Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Grant (YARG)

What is the Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Grant (YARG) Program?

The YARG Program prepares young adults (ages 16 to 24) to enter careers in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Advanced Manufacturing, Finance, and Business Operations through paid apprenticeship and internship opportunities.

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a structured training program that gives you a chance to work and learn on the job while completing a qualification in the occupation of your choice. Apprenticeships are paid employment opportunities that typically range from 1 to 4 years, depending on the skills required to learn the job. Although apprentices may take some coursework, they spend most of their time learning their job at their company.

Example jobs you can pursue through a YARG Apprenticeship. The YARG Program offers training and supportive services to help you be a successful candidate when applying to these work opportunities

Advanced Manufacturing 

• Industrial Technician
• Electromechanical Technician
• Automation Technician

Financial Services & Business Operations

• Insurance Representative
• Accounting Clerk
• Business Operations Associate

Information Technology (IT) & Cybersecurity

• IT Help Desk 
• Cybersecurity Support Technician
• Networking Technician

Logistics & Supply Chain Management

• Materials Technician
• Quality Assurance Technician
• Production Manager

Apprenticeship Benefits

• Paid apprenticeship. Apprentices are full or part-time employees and receive incremental wage increases throughout their apprenticeship period as they complete certain milestones and competencies.
• Nationally recognized portable credential for apprenticeship completion.
• Free training and tuition assistance.
• Support to help cover your books, supplies, work uniform, tools, transportation, emergency expenses, etc. 
• Coaching and mentoring throughout the program
• Participants who complete their apprenticeship may be offered permanent positions with the employers where they train.

Eligibility

• Ages of 16-24
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Participants do NOT need to be enrolled in high school or college to apply