Record number of apprentices enter the ABC program for this fall

MADISON, Aug. 23, 2022 — Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin Apprenticeship is experiencing its highest level of enrollment in history. This fall, 540 individuals enrolled in the apprenticeship program.

“We are at a point in time when more individuals are realizing the value of apprenticeship as an excellent higher education option,” said Leigh Emrick, ABC of Wisconsin Apprenticeship Director. “We’re happy to be able to offer the program to so many individuals and the sponsoring companies who are in need of developing craft skills.”

After candidates for apprenticeship apply, qualify and have a company ready to sponsor them, they attend two online sessions before  becoming an apprentice: the online orientation course from ABC of Wisconsin and the live orientation signing course with the state of Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (BAS). That’s just the beginning. ABC of Wisconsin apprenticeship managers provide guidance for each apprentice, whose program could last from three to five years.

Apprenticeship is a unique education and paid training program combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction to provide the skills and knowledge needed to make a great living. With an apprenticeship, an individual starts a job and then develops skills to become a skilled professional. The hands-on training occurs on the job, while the theory and practical knowledge to support the on-the-job training, occurs in the classroom. The ABC of Wisconsin apprenticeship program is the largest apprenticeship training provider in Wisconsin, offering 11 trades at 12 technical colleges. There are 542 companies with active apprentices in the ABC of Wisconsin Apprenticeship program.

For more information about the ABC Apprenticeship, visit https://buildyourcareerwi.org/