The ABC of Wisconsin Apprenticeship program continues to grow, and break records with each new year. We celebrate the growth of the program, and know that apprentices are choosing a career that will be in demand, and pay them well for the rest of their working years. As we look at the increasing enrollment numbers, we have also expanded our team serving apprentices.
Our apprenticeship department is led by Brandi Davis and Cheyenne Foster. Learn more about the rest of the team here:
Erin Braden: I review and process applications for the entire state of Wisconsin as well as act as support for apprenticeship managers. Most of my family are in various trades, so I’ve spent my whole life exposed to construction careers. I’ve been part of ABC long enough now to see the apprentices I once helped apply at the start of their journey walk across the stage at graduation. Watching them come full circle—and knowing I played a small part in that—never gets old! In my free time, if weather permits, you’ll find me ice fishing!
Michelle Lichtie-Kaether: I grew up in a family of carpenters and my husband has been in road/underground construction for 22 years (he’s now an instructor). I enjoy working hard and getting dirty on a project. I oversee all apprentices at NWTC, plumbing apprentices at FVTC, Electrical apprentices at MPTC-FDL and all apprentices in heat & frost insulating and painting statewide.
Eduardo Medina: My uncle had a small company that did landscaping, bricklaying, and concrete finishing. I started working with them when I was 15, spending summers and weekends on jobs. Later, after working in finance, I realized I wanted to find an office job still connected to the trades, because the culture in construction feels more real and laid back compared to the financial industry, and I want to makes apprentices’ lives easier. I oversee plumbing apprentices at CVTC, NTC, WCTC, HVAC apprentices at CTC, and all roofing and concrete apprentices statewide. In my free time, you’ll find me hiking and enjoying the outdoors.
Sara Mueller: I graduated from UW-Stout with a degree in Career, Technical Education and Training (post-secondary education) and student taught at Fox Valley Technical College in their truck driving program. I have a passion for the technical college system and the skilled trades. Prior to ABC I worked with Class A commercial truck drivers, driver trainers, and owner operators for a mid-sized commercial trucking company in operations. This March I will be taking the transition to trainer class through the state so I can teach that course here at ABC and I still hold my class A CDL! I oversee electrician and carpenter apprentices at Moraine Park, Carpenters at Northwood Technical College and electrical at Mid-State technical college. In my free time, I enjoy time with my golden retriever, Wally.
Dana Olbert: Before joining ABC, I owned a small business that was trades-based. Now, I cover Waukesha County technical College Electricians. We have the largest class of 1st year apprentices this year at that school with 108!! I also cover the Sprinkler Fitters from across the state. I enjoy traveling. Before cell phones and GPS were accessible, I toured Europe for 6 weeks with nothing but a backpack, train pass and a map. It was the most amazing experience.
Emmylou Vander Linden: I had the opportunity to work directly with trade youth apprentices during a summer internship. It was exciting to see young people learn, grow, and gain confidence as they developed hands-on skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. Being part of their journey reinforced my passion for supporting the next generation of skilled workers. I oversee electrical apprentices at Fox Valley Technical college and HEO (Heavy Equipment Operators) at Nicolet College. In my free time, I enjoy puzzles. It’s rewarding to see everything come together, piece by piece.
Allison Voeller: I’m excited to bring my background in educational coaching and leadership into this space to support others as they discover and grow in the skilled trades. I’ve watched my own children explore career path options, and apprenticeship can be such a valuable path to take! I oversee apprentices at Madison College and Wisconsin Technical College. In my freetime, I enjoy playing pickleball.
Bethany Whitead: I joined ABC after working in career and technical education. I’ve always been a huge supporter of programs that encourage hands on training and learning. I oversee the Madison Plumbers and HVAC apprentices and the Janesville Electricians and HVAC apprentices. In addition, I oversee the Bricklaying program at ABC. In my free time, I love to knit!
