Apprenticeship Booklet

Apprenticeship Booklet

Detailed information on Wisconsin's Apprenticeship system

Employer Toolkit Booklet

Employer Toolkit (booklet)

A Guide for Wisconsin Employers

Wisconsin Apprenticeship System Since 1911
Apprenticeship Logo

Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards


What is Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is a structured system of training designed to prepare individuals for skilled occupations. It combines on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced journey workers with related classroom instruction. Apprentices who successfully complete the prescribed number of hours of training in an apprenticeship program become certified skilled workers.

A written agreement between the apprentice and the apprenticeship program is registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, Department of Workforce Development.

Types of Apprenticeships

Which jobs train using apprenticeship? Explore by selecting a trade area:

Benefits for the Apprentice

Apprenticeship offers several unique benefits: You "earn while you learn" - you can make a living wage with health insurance, retirement and other benefits while learning skills in a trade. As your skill level increases by learning the trade both in the classroom and on the job site, your wages also increase progressively. After completion of an apprenticeship program, your journey-level status is recognized nationally.

Journeyworker

Apprenticeship is a rewarding but demanding choice that requires determination, commitment and a good attitude to succeed, but for those who meet the challenges of apprenticeship, the rewards are substantial. A journeyworker typically receives an excellent wage and benefit package anywhere in the United States. He or she is a highly trained and skilled worker whose qualifications are recognized and respected throughout the industry. Apprenticeship is one of the best ways to acquire work experience and training to establish yourself in a career in the skilled trades.

Benefits for the Employer

The apprenticeship system offers not just a job, but a career. It attracts better applicants and improves employer-employee relationships. During the period of training, employers can instill values such as company loyalty, good work practices, and positive work attitudes. In addition, it ensures training standards of the trade are met while improving training standards in the industry.

When the training is completed and apprentices become fully qualified journey-level employees, they have little trouble fitting into the company because they already have a good grasp of the company's values and work requirements. With the promise of a future, apprentices become valuable, committed employees capable of advancing to more responsible positions within the company.

Special Benefits for Veterans

This year, nearly $2.5M in Veteran's Benefits has been paid to qualified registered apprentices. Registered apprenticeships constitute qualified training for a veteran to receive benefits under Chapter 30, Montgomery GI Bill and Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation (Voc-Rehab). Depending on your branch of service, your survivors may be eligible under Chapter 35, Survivors or Dependents programs. Check with OPI for specifics on these programs. All of these programs pay a monthly stipend directly to the eligible beneficiary.

View more information about V A Education Benefits for Registered Apprenticeship or find a contact person who can help you understand the V A Benefits you may qualify for!

United Association Veterans in Piping - Careers, Veterans
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR VETERANS!

Did you know that the Veterans in Piping program offers a free 20 week training program to OIF/OEF Veterans? Successful graduates receive welding and rigging certifications and qualify as a 2nd year apprentice as a pipefitter. Classes occur on a regularly scheduled basis.

Successful completion of a registered apprenticeship program in the pipe trades can translate into journeyworker status and a great wage + benefits that averages more than $50 per hour.

Interested in the Veterans in Piping program?

Check out these program materials: