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Madison -- Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman today announced the department’s Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards was awarded a $220,000 grant by the Federal Department of Labor to expand the National Registered Apprenticeship Program into non-traditional fields.
Wisconsin is one of six (6) states selected for a consortium that will expand apprenticeship training opportunities in the Aerospace, Energy, Health Services, Information Technology, Protective Services/Security and Social Services industries. Other selected states are: Kansas, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, North Carolina and Washington.
Wisconsin is beginning development of apprenticeship programs for occupations in health care and social services, both of which have documented worker shortages, increased projected needs and/or high turnover rates.
"We are very excited to have been selected for expansion of the apprenticeship program," said Secretary Gassman. "Wisconsin is experiencing severe shortages in health care and social services, so this is a great opportunity to increase our capacity to meet employers needs."
Health care occupations under apprenticeship development include Surgical Technologist, Medical Coder/Biller, Mammography, Ultra Sound, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Individuals to assist with the survey validation effort are being sought for each of these health care areas. Individuals must be experienced professionals currently working in the field who have minimal teaching and managerial experience. If you or your affiliate employer is interested in being a part of the Survey Validation Team or would like more information on the expansion of apprenticeship in health care effort contact Anna Kopp at (608) 261-8487.
Social service occupations utilizing apprenticeship expansion efforts are Financial and Employment Planners (FEPs) in cooperation with the W-2 Agencies and the Bureau of Partner Services and Probation and Parole Agents in a collaborative effort with the Department of Corrections.
Apprenticeship is a long term training program (1-5 years) that integrates work-based learning and related instruction. Apprentices learn the required skills and competencies while working full time in their chosen occupation and acquire related instruction through courses set specifically for their field. Apprenticeship also allows for skill and wage progression as the individual gains experience and meets the competencies of the training.
Wisconsin approved the first regulated apprenticeship program in 1911 and has partnered with industry, labor, government and education since. In the past, traditional apprenticeship programs focused on manufacturing and construction. Today, service occupations such as Barber/Cosmetology, Child Care Development Specialist and Correctional Officer Apprenticeship programs have become an increasingly popular method of work based learning.
For more information on apprenticeship training opportunities, contact Wisconsin’s Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards web site at http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dws/appr/ or call (608) 266-3332.
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