Valley Park School District, in partnership with Beckwood Press Company, is launching a regional alliance to expand youth apprenticeship opportunities for high school students across St. Louis County beginning in January 2026. Beckwood Press Company is a national leader in custom hydraulic and servo-electric press manufacturing.
This partnership is supported through the Career WayZ Youth Apprenticeship Accelerator, an initiative focused on building high-quality apprenticeship pathways by developing apprenticeship coordinators, strengthening student employability skills, and engaging advanced manufacturing employers committed to long-term career opportunities for students.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to preparing students for limitless opportunities beyond graduation,” said Dr. Dilg, Superintendent of Valley Park School District. “Through the Youth Apprenticeship Accelerator, students gain real-world experience, build durable skills, and connect their learning to future careers. It reinforces our belief that personalized, authentic learning is essential to preparing students for high-demand opportunities after high school.”
The St. Louis County Youth Apprenticeship Accelerator builds on the success of the St. Charles County Accelerator, which registered 45 manufacturing apprentices and eight employer partners in its first year. In 2025, the St. Louis County expansion scales this proven model across a broader region, positioning public education as a key driver of workforce readiness and economic growth while strengthening alignment between schools and industry.
Valley Park has intentionally built career pathways in its student-centered curriculum that connect classroom learning to industry experience, credentials, and postsecondary success. Through long-standing partnerships, regional collaboration, and a clear vision for workforce readiness, the district is positioned to help lead a scalable apprenticeship model that benefits students, employers, and the St. Louis County economy.
Participating school districts in the St. Louis County Accelerator include Valley Park, Lindbergh, Parkway, Rockwood, Affton, Bayless, Mehlville, Brentwood, and the Special School District of St. Louis County. Together, these districts are aligning systems, resources, and employer partnerships to expand access to high-quality apprenticeships and meet the region's evolving workforce needs.