Youth apprenticeship programs differ from the registered apprenticeship that is regulated by federal and state governments. Defined as a "learning program for young people, age 16 and older, that integrates on-the-job training with school-based instruction, that bridges high school and postsecondary schooling, and that results in both academic credentials and certification of mastery of work skills," youth apprenticeship has gained attention as a policy strategy for improving the school-to-work transition of many youth. Many of the key components of the youth apprenticeship program concept are based on the design elements of European youth training systems. Despite its promise as a strategy for accomplishing many of the goals of the educational reform movement, youth apprenticeship has also remained controversial. The following have been cited as potential problems of youth apprenticeship programs: conflicts with labor unions; the need for schools to make significant changes in instructional methods, scheduling, and basic assumptions; the need for increased financial support from business; and the danger of tracking students at an early age. (An annotated bibliography of 15 print resources on youth apprenticeship programs is provided along with the names and addresses of four resource organizations concerned with youth apprenticeship programs.) (MN)