On the evening of April 29, the Platteville High School community gathered for a recognition banquet that was as much a celebration of local partnership as it was of student achievement. The event honored the participants and mentors of the Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program, highlighting a period of extraordinary expansion.
A Culture of Growth
During the ceremony, program coordinator Brad Brogley reflected on the program’s recent trajectory, noting a remarkable surge in participation. In just a few years, the program has grown from 8 to 33 students, a quadrupling that Brogley attributes to the collective investment of the Platteville community.
"This success is a reflection of the entire community's commitment to our students' futures," Brogley noted, specifically praising the foundational work of school counselors Chandra McCarthy and Shannon Stanton.
Insights from the Field
The banquet featured key speakers who underscored the importance of vocational training and regional support:
Jessica Helms (CESA #3): Provided an overview of the program's support structures, explaining how regional cooperation helps bridge the gap between high school and the professional world.
Jeff Skemp: Served as the evening's guest speaker, offering career-focused insights and advice to students as they prepare to transition into the workforce.
Investing in the Future
The Youth Apprenticeship program continues to serve as a vital link between Platteville High School and local industries. By allowing students to gain paid, hands-on experience while earning high school credit, the initiative ensures that the next generation of the workforce is prepared, professional, and deeply connected to their local roots.
As the program continues its upward trend, the message from the April 29 banquet was clear: when the community invests in its youth, the entire region prospers.