ABC of Wisconsin celebrates two inductees into the Bureau of Apprenticeship’s Hall of Fame. Founded in 1983 by the Wisconsin Apprenticeship Advisory Council, the Hall of Fame recognizes professionals and organizations across the state who have made significant contributions to the success of Wisconsin Apprenticeship. ABC of Wisconsin’s two inductees demonstrate a remarkable achievement for the association. Their leadership has directly impacted the growth and success of ABC’s programs.
Leigh Emrick and Wayne Belanger both received their awards at a banquet in the Wisconsin Dells on Thursday, February 20.
Emrick began with ABC of Wisconsin in 2004 as an apprenticeship education coordinator. In 2014, she was promoted to apprenticeship director, where she oversaw the ABC of Wisconsin apprenticeship department and eight staff members. During her time as the apprenticeship director, the association saw its largest apprenticeship growth.
Emrick served on the Apprenticeship Advisory Council from 2017 to 2024 and was involved with various state trade committees. She also was the chair of the Apprenticeship Policy Standards Committee. Her knowledge of apprenticeship law and her dedication to researching answers in creating the best overall apprenticeship program is second to none.
Wayne Belanger began with ABC of Wisconsin in 1985 as the first director of education. He worked
with ABC members to establish the ABC of Wisconsin apprenticeship program in 1987. The program enrolled 300 apprentices in 1988, more than 1,000 apprentices in 1999 and currently trains nearly 2,500 apprentices each year.
Belanger was appointed to the Wisconsin State Apprenticeship Advisory council in 1993 and served for 24 years. He participated in countless projects including standard and curriculum revisions, policy updates, conferences, and the creation of multiple state initiatives including the apprenticeship handbook and Transition to Trainer course.
Nationally, he served as chairman of the ABC National Director of Education Advisory Council. Seeing a need for soft skills, supervisory and management training, he established a continuing education program, called “Construction U.” Over the years, thousands have participated in these classes and programs.
Both Belanger and Emrick have retired from their roles at ABC of Wisconsin, but their legacy continues with a dedicated team at ABC who is committed to the success of ABC members and apprentices.
