Wisconsin registered apprenticeship hit another record

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In his final state address, Gov. Tony Evers announced Wisconsin hit record apprenticeship numbers for the fourth year in a row.

In 2025, the state counted 18,524 apprentices and 3,095 employers, a record in participation in the registered apprenticeship program, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development reported.

Evers on Tuesday highlighted apprenticeship, transportation funding and other issues important to construction in his State of the State address. Evers won’t run for reelection in 2026.

Last year, Wisconsin launched five new apprenticeship programs to train people for careers such as bus and motor coach mechanics and operators, dental assistants, paramedics and surgical technologists, DWD officials said.

“We’re proud to see the continued growth of Wisconsin apprenticeship, a proven solution that supports local talent to address the state’s worker quantity challenge,” said Amy Pechacek, the state workforce secretary. “More and more, Wisconsin employers recognize that apprenticeship programs, which provide dual classroom and applied instruction, meet their growing employment needs and are a key part of the economy of the future.”

The state’s apprenticeship program goes back to 1911 and addresses both the state’s workforce challenges, provides an attractive option for workers breaking into in-demand careers and connects employers seeking highly skilled talent, DWD officials said.

The earn-as-you-learn registered apprenticeship model was the first in the nation that pays for participants’ time spent learning on the job and in the classroom, officials added.

“Important partnerships across the state are essential to the ongoing success of Wisconsin apprenticeship,” said David Polk, director of the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards at DWD. “Through the engagement of our Wisconsin Apprenticeship Advisory Council and employer, education and training partners, our apprenticeship programs continue to fuel economic momentum with a model that meets industry demands while creating opportunities for new participants and new industries.”

Wisconsin has more than 200 apprenticeship occupations, DWD officials said.

In the 2024-2025 school year, youth apprenticeship reached a record-high enrollment of 11,344 high school juniors and seniors. This was a 14% increase from the previous year, officials noted.

More than 99% of Wisconsin public school districts with a high school offer youth apprenticeship, officials said. The program partnered with a record 7,447 employers last year.