(The Center Square) – Wisconsin’s steady increase of apprenticeships in the state over the past 10-plus years has grown to 77% higher than 2013, according to a new report.
The total comes as many industries are seeing labor shortages and those are expected to expand in coming years as the state’s population shrinks.
Wisconsin had 17,509 individuals in the Registered Apprenticeship Program in 2024, up from 9,872 in 2013, according to a report from Wisconsin Policy Forum.
The apprenticeships are available in 200 occupations and that number continues to expand due to industry demands.
“While apprenticeships are considered entry-level jobs, hiring an apprentice requires a significant investment by an employer, so workers typically need some related knowledge and experience to secure a position,” the report said. “Often this means working directly for the employer as a general laborer for some time before being brought on as an apprentice.”
Wisconsin ranks 11th nationally in apprentices per capita with 2.4 apprentices per 1,000 residents. That ranked ahead of neighboring Illinois (1.7), Minnesota (2.0) and Michigan (2.1) but was behind Iowa (3.0), Indiana (3.7) and Hawaii (4.2).
Wisconsin is one of 47 states with a teacher apprenticeship program, but its size doesn’t compare with other states, something that the Institute for Reforming Government is pushing to change.
Wisconsin offers three types of apprenticeships with workers applying directly with an employer who is the sole sponsor, workings being placed through a union construction job or non-union employers hiring an apprentice who then works through the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin.
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The report highlights that the state’s Youth Apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs are at record levels but the two programs are not strongly connected.
“Most registered apprentices in Wisconsin work in construction and manufacturing, while most youth apprentices work in other industries,” the report said. “Workforce development leaders could consider whether there may be opportunities to strengthen links where occupational pathways already overlap between the two programs.”