Hamilton High School students log more than 51,000 hours of work experience at local companies during the 2024-25 school year. On May 28, their hard work and dedication was celebrated during the inaugural Youth Apprenticeship and Work Experience Awards Ceremony. The event was held in the Hamilton Fine Arts Center to recognize the collaboration between educators, local businesses and community members that make these student employment opportunities possible.
“This ceremony serves as a powerful reminder that students can achieve success in the real world while still in high school,” explains Hamilton High School Teacher/Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator Sheila Frafjord. “It celebrates not just completion, but the progress, commitment and real-world experience they’ve gained through work-based learning and youth apprenticeship.”
Students are employed in a wide variety of industries such as manufacturing, finance and healthcare. The workforce experience allows students to continue developing skill sets that many first learned about during their coursework at Hamilton High School.
“A heartfelt thank you goes out to all of our employer partners. Without your support, guidance and mentorship, these real-world experiences wouldn’t be possible,” Hamilton High School Assistant Principal/Extended Learning Coordinator Marquea Goike told those in attendance. “We also want to extend a warm welcome to the proud parents and families in attendance today. Your encouragement and support have played a key role in your students’ success,” she added.
One-hundred and thirty-seven students were recognized for earning their Employability Skills Certificate from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The program recognizes a student’s mastery of workplace skills that are valued by employers. Students must meet or exceed expectations in thirteen skill areas and complete the minimum work hours required.
Forty-four students were recognized for youth apprenticeships during the 2024-25 school year. Last year, only nine Hamilton High School students participated in youth apprenticeships. Students in Level 1 of Hamilton High School’s Youth Apprenticeship Program must complete at least 450 work hours, receive related instruction and meet all required skill competencies within their career pathway.
Frafjord says youth apprentices and work-based learning experiences recognize that learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. “By connecting academic knowledge to real-world applications, students gain deeper understanding, develop valuable skills and build relationships within the community,” she says. “These experiences not only prepare students for life after graduation, they also strengthen local workforce pipelines and help shape the future of our communities.”