School-to-Registered Apprenticeship (STRA) programs, like other forms of work-based learning, can show significant benefits in preparing workers for the workplace. It creates clearly defined career paths to allow individuals to move between school programs and the apprenticeship system. Students are more likely to be able to understand the big picture.

The first Kansas-based STRA program was recently developed with Wamego High School and expansion efforts are continuing across the state. In the STRA program, the students are employed part-time, and their structured on-the-job training with a registered apprenticeship sponsor is combined with classroom work.

The occupational child care program at Wamego High School offers students an unique opportunity. Employers work with school counselors, instructors, and an ECAAP Program Consultant to give interested students the chance to interview for specific job openings. Upon graduation with the completed high school curriculum, students enrolling in the apprenticeship related instruction with an ECAAP-approved community college educational partner may find some credits already on their transcripts. (Credits will be dependant on specific secondary/ post-secondary transfer agreements.)

School-to-Registered Apprenticeship can be a visible demonstration of the role played by the community as a whole in education. STRA can help increase the number of economically unproductive members of the community. Local job stability is enhanced when local students receive relevant and effective training for local jobs. In addition, healthy STRA apprenticeship programs can help draw new industries and new employers into a community.

The first STRA students are already started with ECAAP sponsors in the Wamego/Manhattan area. Those continuing their apprenticeship related instruction with Highland Community College will start college with nine early childhood college credit hours already on their transcripts. ECAAP sponsors interested in working with their area high schools should contact the ECAAP office.