Wisconsin Sees Spike in Apprentices, ‘Wraparound’ Support for Workers
State programs that help young people and older workers get into paid apprenticeships have seen record participation in the past three years, a Cap Times Idea Fest panelist says.
"We're looking to break 18,000 apprentices this year — we're really close — which would be another state record," said David Polk, director of the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards for the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
Polk was among four speakers during a panel discussion Tuesday at Madison College's Goodman South Campus, part of the ninth annual thought festival organized by the Cap Times. Ascendium Education Group produced the session.
Panelists said the rise in local apprenticeships has been bolstered by efforts from nonprofits such as Ascendium and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, from education partners such as Madison College and from employers such as SSM Health and others.
