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Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, 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
July 30, 2024
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

DWD Awarded More than $1 Million to Expand Apprenticeship

Wisconsin's Registered Apprenticeship and Certified Pre-Apprenticeship Programs Get Boost from Funding

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has been awarded $1,013,753 to expand Wisconsin Apprenticeship. Wisconsin was one of 46 states to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Labor's $39 million investment in apprenticeship programs.

"Thank you to U.S. Department of Labor Acting Secretary Julie Su and the Biden-Harris administration for supporting apprenticeship programs to expand opportunities, strengthen our workforce and position our economy to succeed," DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said. "Wisconsin was the first state in the nation to offer a registered apprenticeship, and we continue to lead the way with a record-breaking model that benefits employers and apprentices alike."

The award is part of the U.S. Department of Labor's State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula funding created under President Biden's Investing in America agenda. The funding will increase the DWD's ability to expand Wisconsin's Registered Apprenticeship and Certified Pre-Apprenticeship programs and enhance the state's connection to the national apprenticeship system.

Registered Apprenticeship is an earn-while-you-learn model that connects apprentices to high-skill, high-wage employment. The program also delivers return-on-investment to participating employers by providing a more loyal and skilled workforce and a competitive advantage. Job seekers gain access to hands-on training, mentorship, and a career. In 2023, Wisconsin's Registered Apprenticeship program achieved record-breaking participation with nearly 17,000 apprentices.

Certified Pre-Apprenticeship helps participants gain necessary skills and education before starting a registered apprenticeship. The Wisconsin Apprenticeship Advisory Council approves all certified pre-apprenticeship programs to ensure that the program meets the needs of employers using the apprenticeship model to train employees.

With the $1,013,753 in federal grant funds, Wisconsin Apprenticeship will:

Conduct outreach to increase awareness of apprenticeship opportunities.
Create new opportunities for emerging-sector employers to participate in apprenticeship.
Increase apprenticeship partnerships with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
Improve systems through technology updates.
Enhance sponsors' ability to use technology to track their apprentices' progress.
Boost the connection between Certified Pre-Apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs.

Learn more about Wisconsin Apprenticeship.

ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation, and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.