ABC of Wisconsin Enrolls a Record Number of Apprentices

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin is celebrating a new record: More than 2,475 apprentices are now enrolled into the association’s apprenticeship program. Of those, 600 apprentices are beginning their first year. This number is up by nearly 100 from the year before, and reflects a greater interest in the skilled trades.

“We celebrate the growing interest we see in skilled trades. Apprentices entering our program are employed by our members, and receive a salary that grows with their experience,” said John Mielke, ABC President. “A career in construction is a path to success. There is great demand for skilled workers and these jobs mean a family sustaining wage.”

This year’s enrollment is not just larger than previous years, it’s also younger. The average age of an apprentice has moved from 28 to 25, with many beginning at 18. 

“We’re pleased to see more apprentices recognizing the benefits of this program right out of high school,” said Holly Jones, Chief Culture Officer at Dave Jones, LLC, an ABC member training apprentices. “Our younger apprentices are choosing this path because they recognize the benefits of a ‘pay while you learn’ model, and they appreciate the mentorship provided by their trainers.”

There are many reasons to explain the uptick in apprenticeship. Increased national attention has raised awareness of the skilled trades, school debt conversations have encouraged more students to look at alternatives to a four year degree, and younger workers are looking for greater meaning in their work.

“Our ABC members who employ apprentices are generally family companies, placing high value on the the culture and relationships on their job sites,” said Kelly Tourdot, ABC Vice President. “In addition, our members work on important projects like hospitals, schools and public safety centers that transform and improve communities. Apprentices who join these projects find meaningful work, generous wages and positive work environments.”

The ABC of Wisconsin Apprenticeship program is the largest apprenticeship program in the state. Training includes classroom instruction, on the job training, and guaranteed experience with each specific skill required to master a trade. Apprentices choose between 12 distinct trades, and graduate within 3-5 years, depending on the trade selected and the hours worked.

ABC member companies employ and participate in the training for apprentices. Currently 595 member companies have at least one apprentice in training. The program aims to fill key roles in the construction industry with highly skilled workers. Apprenticeship managers guide apprentices through their program commitments and ensure they receive everything necessary to succeed in their trade of choice. 

For more information on ABC Apprenticeships, visit www.buildyourcareerwi.org.

Established in 1950, Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association that represents more than 21,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 68 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. The Wisconsin Chapter, based out of Madison, is among the largest in the country with more than 1,000 member companies. Learn more at abcwi.org.