Workforce roundup: Contractors sign apprentices, start scholarships and launch summercamps

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Contractors and associations are pushing to get younger workers into construction as the industry seeks to fill in the gaps. Highlights this week include a scholarship program, trades signing days and an association recognizing a state senator for efforts to get more residents into the skilled trades. Here’s a roundup of the latest workforce development efforts.

Trades signing days

Waukesha-based Coello & Associates welcomed Jonathan Ray to its team after he completed the Youth Apprenticeship program under the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Ray is a 2024 graduate of St. Francis High School and is the first apprentice from the program to sign on full time with the company. Company officials said they hope to increase their participation with the program moving forward.

Miron Construction Co. on Tuesday, June 11, will host a signing day for four of its apprentices as they move on from youth apprentices to registered apprenticeships at its corporate office in Neenah. Each of the apprentices attended classes at different Fox Valley schools and worked on projects involving health care, education, communications and more.

“She Builds Wisconsin” will introduce girls to trades, architecture and engineering

The Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin in August will host “She Builds Wisconsin,” a construction camp for middle school-age girls to explore the construction trades, architecture and engineering through hands-on experiences and field trips. The free event will take place at the Commercial Avenue Education Center at Madison Area Technical College from Aug. 5-9.

ABC starts apprenticeship scholarship program, awards state senator

The Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin launched its Apprenticeship Scholarship program offering 10 scholarships worth $1,000 to apprentices enrolled in paid-relation instruction in one of the organization’s 12 trades programs. To enroll, the program requires a completed application form and two letters of recommendation. Applications are open until July 31, and winners will be announced mid-September.

ABC of Wisconsin’s Board of Directors in late May honored State Sen. Duey Stroebel with the “Champion of Merit” award. The senator was recognized for his efforts to get more Wisconsinites into high paying, skilled construction trades.

WTBA announces first winner after launching online safety course

The Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association announced West Allis high school senior Clara Haass as the first winner of its Work Zone Safe Wisconsin scholarship. The online course aims to teach student drivers about work zones and safety behind the wheel, crucial after nine road workers were killed in accidents in 2023. Haass will go on to study aerospace engineering and was one of nearly 200 people to take the online course.