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AN EMPLOYER'S INTRODUCTION TO REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP

Apprenticeship is a post-secondary education, like a college or university. But there's a big difference. Apprentices learn only a portion of their skills in a traditional classroom. They receive most of their training on-the-job, while working for an employer who pays a good wage. The employment is the primary requirement for an apprenticeship - a job must exist in order for the apprentice to be trained. The classroom instruction is usually provided through the Wisconsin Technical College system.

The Employer Benefits of Registered Apprenticeship

Attract Better Applicants

More Loyal Employees

Benefit From Skilled Workers

Increase Safety

Become More Competitive

Instill Your Company's Values

Gain a More Knowledgeable Workforce

Replenish Your Skilled Workforce

Increase Productivity

Earn a Return On Your Investment

How Do I Get Started With Apprenticeship?

  1. Contact Your Apprenticeship Training Representative (ATR)

    Wisconsin has Apprenticeship Training Representatives (ATRs) throughout the state ready to help you identify the apprenticeship model that best suits your company. When you call or e-mail your ATR, you'll get intensive, one-on-one technical assistance and on-site guidance to get your program up and running. Contact your ATR to learn more about how apprenticeship can help.

  2. Develop Your Apprenticeship

    Based on your business and training needs, your ATR will show you how apprenticeship can meet those needs. Your ATR will identify existing programs that can serve as a guide or can help you set up a program for a new occupation. Guidance is provided during every step of setting up your program. That means your program administration and related documents will adhere to state requirements while ensuring that your workforce training keeps pace with industry standards. Once developed, your program structure is your blueprint to ensure high-quality on-the-job learning and cutting-edge theoretical instruction for your skilled workforce. Your ATR will work with you to develop your program and will be right there to help troubleshoot any issues that may come up.

    Apprenticeship training is in constant evolution. Industry stakeholders from all over Wisconsin work together to keep apprentice training current and future-focused. Check out the next few tabs to learn more about the different apprenticeship occupations.

  3. Become Approved to Train Apprentices

    Wisconsin's Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (BAS) is the registration agency for apprenticeship. When you are approved to sponsor apprentices, you join more than 2,000 Wisconsin employers who have chosen to train their skilled workforce using apprenticeship.

    The primary responsibility of an approved sponsor is to provide the on-the-job training to the apprentice under the supervision of skilled workers. The sponsor pays the apprentice for work performed and for the hours of related instruction specified in the program. The apprentice works at a reduced wage while learning the trade - wages increase as more skill is attained.

    Once approved as a sponsor, you and your apprentices enter into a written agreement that specifies the length of training, related school requirements, an outline of the skills to be learned, and the wages the apprentice will receive. Start building your program today by filling out a no-obligation application or contact your ATR to learn more. Download the no-obligation application.

  4. Grow Your Skilled Workforce Through Apprenticeship

    Once your apprenticeship program is established, you'll have access to tools and resources designed to help you maintain your program. Your ATR will help you analyze and evaluate the training to determine what is working well or what could be more effective. You'll have access to industry experience and expertise. You'll capture the skills and knowledge of your existing skilled workforce and pass it on to your newer employees.

I'm Ready to Begin With Registered Apprenticeship!