Students wishing to be considered for STRA Program participation must meet program minimum requirements, as well as complete the STRA Program "Selection Process", a series of activities that will help students learn about apprenticeship training, the industries, occupations, and careers students could train for, as well as the employers or businesses offering apprenticeship training and employment.

Selection Process activities include the following:

• Complete the STRA Program Application:
• This application asks for information from the student and/or parents, information and documentation from the student's counselor, instructors, and attendance staff person, personal recommendations, and requires the student to write a short essay regarding their interest in pursuing training for a specific occupation or career.
• Attend a STRA Program Student/Parent Orientation
• This activity, typically held in the evening, provides students and parents with more specific program information including a STRA Program overview, as well as breakout sessions where representatives from participating businesses provide information regarding the specific occupations they will offer training for.
• Complete a STRA Program Assessment Session
• Students must complete a two-hour assessment session, where they are tested in reading, math, and complete career exploration activities.
• Attend Business Tours
• Tours are scheduled with specific participating businesses. Students must attend the tour activities associated with the program or occupation for which they are applying.
• Attend a STRA Program Pre-Interview Workshop
• During this two-hour workshop, students will learn pre-employment skills such as properly completing an application, resume writing, and successful interviewing techniques. Upon completion of this workshop, students assemble their "STRA Program Portfolio" containing the student's STRA Program Application and documentation, as well as any additional items they would like to include for the employer to review including a resume, awards or certificates, letters of recommendation, records or transcripts etc. Upon completion of the workshop, if the student has completed all the above activities, they may then sign up to interview with up to three employers of their choosing.
• Participate in the STRA Interview Event
• Students interview with employers at the STRA Program Interview Event where, on one specific day, representatives form participating businesses interview all interested students who completed the Selection Process.

Employers then make their selection based on student's program application information, portfolio items, and interview performance.

Any student who meets program minimum requirements may apply and participate in the Selection Process, however, only those students who have completed all Selection Process activities are allowed to interview. This "self attrition" system allows students to drop out of the process at anytime by not attending an activity. It also helps to insure only the highly motivated, most interested students will be granted the opportunity to interview.

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