(a) An eligible student may apply to enter the student apprenticeship program upon successful completion of grade 10 or its equivalent and meeting entrance requirements established by the State Board of Education.

(b) A program may be up to four years in length and shall require both academic study and work experience each program year. The program shall emphasize work-based learning, applied academics, team teaching, and other strategies that will enable the student apprentice to enter a postsecondary institution, a registered apprenticeship program, or the workforce in a position above entry level.

(c) The school board, working with the student and the employer, shall prepare an apprenticeship agreement. The agreement shall describe the responsibilities of each party, including program requirements and remuneration to the student by the employer as determined jointly by the student, apprenticeship coordinator, and worksite mentor and shall be valid when signed by each party.

(d) When an articulation agreement is requested and feasible, the school board shall negotiate one for apprentices working towards completion of registered apprenticeship or postsecondary degree requirements.

(e) The student apprenticeship coordinator shall assist the student in maintaining a portfolio that shall include a log of work activities and the results of assessments conducted periodically during the program.

(f) A student apprentice who successfully completes a student apprenticeship program shall receive an industry competency certificate issued by the State Board of Education. In order to earn an industry competency certificate, a student apprentice shall demonstrate mastery of industry competency standards and shall complete academic requirements for graduation.

(g) A record of mastery of skills attained through the apprenticeship program and high school graduation credit shall be recorded in the student's school record. (Added 1993, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. May 17, 1994.)