Wisconsin’s Registered Apprenticeship Program has set a record-high enrollment for the third consecutive year, with 17,089 apprentices participating in 2023, as announced during National Apprenticeship Week in November. Governor Tony Evers attributed this milestone to ongoing efforts to expand apprenticeship pathways and reduce barriers to work. The century-old program, the first of its kind in the United States, combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction, requiring employers to pay apprentices during both phases.
With over 200 occupations and partnerships with more than 2,600 employers, the program now includes fields beyond traditional trades, such as healthcare, education, IT, and finance. A notable milestone this year was the launch of teacher apprenticeships.
State officials emphasized the program's growing appeal as a viable alternative to a four-year college degree, allowing participants to "earn while they learn" and enter long-term careers. Officials highlighted the program's role in addressing Wisconsin's labor shortages by enabling employers to invest in talent and workplace culture early on, improving retention compared to traditional hiring methods. The program has also seen record participation in its youth apprenticeship initiative, with nearly 10,000 youth apprentices and 6,671 employers involved. Despite these successes, state leaders aim to further expand apprenticeship opportunities into new occupations, continuing the program’s growth and relevance in the modern economy.
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