Transform your Future
There’s more than one path to success. If you learn better with hands-on, real-life experience then this program is for you. GPS Education Partners (GPSEd) offers technical education and paid youth apprenticeships to high school juniors and seniors. Instead of grades, you can earn credits for your work experiences.
All graduates earn a high school diploma from their home high school and GPSEd is certified by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development so you can also graduate with a youth apprenticeship certificate.
Check out all the amazing activities our students do in our program!
Can you picture yourself here?
Hear Sameria’s Letter to Her Younger Self about her transformation story.
Find out how these students kickstarted their futures with Youth Apprenticeships at Komatsu Mining.
Listen to these GPSEd student stories to see how their lives were transformed through our program!
Earn while you Learn
Work-based Learning
Hands-On Learning
Work-based Learning includes apprenticeships, mentoring, and hands-on instruction. It’s a way to test-drive a career or get a taste of what it’s really like on the job. WBL is your chance to discover things you can’t learn in a classroom.
Career and College Ready
Work-based Learning includes career awareness, career exploration, and career preparation, typically resulting in a job offer with an employer after successful completion of the program (graduation).
Earn and Learn
Students are compensated for their work experience and their improved performance results directly in increased pay. Students will start at $10 per hour and can earn up to $15 per hour or more.
See some of the salaries you could earn through a work-based learning program!
Maintenance Technician
At an experienced level, a Maintenance Technician can earn a salary of $57,806.
By 2026, demand for Maintenance Technicians is estimated to increase by 10.3%.
Welding - Fabricator
At an experienced level, a Welder or Fabricator can earn a salary of $47,683.
By 2026, demand for Welders and Fabricators is estimated to increase by 6.7%.
Machinist
At an experienced level, a Machinist can earn a salary of $48,309.
By 2026, demand for Machinists is estimated to increase by 2.8%.
Ready to learn more by signing up for an info session or want to get a jumpstart and pre-apply today? Fill out the form below.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Wisconsin Manufacturing Youth Apprenticeship Program
What is the current application process?
For a timeline of all our upcoming recruitment events, click here.
We accept applications from students on a rolling basis throughout the year with a final deadline for each term listed on our application page. Students interested in a fall start will need to be an incoming junior or senior to be eligible to apply. We also accept applications from juniors interested in applying for our spring (January) semester. All individuals who apply are guaranteed an interview and admittance decision mailed within two weeks of the interview. Accepted students will be given information on attending a required registration prior to starting in our classrooms.
What does the academic calendar look like?
You can view and download our academic calendar here or find the academic calendar above next to the daily schedule and locations section.
Where do students attend class?
All of the education centers are located within the facilities of our business partners and operate according to their calendar. Students do not attend classes at their home high school; however, they can still participate in extracurricular activities at their home high schools. Learn more here.
What will GPSEd students receive upon completing the program?
Upon completion, students will receive a high school diploma from their home high school along with a certificate of occupational proficiency in manufacturing from Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development. In addition, the students will have the opportunity to become certified production technicians through the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council. The students will also have on-the-job training and work experience highlighted in a professional portfolio.
What type of work do students do?
Each student will participate in up to three job rotations. The first is an exposure rotation where students experience a variety of career paths within manufacturing. The second is an experience rotation with the opportunity to dive a little deeper into an area of interest or skillset. The final is a credentialed rotation in which students may have the opportunity to earn technical college credits and/or credentials.
Do students get paid while participating in the program?
Yes, students have the opportunity to earn up to $20,000 or more while in the program.
