Wisconsin hits milestone as apprentice numbers break 15,000

Wisconsin saw the highest apprenticeship participation rate in two decades as the state broke more than 15,000 active apprentices, Gov. Tony Evers and the Department of Workforce Development announced on Thursday. 

The Registered Apprenticeship program combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction and allows apprentices to earn money while they learn, rewarding employers with a skilled workforce and providing participants with family-supporting careers, the governor’s office said. Apprenticeship enrollment hasn’t hit this number since 2001, state officials added. 

“We’re working to build a Wisconsin that works for everyone and with more than 200 registered apprenticeship pathways, including opportunities in everything from health care to IT and finance to construction, apprenticeship is connecting more Wisconsinites with more opportunities in industries across the state,” Evers said. “Our Registered Apprenticeship program is a model for the nation, providing a flexible pipeline of workers to respond to employers’ needs and ensuring Wisconsin’s workforce can grow for years to come.”  

Evers and department officials celebrated at the Wisconsin Laborers’ District Council office in DeForest and Northcentral Technical College in Wausau. The events featured employer and labor partners, apprentices and tours of training facilities. 

“The power of apprenticeship makes our economy, our communities, and our families stronger—one skilled worker at a time,” DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek said. “Our focus on apprenticeship is part of our larger strategy to leverage our homegrown workforce, tap underutilized talent, and connect employers with the skilled workforce they need to thrive.” 

Amber Riskey of Madison, a third-year laborer apprentice for Payne and Dolan, said her trade was challenging but she was improving daily and breaking down gender barriers. 

“Construction is challenging and I’m better every day,” Riskey said. “I’m paving the way for females, helping to break down barriers, and I now am more confident than ever.” 

Wisconsin’s first human resources apprentice, Natalie Koller, works for the National Association of Tax Professionals in Appleton. 

“This program is my new starting point for achieving my career goals,” Koller said. “I have the mindset and determination to make the absolute most of this opportunity.”  

Wisconsin’s Registered Apprenticeship program, which started in 1911, includes 2,600 participating employers in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, childcare providers, health care systems and information technology. The state’s Youth Apprenticeship program reached 6,412 participants at 4,478 employers this year. 

Evers announced 14 new pathways in August for Youth Apprenticeship programs which tap into high school juniors and seniors returning in the fall. Additional apprenticeships included gas distribution technicians, heavy equipment operators, operating engineers and utilities-electrical technicians.