What is the DOES Youth Apprenticeship Program:

The Department of Employment Services (DOES) Youth Apprenticeship Program is a state-of-the-art educational program that provides qualified District of Columbia Public (DCPS) and District of Columbia Charter (DCCS) graduating senior students the opportunity to begin learning an apprenticeship occupation, combining on-the-job learning with related academic and technical classroom education.

What are traditional and non-traditional apprenticeships?

Traditional apprenticeship careers are construction, electricians, glaziers, and welding. Non-

traditional apprenticeship professions are careers such as information technology, hospitality, health care, and green energy jobs. Additional information regarding traditional and non-traditional apprenticeship employment opportunities can be found via the DOL Apprenticeship Portal at apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-occupations.

View the Youth and Parent Handbook

View the Youth and Parent Handbook

Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicants must be residents of Washington, DC

  • Eligible to work in the United States

  • Graduating Senior attending a DCPS or DCCS

  • Able to have a half-day schedule by January of your senior year (requires verification from school counselor or school POC)

  • Meet additional requirements as stipulated by the employer

  • Available to commit to 1-3 years (6 months of on-the-job training followed by full-time employment)

The application for the 2025 cohort is now closed. Stay tuned for updates on the application process for the 2026 cohort. Thank you for your interest and we look forward to your application next year!

How do I become a youth apprentice?

What are the benefits of becoming a youth apprentice?

What is the hiring process for a youth apprentice?

How long is the Youth Apprenticeship Program?

Will I get paid during the Youth Apprenticeship Program?

What are the requirements of a Youth Apprenticeship Program participant?

Can I apply for the Youth Apprenticeship Program if I'm homeschooled?

If I apply and am accepted in the Youth Apprenticeship Program, does that mean I'm guaranteed a job?

Will my high school schedule change if I get accepted into the apprenticeship program?

Can youth apprenticeship participants still participate in extracurricular activities?

How do I become a youth apprentice?

What are the benefits of becoming a youth apprentice?

What is the hiring process for a youth apprentice?

How long is the Youth Apprenticeship Program?

Will I get paid during the Youth Apprenticeship Program?

What are the requirements of a Youth Apprenticeship Program participant?

Can I apply for the Youth Apprenticeship Program if I'm homeschooled?

If I apply and am accepted in the Youth Apprenticeship Program, does that mean I'm guaranteed a job?

Will my high school schedule change if I get accepted into the apprenticeship program?

Can youth apprenticeship participants still participate in extracurricular activities?

For more information, contact Mr. Vincent Orane.,
Sr, Program Analyst at vincent.orange@dc.gov

How do I become a youth apprentice?

What are the benefits of becoming a youth apprentice?

What is the hiring process for a youth apprentice?

How long is the Youth Apprenticeship Program?

Will I get paid during the Youth Apprenticeship Program?

What are the requirements of a Youth Apprenticeship Program participant?

Can I apply for the Youth Apprenticeship Program if I'm homeschooled?

If I apply and am accepted in the Youth Apprenticeship Program, does that mean I'm guaranteed a job?

Will my high school schedule change if I get accepted into the apprenticeship program?

Can youth apprenticeship participants still participate in extracurricular activities?

For more information, contact Mr. Vincent Orane., Sr, Program Analyst at vincent.orange@dc.gov

Phone: (202) 724-7000
Fax: (202) 673-6993


TTY: (202) 698-4817

Email: does@dc.gov

Phone: (202) 724-7000
Fax: (202) 673-6993


TTY: (202) 698-4817

Email: does@dc.gov