School-to-Registered Apprenticeship

Michigan's School-to-Registered Apprenticeship (STRA) is a world- class training system that provides teens and young adults with a career pathway for the future.  High school age students, 16-19 year olds, are employed part-time with structured on-the-job training combined with classroom work.

Apprenticeship programs expand the career options for students.  Individuals enter into a paid, supervised work experience and apply academic and technical knowledge in a formally recognized training program.  Those who complete the program receive certification and full-time employment in a specific occupation.

More than 800 careers qualify including vehicle designer, carpenter, electrician,  paramedic, firefighter, tool & die maker, computer technician, machinist, photographer, paralegal, mold maker, quality control technician, and more.

Benefits to the business community include access to an expanded pool of qualified and motivated employees, reduced training costs, and the opportunity to have school curriculum reflect industry standards.  The STRA system requires employers develop "Occupational Standards" allowing businesses to customize on-the-job training activities as well as provide direct input into occupational curriculum at the secondary level. The results are training plans built around the most current skill training needs of the industry.  Benefits to students include a seamless transition from high school to a career with a guaranteed job.  Students also have the option of earning a college degree.  

The duration of an STRA program is typically three to four hours after which an apprentice achieves journey status.  While the student is an apprentice, the employer pays for wages and may pay for college tuition.

A Michigan Single Business Tax Credit of up to $2,000 annually per apprentice is available to employers who, through registered apprenticeships, train young people while they are still in high school.

For more information, please contact Roland Leone at 586.783.6570 ext. 1347.