As a pharmacy technician youth apprentice at Wausau Family Pharmacy, Nancy assisted with mailings, helped fill prescriptions, completed deliveries, worked at the front desk and supported her coworkers wherever needed.  

The Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program at Northcentral Technical College (NTC) connects high school students with local employers to bridge the gap between education and employment. By working directly with industry professionals, students develop technical skills, workplace confidence and a deeper understanding of career expectations while earning academic credit and a paycheck. 

The YA program turned out to be more than just work experience for Nancy; it provided the spark for her future plans.  

Nancy’s interest in pharmacy started years before she began working at one.  

“My dad struggled with medicine translations in the hospital,” she said. “I wanted to be able to help people understand their medications better.”  

After pursuing a different healthcare YA opportunity during her junior year, Nancy knew she wanted to be a youth apprentice again her senior year. Her sister-in-law, Dr. Zoua Yang, owns Wausau Family Pharmacy, so she approached her about being a youth apprentice, and through this experience she discovered a passion for the profession.  

“I’ve developed a lot of communication skills,” Nancy said. “I used to be really shy. Now I’m answering calls, calling people back and talking more with patients. I’ve become more confident.”  

Nancy said the experience also taught her the importance of soft skills.  

“Being patient and having empathy goes a long way,” she said. “It creates an understanding atmosphere where everyone feels like they belong.”  

Dr. Yang served as Nancy’s mentor and said she has witnessed significant growth in Nancy. 

“Since starting the program, Nancy has shown measurable growth in confidence, professional communication, time management and critical thinking,” she said. “She has moved from observing tasks to contributing meaningfully to daily operations.”  

At Wausau Family Pharmacy, Nancy was introduced to healthcare operations in a safe and supportive environment while learning professionalism, accountability and patient-centered care. Dr. Yang said she believes experiences like these are critical for preparing students for the workforce. 

"Career readiness is more than job training," she said. "It includes workplace accountability, professional communication, problem-solving skills and understanding expectations before entering college or the workforce." 

The YA program helps students explore careers while giving employers the opportunity to develop future talent. Through partnerships with businesses like Wausau Family Pharmacy, NTC continues to help students gain meaningful work experience and a competitive advantage as they prepare for their future careers. 

"When schools and businesses collaborate, students see a clear pathway from education to employment," she said. "Investing in youth is not charity; it is strategic community development." 

Nancy is proud of how far she has come and would recommend high school students take advantage of Youth Apprenticeship opportunities.  

“This experience has reaffirmed what I want to do in the future,” Nancy said. “I want to pursue pharmacy and eventually work at Mayo Clinic.”