Building a School to Apprenticeship Pipeline for Opportunity Youth

There are approximately 5 million Opportunity Youth in the U.S., facing challenges like higher rates of poverty, incarceration, teen parenting, and disabilities, as well as a lifetime of lower earnings and employment. At the same time, the nation faces severe workforce shortages across critical industries. Connecting these Opportunity Youth to Registered Apprenticeships (RA), which offer both employment and education, is essential—not only to address their disconnection but also to build a skilled workforce for the future. Safal's Center of Excellence has created technical resources to equip RA stakeholders with strategies to link Opportunity Youth and the education system to RA programs. This presentation will cover how to establish these RA programs, conduct effective outreach to Opportunity Youth, and connect the apprenticeship system’s many facets—including industry, education, and workforce systems—to enhance skills and career readiness for these young people. Participants will also gain practical tools to bridge social services and the education system with the apprenticeship system, creating benefits for both youth and the workforce.