeship but unsure where to begin, Ann Flynt, GAP’s Director, offers this advice:
“Start by seeing it for yourself. Come tour a company, attend a signing day or graduation ceremony, and talk with employers who are already part of the program. When you see these students in the workplace contributing, learning, and growing, it really changes your perspective. Seeing is believing.”
“This is a win-win. Students are gaining real opportunities without taking on unnecessary debt, and companies are developing talent that’s excited about their future and invested in the organization. Once you experience it firsthand, it becomes much easier to picture how it could work in your own company.”
Build a stronger workforce pipeline with youth apprenticeship.
Connect with GAP to explore youth apprenticeship opportunities and receive our Company Guide with actionable next steps.