Wisconsin adds fire protection, project management to youth apprenticeship paths

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There will be four new youth apprenticeships in the state’s workforce toolbelt, including two new early career paths related to the construction industry.

The Department of Workforce Development on Tuesday announced it added fire protection, project management, law enforcement and barbering/cosmetology to its youth apprenticeship program.

Gov. Tony Evers said the addition was building on previous efforts to bolster the state’s workforce. Currently there are 83 occupational pathways in 16 program areas.

“These four new pathways build upon our work—we’re keeping more of our homegrown talent here in our state while providing an opportunity for young people to earn-while-they-learn, helping employers to fill critical staffing needs, and ensuring our economy to continue to grow and thrive in the 21st Century,” Evers said in a statement.

The state 2023-25 budget included $7 million for the youth apprenticeship program, governor’s officials said. The program broke records this school year with 9,932 youth apprentices enrolled and 6,671 employers participating. Students from more than 95% of eligible public school districts and 46 private or charter schools are enrolled in the youth apprentice program, officials added.

Youth apprenticeships last up to two years as an “earn-while-you-learn” program for high school juniors and seniors. Officials said Wisconsin was the first state to offer a youth apprenticeship program in 1991.

“Building a strong workforce that can meet the needs of the 21st Century starts with making sure students have access to a wide range of career advancement options,” DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said in a statement.

“These four additional pathways help fill critical employer needs and allow students to earn as they acquire necessary training. DWD will continue seeking ways to strengthen connections among employers, educators, students, and communities while offering new opportunities to our young people to build their futures,” she added.