GPS Ed’s Education Center & Youth Apprenticeship program helps students complete high school while gaining hands-on learning, paid work experience, and a clearer path into technical careers and beyond.
Whether you’re a high school junior or senior exploring career options, a parent looking for an alternative pathway for your student, or an employer interested in opening doors for young people, this program connects learning to real opportunity.
Why Families And Partners Choose GPS Ed
This program is about more than getting students through high school. It empowers these young adults to build real-world skills that matter on the job and in everyday life.
Students have the opportunity to develop technical skills, communication, confidence, and professionalism while learning in a smaller, more personalized environment. Along the way, they can gain hands-on experience, explore career options, and build a stronger sense of what they’re good at and where they want to go next.
Students
Gain real-world experience, earn while you learn, and build skills that matter after high school.
Parents
Give your student a smaller learning environment, more individualized support, and a clearer connection between school and career.
Employers
Help shape future talent, strengthen your community, and support students through structured work-based learning.
Schools
Expand access to meaningful pathways that help every student stay engaged, graduate, and prepare for what comes next.
GPS Ed Youth Apprenticeship
How The Program Works
1
Discover the Fit
Explore our locations and technical career pathways to see if our hands-on environment matches your goals.
2
Connect & Apply
Submit an application and meet with the GPS Ed team to map out your transition.
3
Attend Classes in One of Our Ed Centers
Complete your high school diploma requirements in a smaller, more personalized classroom led by a GPS Ed Instructor with added support from a work-based learning coordinator
4
Earn on the Job
Gain paid, hands-on experience through a structured youth apprenticeship mentored by local employers.
5
Launch Your Future
Graduate career-ready with a diploma, industry certifications, and a clear next step into the workforce or college.
Program Outcomes
Graduates Statewide
%
Graduation Rate
%
Earned YA Certificate of Occupational Proficiency
%
Passed National Career Readiness (NCRC) Assessment
%
MSSC Certified Production Tech. Pass Rate
%
Pursuing Technical Career
%
Full-Time Employment Rate
Program data represents a three-year average (2023–2025).
Take The Next Step To Make School Work
Students
See locations and learn
how to apply
Parents
Get answers about schedule, transportation, and fit.
Employers
Learn how to support students and strengthen your workforce.
Words From Our Families and Partners
“I feel that GPS Ed was an investment in myself because it allowed me to dig into what I want and who I am.”
Mackenzie
GPS Ed Graduate
“Through my work experience, I have gained a broad range of experience with CNC robots as well as various hand tools. Even more importantly, I have developed a good habit of completing tasks within a specific time frame.”
Nathan
GPS Ed Graduate
“You and your team have forever changed Tyler’s life and career. I can’t thank you all enough. Tyler and I will always be proud Ambassadors of the GPS Ed Program. Thank you for dusting off what I knew was my Diamond In The Ruff.”
Kristoffer
Parent
“One thing I love about Cole’s job placement this year is that his employer is great at helping Cole develop as an individual and as an employee. They’ve given Cole so many opportunities to try out different parts of the business and develop skills in different areas. And it’s really helping Cole clarify what he’s good at and what he wants to be doing long term. They’re really investing in my son and making sure that he succeeds.”
Rebecca
Parent
"The best way to bridge this gap between education and industry knowledge is to support the next generation of leaders with hands-on coursework... GPS Ed is more than a cause; it's a catalyst for change, making a real impact in our community by opening new career paths..."
Hank Kohl
President/CEO, MPE
“For our employees who get to be a part of the GPS Ed experience, it’s really the feeling of being a proud parent. It’s exciting to have a part of our next-generation workforce on board, helping us grow our business for the future.”
John Koetz
President, Komatsu Surface Mining
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application process?
We accept applications from students on a rolling basis throughout the year. Students interested in a fall start will need to be an incoming junior or senior to be eligible. We also accept applications from juniors interested in applying for our spring semester beginning in January. We guarantee all applicants an interview and an admittance decision mailed within two weeks of the interview. Accepted students will be given information on attending a required registration prior to starting in our classrooms.
Where do students attend class?
Students attend class in a GPS Ed center located within one of our business partners. Some students may remain there for the work experience part of their day, while others will commute to another business. Students do not attend classes at their home high schools.
Do students stay enrolled at their home high school? Can they still participate in activities?
Yes. Students remain enrolled at their home high school and have the same privileges as other students there. GPS Ed works with students and employers to try to accommodate school activities when possible. Your student’s home high school will administer ACT testing.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day includes two to three hours in the classroom and five to six hours in the workplace. A sample new student schedule could look as follows:
Classroom: 7 a.m.–10 a.m.
Break: 10 a.m.–11 a.m.
Work: 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Dismissal: 3:30 p.m
Do students get paid?
Yes. The program includes paid work experience, and students have the opportunity to earn up to $20,000 or more.
Do students get time off?
Students generally follow the calendar of the business where they work and have most major holidays off. GPS Ed also sets a program calendar, and there may be times when the Education Center is closed, but students may still be expected to work.
Who provides transportation?
Transportation to the classroom and workplace is generally the responsibility of the student and family, though GPS Ed considers logistics when making placements.
What kind of work do students do?
Each student will participate in up to three job rotations. The first is an exposure rotation where students experience a variety of career paths within manufacturing. The second is an experience rotation with the opportunity to dive deeper into an area of interest or skill set. The final is a credentialed rotation in which students may have the opportunity to earn technical college credits and/or industry credentials.
What can students get out of the program?
Upon completion, students may receive a high school diploma from their home high school along with a certificate of occupational proficiency in manufacturing from Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development. In addition, students have the opportunity to become certified production technicians through the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council. Students will also have on-the-job training and work experience highlighted in a professional portfolio.
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