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Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary-designee

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 26, 2023
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

DWD Awarded $806,379 to Expand Apprenticeship Opportunities

Funds will bolster the state's Registered Apprenticeship and Certified Pre-Apprenticeship programs

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) was recently awarded $806,379 to expand Wisconsin Apprenticeship. Wisconsin was one of 45 states to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Labor's $65 million investment in apprenticeship programs.

"Wisconsin was first in the nation to offer a registered apprenticeship program in 1911, and the program continues to be a proven workforce solution that benefits both employers and apprentices," DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek said. "This grant will bolster the program's historic growth and help expand pathways to careers with family-sustaining wages."

DWD's award is part of the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Expansion grants. The funding will increase the DWD's ability to strategically expand Wisconsin's Registered Apprenticeship and Certified Pre-Apprenticeship programs and enhance the state's connection to the national apprenticeship system.

Registered Apprenticeship is an earn-while-you-learn model connecting apprentices with high-skill/high-wage employment with sponsors. Participating employers benefit from a more loyal and skilled workforce, a return on investment, and a competitive advantage. Similarly, the earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship model gives job seekers access to hands-on training, mentorship, and a career. In 2022, registered apprenticeship achieved record-breaking participation with more than 15,900 apprentices.

Certified Pre-apprenticeship helps participants gain necessary skills and education before starting a Registered Apprenticeship. The Wisconsin Apprenticeship Advisory Council approves all certified pre-apprenticeship programs to ensure that the program meets the needs of employers using Registered Apprenticeship to train employees.

The $806,379 in federal grant funds will allow Wisconsin Apprenticeship to:

Conduct outreach to increase awareness of apprenticeship opportunities.
Create new opportunities for emerging-sector employers to participate in apprenticeship.
Increase apprenticeship partnerships with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
Improve systems through technology updates.
Enhance sponsors' ability to track their apprentices' progress using technology.
Boost the connection between Certified Pre-Apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs.

Learn more about Wisconsin Apprenticeship.

ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.