Governor Tony Evers celebrated “National Apprenticeship Week” by announcing that Wisconsin’s Registered Apprenticeship Program has reached a record 17,089 enrolled apprentices, an all-time record. This surpasses record-high participation in both 2022 and 2023 and marks the third consecutive year that the Registered Apprenticeship Program has reached an all-time record in the program’s 112-year history.
“As we celebrate reaching record-high numbers of registered apprentices in Wisconsin, it’s clear that our continued commitment to investing in our state’s workforce, especially during the ‘Year of the Worker,’ is paying off. We’ve worked hard to expand apprenticeship pathways, reduce barriers to work, and bolster our workforce as we continue our efforts to ensure Wisconsin’s workforce and our economy are ready to meet the demands of the 21st Century. This record-breaking year is a testament to these important efforts and we are going to keep working to ensure we maintain our momentum,” said Gov. Evers.
Wisconsin Apprenticeship pairs structured, on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing apprentices to be paid to “earn as they learn.” Wisconsin has been a national leader in apprenticeship since 1911, when it became the first in the nation with a registered apprenticeship program, and is unique among the 50 states in requiring employers to pay their apprentices for both time worked and time spent in required classroom instruction. This recognizes the importance of a dual training system that combines skills obtained on the job site with technical knowledge in the classroom.
Wisconsin has more than 200 apprenticeship occupations with over 2,600 employers. While traditional construction trades apprenticeships continue to be strong, emerging employment sectors and occupations, including healthcare, are building the depth of offerings and growing apprenticeship opportunities.
In May, DWD also announced an all-time high of 9,932 youth apprentices enrolled during the 2023-24 school year, with a record 6,671 employers participating. Youth Apprenticeship, which started in 1991 also as the first program of its kind in the nation, is a strong connector to registered apprenticeship programs.