Two Brentwood High School students recently took an important step toward launching their careers by signing Registered Youth Apprenticeship agreements through a new regional workforce development initiative.

Scout Langhorst and Vincent Psihramis participated in the inaugural St. Louis Registered Youth Apprenticeship Signing Day on May 26, joining more than 20 students from school districts across the region who secured paid apprenticeship opportunities with local advanced manufacturing employers.

Langhorst accepted an apprenticeship with Seyer Industries after receiving offers from multiple companies, while Psihramis signed with Hydromat through his participation at South Technical High School. Together, they are the first Brentwood students to earn registered youth apprenticeship opportunities through the new regional initiative.

The apprenticeships are part of the Career WayZ Youth Apprenticeship Accelerator, a partnership between the U.S. Department of Labor, local school districts and industry leaders designed to connect students with high-demand, high-wage career opportunities while they are still in high school.

During the 2025-26 school year, Brentwood joined several St. Louis County districts in expanding access to registered youth apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing. Students participating in the program completed workplace readiness training, safety instruction, mock interviews and company tours before interviewing with prospective employers.

Through the program, students gain paid, hands-on experience while working alongside industry professionals. Over the course of the apprenticeship, participants complete 2,000 hours of supervised training and work-based learning, developing skills that can lead directly to employment, additional training or continued education.

“Scout and Vincent have demonstrated tremendous initiative, professionalism and commitment throughout this process,” said Emily Diaz, Brentwood High School’s college and career advisor. “These apprenticeships provide meaningful opportunities for students to apply their skills in real-world settings, build professional connections and gain valuable experience while still in high school. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to see where these opportunities take them.”

The signing ceremony celebrated the first cohort of students participating in the expanded St. Louis County program and highlighted the growing collaboration between schools and local employers to create career-connected learning opportunities.

For Brentwood, the recognition represents another example of the district's commitment to helping students discover and pursue pathways aligned with their interests, strengths and future goals.

“We want our students to graduate with a clear sense of purpose and a variety of options for what comes next,” Diaz said. “Whether that path includes college, technical training, military service or entering the workforce, opportunities like registered apprenticeships help students gain confidence and experience as they prepare for their future.”