Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship

Looking to recruit, train, and upskill new or existing employees in youth-serving roles? FHI 360’s innovative Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship (YDPA) equips apprentices with essential job readiness skills and empowers them to become effective practitioners in youth development careers.

Both existing employees and new hires are eligible to participate in the YDPA. This apprenticeship is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and provides an opportunity for structured, on-the-job learning in roles such as intake counseling, after-school programming, outreach work, justice reentry, and more.

By investing in apprenticeships, employers demonstrate their dedication to access, inclusion, and professional development, all while building a pipeline of talented professionals passionate about serving young people.

Interested in learning more? Fill out our interest form!


Apprenticeship illusstration

Apprenticeships help young people build skills and community.

Read about the YDPA experience.


The Apprenticeship Commitment

Apprentices commit to 2,000 hours* of on-the-job learning, along with 165 hours of related training instruction. Coursework for YDPA is completed online.

*Existing employees may receive a signed endorsement verifying up to 1,000 hours of previous on-the-job learning.

What apprentices learn: The 165 hours of related training instruction are across nine distinctive modules.

1. Positive Youth Development Principles & Relationships
2. Coaching & Counseling Strategies
3. Planning & Youth Development Opportunities
4. Facilitation
5. Career Pathways
6. Case Management
7. Leveraging Technology
8. Understanding How Youth Organizations Work
9. Professionalism, Professional Development & Self Care

To learn more about becoming an employer that sponsors an apprentice in your organization or to learn about becoming an apprentice, schedule a conversation with a NIWL apprenticeship specialist by emailing apprenticeship@fhi360.org

You can also read the full overview below:

A Week in the Life of an Apprentice

Each week, Youth Development Practitioner Apprentices spend about 70% of their time completing tasks aligned with their jobs, 20% of their time on the job with their mentor, and 10% of their time completing related training.


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