Wisconsin Apprenticeships Reach Highest Level Since 2001: As the companies adjusts to shortages, they are turning to high school student as apprentices in record levels, according to a news release from the State of Wisconsin.
Governor Tony Evers says the number of students serving as apprentices surpassed 15,000 students in 2022 with equates to 6,412 students working at nearly 4500 businesses – the highest participation rate in decades.
“We’re working to build a Wisconsin that works for everyone,” said Gov Evers. “With more than 200 registered apprenticeship pathways, including opportunities in everything from healthcare to IT and finance to construction, apprenticeship is connecting more Wisconsinites with more opportunities in industries across the state.”
CESA4 is the local resource for helping businesses connect with students and offer quality opportunities for students to earn high school credits while turning what they learn in school into real-world experience.
By the Numbers
15,000+
student apprentices in 2022
6,412
current students
4,478
current employers with apprentices
14
New Apprenticeship Offerings
200+
Apprenticeship
“The power of apprenticeship makes our economy, our communities, and our families stronger—one skilled worker at a time,” said DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek. “Our focus on apprenticeship is part of our larger strategy to leverage our homegrown workforce, tap underutilized talent, and connect employers with the skilled workforce they need to thrive.”
Wisconsin’s Registered Apprenticeship program began in 1911 and has served as a national model for its innovation. More than 2,600 employers are using the program from manufacturers, construction businesses, agricultural and food producers, and more recently, childcare providers, healthcare systems, and information technology (IT) services.
In August, Gov. Evers announced 14 new Youth Apprenticeship pathways for high school juniors and seniors heading back to school this fall. They include agriculture, natural resources, health science, manufacturing, aviation maintenance, and more.
The milestone numbers reflect a path built on trust among employers, labor unions, technical colleges and individuals committed to mastering in-demand skills.
