This page provides a variety of information about the STRA Program, and why as a parent, you may want to encourage your son or daughter to consider this program as an important education and training option. Career preparation is essential for education, training, and employment success. Parents play a critical role in helping their children explore different careers, develop a career plan, and select appropriate high school and post high school occupational education and training options. To be effective in assisting your student in career preparation and planning, you need to know about all the available opportunities.

As Parents

• You will help your child develop a career plan through career research and exploration, as well as review and help sort through and select the education and training options that are the most suitable, and provides the best benefits for the lowest cost.
• You want to know that your child will be able to be self sufficient and economically independent, and in a career or occupation that will insure continued and advanced career education, training, and employment opportunities.
• You will want to consider the element of paid "hands-on" experience as a critical component of successful occupational training.
• You are aware of the ever-increasing expense involved in the 4-5 year college track, and are searching for quality education and training alternatives that can insure your child life long education, career, and employment success!

The STRA Program offers student participants an occupational training opportunity that combines high school and post high school classroom instruction with paid job site training. Upon graduation, employer sponsors guarantee students full time employment including guaranteed wage increases and benefits, as well as subsidizing a portion of the student's post high school technical instruction.

Parents can look forward to their students:

• Beginning in high school, receiving high quality classroom and job site training in high skill, high wage occupations.
• Graduate from high school with guaranteed full time, self-supporting employment that includes benefits.
• Continued classroom instruction at the community college where the employer is paying a portion or all of the tuition and fees.

To learn about STRA, click on any item below and you will get information regarding:

• The Apprenticeship System of Training
• STRA and Michigan's Career Preparation System
• Program Benefits and Commitments
• Program Requirements for Students and Employers
• The STRA Program Student "Selection Process"
• Student Apprentice Summer & School Year Program Activities
• Program Completion and Nationally Recognized Credentials
• Career Pathways
  
  • Apprenticeable Careers and Occupations
• STRA Program Coordinators and Contacts
• STRA Program Resources, Activities, and Updates
• 50 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Apprenticeships