Based on the experience of the National Alliance of Business' youth apprenticeship program (the Quality Connection Consortium), this guide offers practical advice on how employers can begin a youth apprenticeship program that will serve their labor needs. It addresses the internal support that a business must generate and gives tips on choosing an educational partner. It includes a discussion of how to determine employee education and training needs and how to meet those needs through youth apprenticeship. The guide covers the three different types of skills that comprise a youth apprenticeship program: academic, technical, and employability skills. Approaches to classroom instruction and structured on-the-job instruction provided under the guidance of a trained mentor/advisor are discussed. Personnel policy issues such as pay, career ladders, recruitment, rotation as a part of on-the-job learning, liability, and certification are also addressed. Student recruitment, including strategies to overcome the negative image that vocational courses have in some high schools, and staff development are addressed. Finally, job placement for graduates is covered in the closing section of the guide. Appendixes provide a list of resources (government and private projects and councils with addresses) and 43 references. (KC)