ABC of Wisconsin Applauds Rural Wisconsin Workforce Development Initiative

[Madison, Wis…] On Wednesday, state Reps. Romaine Quinn (Rice Lake) and Scott Krug (Nekoosa) released the details of the Rural Wisconsin Workforce Development Initiative. The plan seeks to further encourage partnerships between local businesses, K-12 schools and area technical colleges to prepare the next generation’s workforce.

John Mielke, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin President, released the following statement about the initiative:

“The Wisconsin construction industry employs over 115,000 people in well-paying, family-supporting careers. Unfortunately, our state is experiencing a skilled worker shortage. Our nearly 900 construction employer members thank state Representatives Romaine Quinn and Scott Krug for their leadership in addressing this important workforce development issue.

“Specifically, ABC of Wisconsin supports their hard work to increase funding for the Youth Apprenticeship Grants and the Apprenticeship Completion Awards program, advocate for high school advanced placement for adult apprenticeship and the reintroduction of the ‘second start’ bill. These ideas will go a long way toward increasing the quality of the Wisconsin workforce.”

Background Information:

ABC of Wisconsin is currently training more than 1,100 apprentices in 12 different construction trades, and is certified by the Department of Workforce Development’s Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. Information about the ABC of Wisconsin apprenticeship program can be found at abcwi.org/careers.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Nick Novak, 608-244-5883
nnovak@abcwi.org