The Department of Workforce Development has been awarded $1.01 million to expand Wisconsin Apprenticeship. Wisconsin was one of 46 states to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Labor’s $39 million investment in apprenticeship programs.
The funding will increase the DWD’s ability to expand Wisconsin’s registered apprenticeship and certified pre-apprenticeship programs and enhance the state’s connection to the national apprenticeship system.
Registered apprenticeship is an earn-while-you-learn model that connects apprentices to high-skill, high-wage employment. The program also delivers return-on-investment to participating employers by providing a more skilled workforce and a competitive advantage. Job seekers gain access to hands-on training, mentorship, and a career. In 2023, Wisconsin’s Registered Apprenticeship program achieved record-breaking participation with nearly 17,000 apprentices.
Certified pre-apprenticeship helps participants gain necessary skills and education before starting a registered apprenticeship. The Wisconsin Apprenticeship Advisory Council approves all certified pre-apprenticeship programs to ensure that the program meets the needs of employers using the apprenticeship model to train employees.
With the $1.01 million in federal grant funds, Wisconsin Apprenticeship will:
- Conduct outreach to increase awareness of apprenticeship opportunities;
- Create new opportunities for emerging-sector employers to participate in apprenticeship;
- Increase apprenticeship partnerships with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections;
- Improve systems through technology updates;
- Enhance sponsors’ ability to use technology to track their apprentices’ progress; and
- Boost the connection between certified pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs.
