Wisconsin DSPS Announces Launch of Unique Apprenticeship Program
Madison – The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) joined Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today in announcing a new apprenticeship program for building inspectors.
The Commercial Building Inspector Registered Apprenticeship program is the first of its kind in Wisconsin. The one-year apprenticeship will be offered starting in the fall of 2026 and will consist of 288 hours of instruction and 2,288 hours of on-the-job training.
“I want to thank MATC and DWD for their collaboration and work to design and develop this registered apprenticeship,” said DSPS Secretary Dan Hereth. “As the regulatory agency responsible for adherence to state commercial building code standards, DSPS understands the safety benefit of having more qualified building inspectors in communities across Wisconsin. In addition, as an employer of commercial building inspectors, we are excited about what this program can do to bolster the workforce in this field.”
In a news release from MATC, Dr. Doni Bartley, associate dean of the Manufacturing, Construction and Transportation Academic and Career Pathway and apprenticeships, noted the urgent need for qualified building inspectors to alleviate a shortage brought on by a lack of skilled workers to take the place of those retiring.
“This program will train the next generation of Wisconsin building inspectors,” Dr. Bartley added.
About 14,800 openings for construction and building inspectors were projected each year, on average, from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. All those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
“Construction projects continue to grow throughout Wisconsin, and with it, the need for talented professionals who can meet the challenges of ensuring modern building projects are built thoroughly and up to particular build standards that align with safety,” said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. “As Wisconsin continues to see record numbers of registered apprentices in the traditional trades and emerging employment sectors, it’s clear that apprenticeship is an attractive option for our partners at DSPS and local municipalities.”
The education component of this apprenticeship program will be delivered virtually to make it available statewide. Apprentices in the new program will take courses in electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, construction, and commercial building, preparing them to attain both residential and commercial building inspection licenses. They will also be required to complete a Transition to Trainer course, which prepares the soon-to-be journeyworkers to teach the next generation of apprentices.
DSPS plans to make an announcement in June about the recruitment of the apprentices.
About DSPS
DSPS issues more than 240 unique licenses, administers dozens of boards and councils that regulate professions, enforces state building codes, and maintains the Wisconsin Enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which is a key tool in the multi-faceted public health campaign to stem excessive opioid prescribing. A fee-based agency, DSPS is self-sustaining and receives no general fund tax dollars for its day-to-day operations. With two offices and roughly 250 employees, DSPS collaborates with constituents and stakeholders across a wide range of industries to promote safety and advance the economy.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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