Wisconsin's Youth Apprenticeship Program Empowers Young Professionals

Strategic Insights -

Sarah Klein, a Milwaukee teenager, never thought she would be working at Harley-Davidson, one of Wisconsin's most iconic companies, but through the Department of Workforce Development's (DWD) Youth Apprenticeship program, she gained cutting-edge job skills that will take her far beyond high school. The program, which started 30 years ago, is a work-based learning program for high school juniors and seniors. It allows students to earn while they learn, gain practical experience, and develop valuable skills in various trades. Under the DWD youth apprenticeship to registered apprenticeship Bridge Program, Sarah smoothly transitioned into her rank of registered apprentice at Harley-Davidson after completing her youth apprenticeship program and graduating from high school. She is now one step closer to fulfilling her professional goal to become an industrial electrician.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DWD's Youth Apprenticeship program provides a work-based learning experience for high school juniors and seniors, allowing them to earn while they learn and gain practical experience in various trades.
  • The program started 30 years ago and has been bridged with the 150-year-old Register Apprenticeship program to create a solid talent pipeline to tie school room to work room.
  • The program allows students to transition into registered apprenticeships, such as Sarah Klein's transition into a registered apprentice at Harley-Davidson.
  • The program is expanding with the introduction of new youth apprenticeship pathways in the arts, audio/visual technology, communications, agriculture, food, and natural resources areas.
  • DWD is refining its five fundamental pathways for construction, including carpentry, electrical, masonry/concrete, mechanical/HVAC, and plumbing/sprinkler fitting.
  • The agency awarded over $840,000 in tech ed equipment grants through its Wisconsin Fast Forward program last year to support students with vocational training and technical education in advanced manufacturing.

Statistics:

  • There are over 67,000 registered apprentices in Wisconsin, with the majority in the construction trade. (Source: [1] Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, 2020)
  • The Wisconsin Fast Forward program provided $840,000 in tech ed equipment grants to 69 school districts across the state last year. (Source: [2] Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, 2020)
  • The DWD's Youth Apprenticeship program has been operational for 30 years, providing a unique blend of work-based learning and academic education.
  • Sarah Klein completed 8,320 hours of training (approximately 4 years) under the DWD youth apprenticeship to registered apprenticeship Bridge Program.
  • Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers provided an additional $250,000 in each year to expand youth apprenticeship opportunities in his Biennial Budget.

Sources:

  • [1] Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. (2020). Registered Apprenticeship Program.
  • [2] Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. (2020). Wisconsin Fast Forward Program.