Meet the Registered Youth Apprenticeship Team

The Missouri Registered Youth Apprenticeship (RYA) initiative is supported by a team of dedicated consultants who work in partnership with schools, employers, and community organizations to build high-quality, work-based learning opportunities for students ages 16 to 24. Each consultant brings deep experience in education, workforce development, and employer engagement, helping to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world career pathways.

What is Registered Youth Apprenticeship (RYA)?

Missouri’s Registered Youth Apprenticeship (RYA) program is a structured, earn-and-learn career pathway that connects high school students with employers in high-demand industries. The program integrates rigorous classroom instruction with paid, on-the-job training, allowing students to gain industry-recognized credentials, college credit, and real-world experience while still in high school.

Missouri career and technical education (CTE) opportunities are preparing young people and adults for the job market and/or further education. These programs combine academics and job-specific skill training to assist in narrowing the skills gap.

Career and technical education programs are offered in:

• Agriculture
• Business
• Health Science
• Family Consumer Sciences & Human Services
• Marketing
• Skilled Technical Sciences
• Technology & Engineering