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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/news/
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WIWorkforce
On Twitter: @WIWorkforce

Secretary-Designee Frostman Meets with Iron Workers Local 383, Discusses Apprenticeship, Tours Training Center

MADISON — Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary-designee Caleb Frostman today toured the Iron Workers Local 383 Training Center in Madison. Throughout the tour, Secretary-designee Frostman met with dozens of apprenticeship trainees and discussed the state's Registered Apprenticeship program and Governor Evers' 2019-2021 budget proposal. Representatives from Local 383 shared their thoughts on Governor Evers' budget, the Unemployment Insurance program and the state's role in apprenticeship.

"The skilled trades provide family supporting wages, benefits and a clearly defined career path leading to even higher wages," Secretary-designee Frostman said. "Workers in the skilled trades, like those I met with today, are committed to their work and committed to the great state of Wisconsin," I would like to thank Tim, Pete and the rest of Local 383 for allowing us to tour their great facility and meet with some outstanding apprentices."

Chartered in 1923, Iron Workers Local 383 of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers represents over 500 members in 29 counties in the State of Wisconsin and includes Journeypersons, Apprentices, Probationary, Honorary and Lifetime members. The Madison Training Center is located on the Northeast side of Madison. The work of an Iron Worker includes the erection of structural steel, placement of reinforcing bars in concrete construction, machinery moving, rigging and erection of equipment, installation of fabricated building components, welding fabrication and more.

"Iron Workers Local 383 looks forward to working with new DWD Secretary Caleb Frostman in advancing Apprenticeship, Diversity and Workforce Development within the construction industry in Wisconsin," said Tim DeMinter, Business Manager and Financial Secretary-Treasurer for Local 383.

In 1911, Wisconsin was the first state to create a Registered Apprenticeship program. In its first year, Wisconsin had 625 active registered apprentices. More than 100 years later, Wisconsin has more than 12,000 active registered apprentices.

Secretary-designee Frostman was joined on the tour by Senator Mark Miller of Monona and Representative Melissa Sargent of Madison.

For more information on Iron Workers Local 383, please visit https://www.iron383.com/.

For more information on DWD's Registered Apprenticeship program, please visit https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/