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  2. News Room
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Tony Evers, Governor
Caleb Frostman, Secretary

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 6, 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 Tours Carpenters Union Training Center in Kaukauna, Discusses Budget

KAUKAUNA — Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary-designee Caleb Frostman today toured the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters training center in Kaukauna and observed dozens of union apprentices, met with union leadership and discussed Governor Tony Evers' 2019-2021 budget proposal.

"Wisconsin's construction sector is vital to our economy. With construction industry employment still not back to its pre-recession high, we must look at ways to increase interest in this key workforce sector," Secretary-designee Frostman said. "One way to do that is by eliminating the so-called "Right to Work" law and restoring prevailing wage for state and local projects. We shouldn't be attacking Wisconsin workers; we should be ensuring that their wages are commensurate with their work experience and skills."

The Carpenters Union operates four training centers in Wisconsin, providing Millwright, Carpentry, Floor Covering and Skill Advancement classes to their members. Funded solely through member contributions, these comprehensive training programs provide apprentices with the skills needed to succeed in today's modern construction sector, while also providing the opportunity for apprentices to earn college credit, work toward Journeyworker status and prepare for a future management role in the industry.

"We were honored to host Secretary-designee Frostman at our Kaukauna Training Center, said Andrew Disch, Political Director for the Carpenters Union in Wisconsin. "Governor Evers budget proposal will strengthen Wisconsin's middle class, particularly the men and women who work in construction."

The North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters represents nearly 26,000 union members and their families from 36 local unions in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

For more information the Regional Council of Carpenters, please visit https://northcountrycarpenter.org

For more information on DWD's Registered Apprenticeship program, visit the program's website.