Your Career Starts Here

Jump-start a career as a machine operator in food processing and manufacturing during your last two years of high school! 

Whether you want to go on to college or start a career right away, this apprenticeship allows students to earn and learn critical machine operator skills in a safe setting with local companies. 

✅ What You’ll Get:

  • Hands-on, paid work-based learning with local manufacturers

  • High school elective credits

  • Resume workshop to prep your career

  • OSHA 10 certification

  • A nationally recognized apprenticeship credential upon completion

✅ Student Eligibility :

To apply, students must:

  • Must be enrolled at Jerome High School or Falls City Academy

  • Have a minimum 2.0 GPA

  • Be on track to graduate

  • Be in good attendance standing at school

  • Have reliable transportation

  • Be able to attend class 3 days per week and be on time

  • Complete all homework on time

  • Maintain good attendance (Max 4 excused absences per semester)

  • Treat the program like a job — performance and professionalism matter

  • Participate in check-ins, plant tours, and progress reviews

✅ How to enroll :

  • Connect with your School Counselor
  • Meet with CSI Representative
  • Discuss program with your Guardians
  • Enroll with school counselor and CSI Representative
Support and transcript

Questions?

For support regarding this video's content, contact Workforce Development & Training.

Email:
workforce@csi.edu
Phone:
(208) 732-6310
Office:
ATTIC Building, Twin Falls Campus

Transcript

No transcript has been added for this video, yet. If you'd like to request one for this video, contact CSI HelpDesk.

Learn Important On-The-Job Skills, Earn Great Money, and Advance in a Career Right After High School

Earn While You Learn: Apprenticeships are paid positions that allow for increases in pay as the student continues their education and develops greater skills. Students will work the summer between their Junior and Senior year as well as over school breaks.

Nationally Recognized Certification: All apprentices earn a nationally recognized credential upon program completion. Your career can start here in Idaho but take you wherever you want to go.

Gain Experience and Extensive Training: One year of classroom training prepares students before they start their on-the-job training which includes direct supervision and mentoring. Students get constant supervision to ensure safety and competency.

High School Success: High school completion is a necessary component of the program. Relevant education and critical on-the-job training create the right combination to put students on track to a promising career.

Hear What Others Have To Say

My son had a real job at a real place, getting real income, which helped his confidence. This gives students lots of different options. Regardless of what your student wants to do - whether its to save money for college or earn a great income and start their career right after high school, this program is amazing.

-Nicole Crider, Mother of STRAP graduates

Machine Operator Apprenticeship Employer Partners

Idaho Milk Products

Food Processing and Manufacturing are Among the Fastest Growing Industries in Idaho

This apprenticeship could be a good fit for you if... 

  • you like to work with your hands
  • you are responsible and reliable 
  • you want to work in an innovative environment
  • you enjoy being around people
  • you're interested in preparing for further education or a career in a technical industry position
  • you want to advance in a great career quickly
Support and transcript

Questions?

For support regarding this video's content, contact Workforce Development & Training.

Email:
workforce@csi.edu
Phone:
(208) 732-6310
Office:
ATTIC Building, Twin Falls Campus

Transcript

No transcript has been added for this video, yet. If you'd like to request one for this video, contact CSI HelpDesk.

FAQ

Why become an apprentice?

STRAP enables high-school students to gain the necessary skills for high-demand jobs while earning a paycheck in a safe, secure environment. Students will work during the summers and on school breaks to accomplish their 2,000 on-the-job training hours. Apprentices' wages increase as they gain more skills and education. After this program, students will have the opportunity to take on a permanent industry position with our local company partners.

How much does it cost?

Apprentices receive education and training both inside and outside the workplace. The cost of the program is $1000 for the year, but students can apply for advanced opportunity funding which will cover their portion 100%. It's easy to apply for funding! Connect with your school counselor or contact us for assistance.

What does the program entail?

This two-year apprenticeship program begins each fall and is designed to prepare students for real-world careers in the food processing industry. The program includes:

Year 1 – In-Class Learning

Follows the traditional school calendar and includes hands-on training in:

  • Safety management

  • Food safety and security

  • Maintenance fundamentals

  • Mechanical techniques and tools

  • Electricity and instrumentation

  • Environmental safety

  • Continuous improvement

  • Employability skills (communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and more)

Year 2 – On-the-Job Training

Students complete 2,000 hours of paid work experience with a local food processing company. These hours can be earned during the summer, school breaks, and after graduation.

  • Each student is paired with an experienced industry mentor for guidance and support.

  • Students have the option to continue employment with their host company after completing the program.


🎓 Program Completion

Graduates of the program will walk away with:

  • A nationally recognized apprenticeship certification

  • An OSHA 10 certification

  • Real-world experience

  • The skills and confidence to step into a full-time position

Who should apply?

This program is best for students who:

  • are driven and ready to commit to a two year program
  • are willing to try new things
  • are interested in earning a well-paid wage in preparation for further education or a career in technical industry positions
  • are curious, motivated, and willing to commit to training outside of school hours
Is it safe?
Yes! The safety of our students is our number one concern. Before a student ever sets foot on the job floor, they are trained in safety and OSHA requirements. Each student is assigned a mentor to assist them during their 2,000 work hours. This is a safe, clean, and empowering program for teens.
How much can a student expect to earn?

Students will be paid for their 2,000 on-the-job training hours. Companies often start their apprentices at $12 - $15 an hour with the opportunity to increase their wages quickly. Students who have previously gone through the program have earned enough money to purchase vehicles, save for their first few years of college, or have moved into well-paid, permanent, with benefits positions with industry companies.

How do I register?

Contact Janelle Sexton at jsexton1@csi.edu or 208-732-6821.

Download the Apprenticeship Student/Parent Expectation Checklist