CESA 6 is proud to announce the launch of a new Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program area focused on Public Safety, Law Enforcement, and Firefighting. This critical initiative is designed to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in these sectors, preparing Wisconsin’s future workforce to meet our communities’ increasing public safety needs.

As the demand for public sector professionals grows, Wisconsin faces a workforce challenge that could impact the safety and security of its residents. The new Youth Apprenticeship program will provide high school students with the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop essential skills, earn school credit, and establish professional connections within these critical fields. By fostering early exposure to careers in public safety, this program will play a key role in cultivating a highly skilled and passionate talent pipeline.

CESA 6, a leader in workforce development and educational innovation, is spearheading this effort to connect students with local employers, creating a pipeline of qualified candidates ready to serve Wisconsin’s communities.

Tania Kilpatrick, Director of Career Readiness at CESA 6, emphasized the importance of this initiative in preparing students for the future: “Our new Youth Apprenticeship program in Public Safety, Law Enforcement, and Firefighting is a vital step in ensuring that Wisconsin has a robust pipeline of skilled professionals to support the safety and well-being of our communities. By engaging young talent early and offering practical, real-world experience, we are empowering the next generation to step confidently into careers that truly make a difference.”

CESA 6 encourages public safety agencies, including police departments and fire departments, to participate in the Youth Apprenticeship program. By partnering with CESA 6, employers can provide mentorship, on-the-job training, and career development opportunities to students while addressing their own staffing needs and strengthening their community engagement.

Dale Schmidt, Sheriff of Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, highlights the mutual benefits of the new pathway, “Youth Apprenticeship is important to Dodge County as we want to impress on youth how important public service is to our community while recruiting quality local candidates into our agency. YA is mutually beneficial for both the youth and the sheriff’s office. We recruit quality candidates for our agency, and they provide valuable service to our
citizens, allowing our full-time staff to focus on other important tasks. We also provide on-the-job experience for our youth as they look to enter the law enforcement field upon graduation.“

The Public Safety Youth Apprenticeship Pathway offers several key benefits:

• Students gain practical skills and experience by working directly with public safety professionals.
• Employers can train and recruit future employees from within their communities.
• Public safety agencies enhance their connection to the community and invest in the next generation of public service professionals.
• Many participants can earn both high school and college credits, helping them advance academically and professionally.
• CESA 6 is eager to work with public safety employers across Wisconsin to build a strong foundation for this new apprenticeship pathway. Interested employers are encouraged to contact the CESA 6 Youth Apprenticeship division to learn how they can support and benefit from the program.

For more information on how to become an employer partner or to enroll as a student, please visit the CESA 6 Youth Apprenticeship website, www.yawisconsin.org.

CESA 6 Youth Apprenticeship is a leading program dedicated to preparing young individuals for successful careers by providing hands-on learning experiences and meaningful apprenticeship opportunities. Through partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions, CESA 6 Youth Apprenticeship facilitates skill development, career exploration, and workforce integration for youth across diverse industries. For more information, visit
YAwisconsin.org.