Seven EVSC students selected for inaugural cohort, creating a new pathway from high school to careers in banking and financial services
Old National Bank and the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) today announced the launch of Indiana’s first banking youth apprenticeship program, an innovative workforce development initiative that offers high school students paid, hands-on banking experience as they complete their high school education.
The program, developed through a partnership among Old National Bank, EVSC, the Indiana Bankers Association, the Financial Services Academy, Southern Indiana Education Center, and the State of Indiana, is designed to create meaningful career pathways for students while helping build Indiana’s future workforce.
This August, seven EVSC high school juniors from four EVSC high schools started the inaugural two-year apprenticeship at Old National Bank. As the largest participating bank in the program’s first year, Old National team members are mentoring students, providing extensive hands-on training, professional development, and real-world client-facing experience in its banking centers.
Prior to the start of the school year, students completed a three-week training program to prepare them for professional work environments and client interactions. Throughout the apprenticeship, students earn a paycheck, gain practical banking experience, complete industry-specific coursework through the Financial Services Academy, and work toward earning both their high school diploma and valuable industry credentials.
The partnership was formally celebrated during a Youth Apprenticeship Kickoff Event held July 6 at Old National’s headquarters in Evansville, where students, families, educators, and business leaders gathered to recognize the launch of the groundbreaking initiative.
“This program offers so much more than a traditional high school job,” said Jim Ryan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Old National Bank. “Through this apprenticeship, these students are gaining real-world experience, developing professional skills, and exploring meaningful career opportunities while completing their education. This type of collaboration represents the future of developing our workforce, and we are proud to partner with EVSC and industry leaders to create these type of opportunities for young people while helping build the next generation of talent for our communities and our industry.”
EVSC leaders said the program reflects the district’s commitment to expanding innovative learning opportunities that prepare students for success beyond graduation.
“I am extremely grateful to Old National Bank for working with the EVSC to create this opportunity for our students,” said EVSC OptIN Executive Director BJ Watts. “The Financial Services Academy will provide valuable real-world experiences that help prepare students for future success while supporting the goals of Indiana's new diploma requirements.”
The banking youth apprenticeship program is modeled after the highly successful Swiss apprenticeship system and is part of Indiana’s broader effort to expand career-connected learning opportunities for students. The initiative is expected to serve as a model for future banking apprenticeship programs across Indiana and demonstrate the power of collaboration between education, industry, and government in strengthening the state’s workforce pipeline.