State, mechanical contractors celebrate youth apprenticeship signing in Milwaukee

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A coalition of plumbing, mechanical and sheet metal contractors celebrated 12 high school students signing for their youth apprenticeships in Milwaukee.

The Plumbing, Mechanical and Sheet Metal Contractors Alliance on Thursday put the spotlight on youth apprentices, high school juniors and seniors who signed to work with related contractors for job and classroom skills, who signed on for the first time, graduated from their apprenticeship or both. The celebration was held at the Milwaukee Tool headquarters downtown.

Students from schools in cities such as Wauwatosa, Milwaukee, New Berlin and Mukwonago signed their forms with seven area contractors in the mechanical and fabrication sectors.

Signing contractors were Grunau Company, AGI Fabricators, Bredan Mechanical, J.M. Brennan, Lee Mechanical, Mared Mechanical and Total Mechanical.

Amy Pechacek, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, and David Polk, director of the DWD’s bureau of apprenticeship standards, were among speakers who delivered remarks to signing youth apprentices that afternoon.

“Choosing a career in the skilled trades is not just about building structures, it’s truly about building communities, building economies and building futures,” Pechacek said. “Your work as plumbers, sheet metal workers and steamfitters, you’re going to help build schools, hospitals and businesses where lives unfold,” she added.

Wisconsin recently hit a milestone for youth apprenticeships, with 11,344 youth apprentices across all job sectors enrolled during the 2024-2025 school year, state data showed. This was a 14% increase from last year. Of those apprentices, roughly 1,409 of those students are in the architecture and construction fields.

Not only did students hear from the state and educators, but from other former youth and registered apprentices as well. That included Kyle Higgins, who went to Wauwatosa East High School and now works for Mared Mechanical with Steamfitters Local 601.

Jared Emons of Total Mechanical told students that there will be hard days on the job but reminded them of the opportunity they had. “This apprenticeship is totally rewarding… Do not screw this up. You guys have the golden ticket,” he added.