The 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week, observed from November 17-23, 2023, marked a significant milestone in celebrating and promoting apprenticeship programs across the nation. Organized by the U.S. Department of Labor, the event saw participation in a staggering 2,200 events held in all 50 states. This year’s theme, “10 Years of Engagement, Expansion, and Innovation,” highlighted the crucial role these programs play in addressing the ever-growing labor demands. The construction industry, in particular, faces pressing needs, with the Associated Builders and Contractors estimating a requirement for at least 500,000 new workers to meet industry demands.
This year’s anniversary was notable for its widespread activities and the enthusiastic participation of various states. In Wisconsin, several construction associations and skilled trades sectors actively contributed to the week’s activities. These efforts helped draw attention to registered apprenticeship programs, driving home the message that these initiatives are instrumental in shaping the future workforce. The spotlight on Milwaukee’s high school tours through union construction training centers and the high attendance levels underscored the growing interest among young individuals in pursuing careers in the skilled trades. These programs provide hands-on technical training, presenting new career pathways and opportunities in a state in dire need of skilled labor.
Celebrations and Activities in Wisconsin
A significant highlight of National Apprenticeship Week 2023 in Wisconsin was the event organized by We Energies, Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), and the city of Milwaukee. This celebration marked the first anniversary of MATC’s Electrical Power Distribution/Line Mechanic training program, which has been pivotal in creating new career opportunities in the trades. The program focuses on offering comprehensive hands-on training, preparing apprentices for real-world challenges and demands in the skilled trades industry.
Another vital player, WRTP | BIG STEP, led an array of activities that further propelled the significance of apprenticeship programs. One notable event included a roundtable discussion at Employ Milwaukee, fostering discussions on advancements and strategies to enhance apprenticeship programs. Additionally, the two-day career fairs in Racine and Madison were a standout, promoting engagement and awareness among potential apprentices. These fairs featured hands-on activities across various skilled trades, offering a tangible glimpse into the opportunities available in the sector. The AGC of Wisconsin co-sponsored WRTP | BIG STEP’s events in Madison and contributed to Future Quest, a prominent career exploration event in Madison. These collaborative efforts highlighted the communal dedication to bolstering the apprenticeship ecosystem in the state.
Broader Impact of National Apprenticeship Week
The broader impact of National Apprenticeship Week extended beyond single events, fostering a spirit of collaboration and long-term engagement within the industry. The Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin took proactive steps in promoting apprenticeships through technical college events, featuring presentations by recruitment and training director Elizabeth Roddy. Their involvement underscored the collective efforts to elevate the apprenticeship discourse, emphasizing the importance of skilled labor in maintaining industry standards and growth.
Moreover, the Associated General Contractors of Greater Milwaukee played a supportive role, providing backing for numerous events throughout the week without hosting standalone events. Their support exemplified the collaborative spirit observed across various organizations, all working towards a shared goal of enhancing apprenticeship programs and, subsequently, the skilled trades workforce.
Additionally, Building Advantage preemptively hosted a significant career fair at the Fiserv Forum on November 14, targeting high school students from the Milwaukee area. The event attracted approximately 1,200 students from 48 schools, showcasing 46 booths representing various construction trades. This massive turnout marked the event as the largest high school-focused construction fair in Wisconsin, setting a new benchmark for future initiatives.
Record Enrollments and Looking Ahead
The 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week, held from November 17-23, 2023, marked a significant milestone in the promotion and celebration of apprenticeship programs nationwide. Hosted by the U.S. Department of Labor, the week featured an impressive 2,200 events across all 50 states. The theme, “10 Years of Engagement, Expansion, and Innovation,” emphasized the vital role these programs play in meeting the growing demands of the labor market. The construction industry, in particular, is facing urgent needs, with the Associated Builders and Contractors projecting a need for at least 500,000 new workers.
This year’s celebration was notable for the diversity of activities and enthusiastic participation across the states. In Wisconsin, numerous construction associations and trades sectors took part in the festivities, emphasizing the importance of registered apprenticeship programs. Efforts in Milwaukee, including high school tours of union construction training centers, showcased the increasing interest among young people in skilled trades. These programs offer hands-on technical training and create new career opportunities, addressing the state’s critical need for skilled labor.
