Charleston Regional Youth Apprenticeships
Regional employers are offering rising high school juniors, seniors and graduating seniors who are students in the tri-county area the opportunity to "learn and earn." Youth apprentices receive paid on-the-job training along with related classroom instruction at Trident Technical College. The costs associated with the youth apprenticeship college courses are covered by the program for students who are hired by participating companies.
THIS IS A TWO-YEAR PROGRAM AND APPLICANTS MUST BE ABLE TO COMMIT TO THE FULL TWO YEARS IF THEY ARE HIRED. THE YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP IS NOT AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAM.
Youth Apprenticeships
Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 hiring cycle.
Please email any questions to YouthApprenticeship@tridenttech.edu.
2025 PATHWAYS:
- Automotive Mechanic
- Baking and Pastry
- CNA to Pre-Nursing (LTC) - May 9, 2025 application deadline. No math placement required. Job interviews will be with long-term care facilities primarily in Berkeley and Dorchester counties. Must pass state CNA exam administered by SC Nurse Aid Registry to remain employed. (Applications Closed)
- Computer Networking
- Construction – No academic placement required. Must be available to work during the day Monday-Friday at least 30 hours per week.
- Culinary Arts
- Cybersecurity - Must be 18 years old to apply.
- EMT - Applicants must be turning 18 years old by May 1, 2026 to be eligible to sit for the National Registry exam.
- HVAC - Must be able to work two full days per week, Monday-Friday, during academic year.
- Hotel Operations
- Industrial Mechanics
- Machine Tool Technology
- Mechanical CAD
- Mechatronics
- Medical Laboratory Assistant
- Medical Office Assistant – This is an administrative role; no patient care.
- Pharmacy Technician
- PLTW Engineering Technician - Must have taken or be scheduled to take Principles Of Engineering and Introduction to Engineering Design.
- Pre-Nursing (PCT) - (Math placement required) May 9, 2025 application deadline. Must be available on Saturday, May 17 for Draft Day, and able to attend CNA/PCT training at TTC that starts in June and runs throughout the summer. (Applications Closed)
- Security/Pre-Law Enforcement
- Supply Chain Analyst
- Welding (10 opportunities available)
Students who participate in and complete the two-year program will receive:
- Two years of paid employment and mentoring from an industry professional
- One year of college credit from TTC free of charge
- National credentials from the U.S. Department of Labor
- Two years of work experience
- Marketable skills for life
Nail your youth apprenticeship employer interview with this helpful Interview Tips for Teens guide.
Requirements
To be eligible for a two-year youth apprenticeship, a student must:
To start the process, students must complete and submit all sections of the Youth Apprenticeship Application Packet, including proof of qualifying scores on the ACCUPLACER Placement Test.
YOUTH APPRENTICES WHO ARE STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL MUST BE ABLE TO ARRANGE AN "EARLY OUT" OR A "LATE IN" TO ACCOMMODATE THEIR WORK AND COLLEGE COURSE SCHEDULE. WE WILL WORK WITH SCHOOL COUNSELORS TO ASSIST WITH THIS.
*GRADUATING SENIORS MUST FILE FAFSA
- Be a rising junior, senior or graduating senior
- Be at least 16 years of age by June 1, 2025
- Achieve qualifying ACCUPLACER Placement Test scores*
- Be willing and able to commit to the full two years of the program
- Demonstrate academic readiness and responsibility
- Be legally able to work in the U.S. and receive post-secondary education
For more information, email YouthApprenticeship@tridenttech.edu.
CRYA Student Handbook
Click here to watch the Youth Apprenticeship Information Session.
Youth Apprenticeship Success Stories
Signing Day 2024
Signing Day 2023
Signing Day 2022
Signing Day 2021
Signing Day 2020
Youth Apprentices at Work: Patriots Point
Youth Apprentices at Work: Gerald's Tires and Brakes
Youth Apprentices at Work: Hendrick Toyota North Charleston
Youth Apprentices at Work: Wild Dunes
Youth Apprentices at Work: Magnolias
Youth Apprentices at Work: Roper St. Francis
Youth Apprentices at Work: Slightly North of Broad
