Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship (YDPA)
Description
Goals
Why an Apprenticeship?
To Become an Apprentice
To Become a Journey Worker
How to Get Your Agency Involved
Description
Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship (YDPA) is an education and training program for youth workers, approved by the Department of Labor. The initiative aims to professionalize the field of youth work. Through this structured apprenticeship program, youth practitioners develop the skills they need to effectively serve youth in their communities, while advancing their career through educational credits that can be linked to local associate and bachelor degree programs. In effect, you can earn while you learn.
Essential Components of the apprenticeship include:
- 3,600 hours of supervised, on-the-job training on youth development principles
- 350 hours of related coursework at higher education institutions
- B.E.S.T. site supervision and mentoring (provided by YDTRC staff)
Goals
The primary goal of YDPA is to professionalize the position of “Youth Worker”. In other words, YDPA aims to maximize our investment in young people and youth workers in the workforce. Each state’s Department of Labor now recognizes the occupation of Youth Development Practitioner. This recognition helps to assure quality staff training for community-based youth workers as they prepare and develop young people for adulthood. The goals of the initiative include:
- Provide training standards for the occupation of youth development practitioner
- Increase the number of youth workers receiving extensive, quality training
- Increase retention for both youth workers and youth programs
- Provide training and mentoring opportunities
- Provide a career path for youth workers
- Provide national recognition for successful completion of the apprenticeship
Why an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is an effective and time-honored way to help new workers gain skills and knowledge while they are on the job, working under the guidance of a Journey Worker (supervisor, mentor, and coach). Apprenticeship training includes several basic elements:
- Structured on-the-job training
- Formal instruction (workshops and classes)
- Supervision and mentoring from a journey worker
- Professional standards for competence and mastery of skills
- Career advancement opportunities
To Become an Apprentice
In order to become an Apprentice, you are required to: 1) Be at least 18 years of age, 2) Have a demonstrated interest in youth and youth issues, and 3) Have at least some experience in a youth development program or youth agency. For more information, contact Deborah Stewart at (203) 789-7645.
To Become a Journey Worker
A Journey Worker serves as the Apprentice’s supervisor, mentor, and coach. This skilled craftsman who teaches the less experienced must: 1) Have completed the 30-hour course, Advancing Youth Development; 2) Be an experienced supervisor, or have had experience in staff and program supervision; and 3) Be approved by the New Haven B.E.S.T. Initiative. For more information, contact Deborah Stewart at (203) 789-7645.
How to Get Your Agency Involved
YDTRC provides incentives and support for agencies who are interested in piloting the Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship. Agencies interested in participating in this apprenticeship program should contact Deborah Stewart at (203) 789-7645.
For information on other apprenticeships in Connecticut, contact Jack Guerrera, Apprenticeship Coordinator, CT Department of Labor, at 860-263-6085.