Apprenticeship growth is good news for Wisconsin

A record number of new apprenticeship is a good news for the skilled trades and good news for Wisconsin’s future.

For decades, the number of people entering the skilled trades has languished as young people were pushed toward colleges and universities to pursue academicoriented careers and professions. In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on the skilled trades. At the same time, groups and business organizations have made entry into these trades easier through expanded apprenticeship opportunities.

This week, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin celebrated a new record of having more than 2,475 apprentices currently enrolled into the association’s apprenticeship program. Of those, 600 apprentices are beginning their first year. This number is up by nearly 100 from the year before, and reflects a greater interest in the skilled trades.

'We celebrate the growing interest we see in skilled trades. Apprentices entering our program are employed by our members, and receive a salary that grows with their experience,” said John Mielke, ABC President. “A career in construction is a path to success. There is great demand for skilled workers and these jobs mean a family sustaining wage.”

This year’s enrollment is not just larger than previous years, it’s also younger. The average age of an apprentice has moved from 28 to 25, with many beginning at 18.

The ABC of Wisconsin Apprenticeship program is the largest apprenticeship program in the state. Training includes classroom instruction, on the job training, and guaranteed experience with each specific skill required to master a trade. Apprentices choose between 12 distinct trades, and graduate within 3-5 years, depending on the trade selected and the hours worked.

Apprenticeship programs are an old fashioned solution to the modern problem of ensuring that enough young people are entering the skilled trades to replace those who will be retiring. The type of hands-on, real world learning in apprenticeship programs is invaluable, especially for those who may not excel in a classroom settings.

There are many pathways to a rewarding career and the growth of those seeking apprenticeships for career readiness programs should be celebrated with more done to encourage people to join skilled trades.

Growth in apprenticeship programs for the skilled trades is good for Wisconsin’s communities and small businesses, providing new generations with the skills needed for today and the future.