DWD Awarded $806,379 to Expand Apprenticeship Opportunities
Funds will bolster the state's Registered Apprenticeship and Certified Pre-Apprenticeship programs
MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) was recently awarded $806,379 to expand Wisconsin Apprenticeship. Wisconsin was one of 45 states to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Labor’s $65 million investment in apprenticeship programs.
“Wisconsin was first in the nation to offer a registered apprenticeship program in 1911, and the program continues to be a proven workforce solution that benefits both employers and apprentices,” DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek said. “This grant will bolster the program’s historic growth and help expand pathways to careers with family-sustaining wages.”
Registered Apprenticeship is an earn-while-you-learn model connecting apprentices with high-skill/high-wage employment with sponsors. Participating employers benefit from a more loyal and skilled workforce, a return on investment, and a competitive advantage. Similarly, the earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship model gives job seekers access to hands-on training, mentorship, and a career. In 2022, registered apprenticeship achieved record-breaking participation with more than 15,900 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 Registered Apprenticeship to train employees.
The $806,379 in federal grant funds will allow Wisconsin Apprenticeship to:
- 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 track their apprentices’ progress using technology.
- Boost the connection between Certified Pre-Apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs.
Learn more about Wisconsin Apprenticeship.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.