MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS & FAMILIES

Learn by doing—and set yourself up for success.

If you’re the type of person who likes learning through real-world, on-the-job experience, this could be the perfect way to launch a successful, rewarding career.

A new option to earn your high school diploma.

Get paid

What’s more, you’re getting paid during this on-the-job training and education. You’ll earn a high school diploma with an employment plus seal recognized by employers and colleges, so the choice of where to go next is entirely up to you.

Launch your career

What’s more, you’re getting paid during this on-the-job training and education. You’ll earn a high school diploma with an employment plus seal recognized by employers and colleges, so the choice of where to go next is entirely up to you.

Apprenticeships lead to career opportunities.

INCAP apprenticeships are now available. Review the programs below to see what you’re interested in. Then, reach out to your INCAP Connector to find out what’s available in your area.

INCAP APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS

How INCAP Will Work When It’s Available at Your School
Explore your interests

Explore your interests

In middle school, you will identify your interests and explore careers, so when you start high school, you’ll be ready to decide if you’d like to participate in an apprenticeship.

Make a plan

Make a plan

Your school counselor will help you determine your high school schedule and get it finalized by the end of ninth grade, including planning for class requirements and the time needed at a workplace.

Activate your plan

Activate your plan

To find out about apprenticeships in your area, you’ll reach out to your INCAP Connector. After you apply for and are accepted into an apprenticeship program, you will spend multiple days a week with your employer and the rest of your time at school.

To learn more about how INCAP works, check out the sample apprenticeship journeys below.

SEE 2-YEAR APPRENTICESHIP
Two-Year Apprenticeship (PDF 1 Page)
SEE 3-YEAR APPRENTICESHIP
Three-Year Apprenticeship (PDF 1 Page)
WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND?

The structure of INCAP is flexible. INCAP credentials hold value in the labor market and count toward college credit, so students have options for what’s next. They can finish their INCAP program and immediately begin a career, knowing they have the option to continue industry-led education and training within the INCAP Career Program. Or, they can attend college and potentially complete a two- or four-year college degree in fewer years because of the credits they earned.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Are you, or your school, interested in learning more? Your INCAP Connector can help.

INCAP Connectors are organizations working to connect Indiana students to promising futures, serving as a bridge between schools, their students, and INCAP apprenticeship opportunities in their communities.

Contact your regional INCAP Connector for more information on INCAP apprenticeships.

FIND YOUR CONNECTOR

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an apprenticeship program count toward my high school diploma and Indiana’s graduation requirements? 

Yes, students who participate in the INCAP Apprenticeship Program will earn a high school diploma with an Employment Honors Plus Seal (assuming they meet all other requirements) and an INCAP credential. 

Are apprenticeship programs paid?

Yes, employers are required to pay students participating in an INCAP Apprenticeship Program. The pay rate is determined by industry and is tailored to each occupation.

What options do students have after completing an apprenticeship program?

Students who complete the INCAP Apprenticeship Program will earn a high school diploma with the Employment Honors Plus Seal (assuming they meet all other requirements), as well as an INCAP credential. These credentials hold value in the labor market and count toward college credit, so students have options for what’s next. They can finish their INCAP program and immediately begin a career, knowing they have the option to continue industry-led education and training within the INCAP Career Program. Or, they can attend college. Depending on the selected apprenticeship program, students may be able to complete a two- or four-year college degree in fewer years.

Will students have time to participate in extracurricular activities and sports?

Yes, depending upon the occupation selected. Once a student has selected their preferred apprenticeship program occupation with this scheduling option, they will work with their school counselor to build a high school schedule around when they need to be at an employer site and what classes they need to take at school, while still allowing for participation in sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities.

Is the apprenticeship program year-round or only during the school year?

Students participate in the on-the-job portion of the INCAP Apprenticeship Program year-round, while classes only take place during a standard school year.

When and where can I apply for an apprenticeship program?

In January 2027, employers will begin recruiting for the next cohort of apprentices, who will start at the beginning of the 2027-2028 school year. Schools will have information about available INCAP apprenticeships and help match students with them.

However, to participate, students are required to be at their employer site for multiple full days per week during the school year. This means it is critical to work with your school counselor well in advance to build your high school schedule around when you will be at an employer site and what classes you will need to take at school. We recommend starting to draft your schedule in the eighth grade so it is finalized by the end of ninth grade.  

If you are interested in INCAP but your school is not yet participating, please contact your school district for more information or to encourage them to participate.