Wisconsin Celebrates 14% Growth in Youth Apprenticeships

A coalition of plumbing, mechanical, and sheet metal contractors celebrated 12 high school students signing youth apprenticeships in Milwaukee, marking a significant milestone in the state's efforts to grow the skilled trades workforce. The celebration, hosted by the Plumbing, Mechanical and Sheet Metal Contractors Alliance at the Milwaukee Tool headquarters, highlighted the importance of apprenticeships in preparing students for in-demand careers. Wisconsin recently saw a 14% increase in youth apprenticeships, with 11,344 students enrolled in the 2024-2025 school year, with 1,409 in the architecture and construction fields.

Key Takeaways:

12 high school students signed youth apprenticeships in Milwaukee, marking a celebration of the state's efforts to grow the skilled trades workforce.
The Plumbing, Mechanical and Sheet Metal Contractors Alliance hosted the celebration at the Milwaukee Tool headquarters.
Wisconsin saw a 14% growth in youth apprenticeships in 2024-2025, with 11,344 students enrolled across all job sectors.
1,409 of the apprentices were in the architecture and construction fields.
Students heard from state officials, educators, and former youth and registered apprentices, including Kyle Higgins, who now works for Mared Mechanical with Steamfitters Local 601.
Jared Emons of Total Mechanical reminded students that there will be hard days on the job but emphasized the opportunity they had.

Statistics:

11,344 youth apprentices across all job sectors were enrolled in Wisconsin during the 2024-2025 school year, a 14% increase from last year.
1,409 apprentices were in the architecture and construction fields.
12 high school students signed youth apprenticeships in Milwaukee.
The celebration was hosted by the Plumbing, Mechanical and Sheet Metal Contractors Alliance at the Milwaukee Tool headquarters.

Sources:

State data on youth apprenticeships in Wisconsin