2. News Room

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, November 9, 2020
CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/news/
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Gov. Evers Declares Week of November 8, 2020 as Wisconsin Apprenticeship Week

MADISON – Governor Tony Evers has proclaimed the week of November 8, 2020 (Nov. 8 – Nov. 14, 2020) as Apprenticeship Week in Wisconsin, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Labor’s 6th annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW).

Wisconsin was a pioneer in establishing the nation's first apprenticeship law in 1911 and served as a model for developing federal apprenticeship legislation. Wisconsin's Registered Apprenticeship stewards have served as workforce development policy drivers and technical experts for more than 100 years, helping build and improve apprenticeship training at both the state and national level.

"Wisconsin Apprenticeship is a time-tested workforce solution that benefits both employers and apprentices," Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Deputy Secretary Rob Cherry said. "Wisconsin offers Youth, Pre-Apprenticeship, and Registered Apprenticeship programs that work together to offer pathways into family-sustaining careers."

Wisconsin's nationally recognized Registered Apprenticeship program provides a value-added training model for as many as 14,000 apprentices and 3,000 employers in over 200 occupations across the state annually. In addition, Wisconsin's Youth Apprenticeship program saw a record number of youth apprentices, topping 6,000 and more than 4,000 employers. Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week gives Wisconsin an opportunity to showcase program benefits, including enabling employers to build a customized skills training system while helping workers earn good-paying, family-supporting wages as they learn a high demand trade.

"Every year we are proud to acknowledge the state's Registered and Youth Apprenticeship programs, honoring apprentices, employers and stakeholders that through their collaboration, create a stronger, smarter and more skilled workforce of Wisconsin. From the Medical Assistant apprentices on the frontline battling COVID-19 to the essential construction workers building the state's bridges, buildings and infrastructure, this week we celebrate apprenticeship", Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (BAS) Director Joshua Johnson said.

The Department of Workforce Development's (DWD) BAS will coordinate virtual events and other activities throughout the week to encourage apprenticeship training and celebrate its positive impact on Wisconsin’s economy.

Wisconsin Apprenticeship Week will highlight apprenticeships in industries such as technology, healthcare, financial services, agriculture, and manufacturing. Additionally, specific employers offering apprenticeships will be featured throughout the week and will include virtual tours of construction training centers, virtual information sessions for youth, a discussion on registered apprenticeship, and a discussion at the Toward One Wisconsin Conference.

Among the organizations participating in Wisconsin Apprenticeship Week are Carpenters Training Institute, Wisconsin Technical College System, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Association, and WRTP/Big Step.

Businesses interested in joining NAW can contact Wisconsin Apprenticeship bas@dwd.wisconsin.gov. More information on Wisconsin Apprenticeship Week events and stakeholders can be found on DWD’s Facebook page.

Individuals and employers interested in learning more about apprenticeship may visit the DWD Apprenticeship Site.

Gov. Evers' proclamation