There are few things as exciting as seeing big dreams become reality. ABC Wisconsin’s first dream was to train apprentices. The apprenticeship training program was launched nearly four decades ago, and quickly became a significant source of highly skilled apprentices. The apprenticeship program grew, broke records, and now trains nearly 2,600 apprentices across the state, making it the largest construction apprenticeship program in Wisconsin.
The next dream? Find a facility that can house training, and make room for more apprentices. At the end of 2025, ABC was presented with the perfect opportunity. A large building became available, directly next door to ABC’s headquarters. It has the space needed to provide excellent classroom and lab space, plenty of parking and an ideal location, very close to the Interstate 90/94 and Highway 151.
The ABC Apprenticeship and Training Trust Board moved quickly to negotiate a price for the purchase, and closed on the building on December 9, 2025.
“The Trust Board has known, for years, that we need to expand our services and grow to meet the demand for high quality apprenticeship training,” said Gerry Krebsbach, Trust Chair. “Our new facility has been in the works for a long time. We are thrilled to have the building, and look forward to opening in 2026.”
The facility will be remodeled to serve Madison-area apprentices. Apprentices from other parts of the state will continue to train with their existing technical college partners. In Madison, the apprentices will move from Madison College to the ABC training center in the fall of 2026. The timing is necessary, as the Madison area program had outgrown Madison College, and needed more space.
“We are excited to provide this space and make the training location more convenient for many of our current apprentices,” said Brandi Davis, Director of Apprenticeship. “We are also pleased to have the space we need to grow our program further and provide highly skilled workers for Wisconsin’s commercial construction industry.”
The new center is located at 2810 City View Drive in Madison. The plans include classrooms, lab space, conference rooms and office space for instructors and apprenticeship managers.
“We are thrilled to begin this new chapter at ABC Wisconsin,” said Kelly Tourdot, Chapter President. “Many other ABC chapters are providing their own training centers, and have shared best practices with us. With the right location, and excellent instructors, we know our center will benefit the future generations of skilled workers.”
Tourdot says she’s also grateful to the Trust Board, as they’ve proactively prepared for this purchase, and have invested in the future of apprenticeship. “It’s an honor to work with forward-thinking leaders, and to be in a position to launch exceptional training for ABC members.”
The work will begin in the spring of 2026. Bid information will be shared in the near future. ABC celebrates this milestone accomplishment. The new ABC training center is truly a dream come true.
