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Sp r i n g 202 3 • forwardHR | 7 WORKFORCE READINESS Learning the ropes Wisconsin's focus on modernizing apprenticeships improves participation, workforce development By Sara Mackey, Marketing Communications Specialist, Wisconsin Technical College System Statewide Marketing Consortium W isconsin boasts the first registered apprenticeship program in the United States, dating back to what we know today as the Wisconsin Technical College System, established in 1911. e apprenticeships of today remain a national model for innovation, bolstered by recent efforts to modernize apprenticeships and their reach. e fields offering apprenticeships include not just the trades, but also manufacturers, construction businesses, food producers and agriculture, cosmetology, culinary arts, child care, health care and information technology. ese fields all require specific, well- developed skills, and now employers can use the model to ensure employees learn the latest techniques and skills in a variety of solid careers important to Wisconsin's changing economy. Wisconsin Technical College System provides the training while Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) administers the registered apprenticeship program, overseeing training standards and making sure important requirements are met. DWD also coordinates efforts with school districts and chambers of commerce. Employer-sponsors rely on this model to provide future employees on-the- job training opportunities, strong wages and fulfilling careers. Employers benefit from having highly skilled and engaged employees who are more likely to remain on staff, establish tenure and grow with the company. is past October, Governor Tony Evers announced that Wisconsin surpassed 15,000 registered apprentices, which is the highest number in two decades. In addition, Wisconsin's Youth Apprenticeship Program (offered to high school students) recorded a high of nearly 6,500 participants serving apprenticeships at over 4,000 employers. ree years ago, the state started modernizing the Youth Apprenticeship Program framework and curriculum with help from employers, the technical colleges, industry associations and other stakeholders. is created more Youth Apprenticeship pathways developed across a wide variety of industries and careers. Some of the newer careers that complement or expand upon existing apprenticeships include: • Arborist (planting and maintaining trees) • Dairy grazier (maintaining pastures and livestock for high quality milk production) • Gas distribution and utilities technicians • Operating engineers • Media broadcast technicians • Phlebotomists (drawing blood for medical testing) • Resident caregivers • Broadband technicians • Mechatronics/electro-mechanical technicians • Airport operations, aviation maintenance, airframe and powerplant technicians (aviation) and more. In 2022, Wisconsin had its first apprentice in human resources, sponsored by the National Association of Tax Professionals in Appleton. More than 76% of Wisconsin Public School Districts had students enrolled in Youth Apprenticeships in the 2021-22 school year. DWD produces guides for sponsors wanting to develop youth apprenticeships in new career fields. Employers looking to add or diversify apprenticeships should contact DWD for assistance at dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/ facts-data.htm. For the complete list of program of ferings through the Wisconsin Technical College System, median salary data for various careers and much more visit: wtcsystem.edu/apprenticeships. ■ Sara Mackey is Marketing Communications Specialist with the Wisconsin Technical College System Statewide Marketing Consortium