A jump on the future
Students from the Fort Zumwalt School District are getting a leg up on tomorrow today. The district’s unique Apprenticeship Program was recently recognised as a Program of Distinction by the Institute for Workplace Skills and Innovation of America.
The award, presented to Dr Patrick Brown and Andy McHaffie, acknowledged the program’s commitment to the modern registered apprenticeship model and excellence in high-quality, industry-relevant instruction, on-the-job training, apprentice mentoring, and employer partnerships. It was presented at an event introducing the United States Department of Labor Certified Youth Program to more than 50 business representatives, alongside elected officials, local Chamber of Commerce leaders, and representatives from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
McHaffie, a teacher at Zumwalt East High and curriculum coordinator for Industrial Technology and Engineering, co-developed the program with Dr Brown, the district’s Executive Director of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), and Career Technical Education (CTE). Launched in 2019 with Merric Millwork and Seating as the initial partner, the program has grown steadily over four years — despite challenges posed by the pandemic. It began with four apprentices and reached 20 participants by 2022.
“We have always tried to find a way to bridge the gap from education to going into the labour force,” McHaffie said. “The benefit of the program is amazing. It’s an experience you cannot get at school. Real-world experience.”
The program isn’t open to just anyone. Students must enrol in and complete one of the many CTE Apprenticeship Courses offered — such as industrial tech, business, family and consumer science — before applying. Applications include two instructor recommendations and an interview with a partner manufacturer for the selected apprenticeship position.
Eligibility criteria include:
Maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in their CTE coursework
Completing at least 180 classroom hours of work-based learning aligned with the apprenticeship curriculum
Sustaining at least 90% overall attendance from Years 9 to 12
Achieving at least a 95% on-time record (no more than four tardies per semester)
“We don’t want to send someone who leaves a bad taste in an employer’s mouth,” McHaffie added. “We also incorporate soft skills — the students must dress appropriately and present themselves professionally for the interview portion.”
Current industry partners include Merric Millwork and Seating, Quest Specialty Products, National Cart Co., Patterson Mold and Tool, Fixture Concepts, Seyer Industries, and Avmats. The partnerships have proven to be mutually beneficial.
For employers, the program delivers committed, work-ready students with a proven record of reliability. For students, it offers paid on-the-job training, the opportunity to earn high school credit, up to 45 hours of college credit toward a Skilled Trades Associate degree through St. Charles Community College, and a nationally recognised Department of Labor apprenticeship certificate.
Looking ahead, McHaffie is optimistic. “I think we could be at 80 students someday, easily,” he said. “Also, I would love to expand into IT and healthcare.”
