This year, 350 apprentices, a record number, graduated from ABC of Wisconsin’s apprenticeship program. Another 679 enrolled to begin their training journey. There are now more than 2,600 apprentices learning valuable skills in plumbing, HVAC, electrical, carpentry and many additional programs provided as ABC apprenticeships. These are record-breaking numbers and speak to the excitement felt for construction careers.
The apprenticeship graduation marks a significant milestone in an apprentice’s journey. After completing the program, they’re preparing to train the next generation of apprentices, as they grow their own careers in construction.
The merit approach provides a unique way to do this. ABC’s apprentices can graduate, be promoted, and rise to the ranks of management, or even ownership, all while keeping the benefits and resources they’ve earned during their years of work. They can also cross-train, gaining new skills and providing efficient, cost-effective projects. Merit-based workers build relationships with their teams and their managers, and work together to grow the company, and the opportunities for everyone on the team.
We’ve been profiling many of the success stories of our program, which is now entering its 37th year. Countless former ABC apprentices own their own businesses today, are creating jobs, and are building the important infrastructure needed for our communities to thrive. As they do this, they are also fostering a healthier and more inclusive work culture.
Keller, Inc., a design-build firm and ABC member, recently had the chance to demonstrate this approach during a tour with Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. They walked her through a high-tech veterinary facility they are building, with a team of people who all have co-ownership of their company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Every employee benefits from the success of the business, from the beginning carpenter to the upper management. Michael Schumacher, an ABC apprenticeship graduate, Commercial Project Manager and Co-Owner at Keller, shared his success story and commitment to the merit approach. The Secretary was pleased to see the growth happening in our program.
ABC members value their workforce and the opportunity to provide upward mobility. We celebrate employers, apprentices and the people in between who influence their success. Merit focused teams are working together to build Wisconsin’s future, and we commit to do our part to grow the construction workforce.
Kelly Tourdot, President, ABC Wisconsin
