CONTACT: Amy Hasenberg, (608) 266-2839

ASHWAUBENON – Governor Scott Walker signed Assembly Bill 745 into law today at Bohemian Park Apartment’s construction site in Ashwaubenon. This legislation will open the door for graduating high school seniors to gain valuable professional qualifications and experience through registered apprenticeship programs during their final year of school. These programs will give participating students a head start towards obtaining the critical skills they need for gainful employment.
“By increasing apprenticeship opportunities for high school students, we are opening the door for high school seniors to get a head start on their career in high demand areas,” said Governor Walker. “Through these on-the-job training programs, we are providing the future of Wisconsin’s workforce with needed skills to have rewarding careers. Investing in these apprenticeships is investing in our state’s future.”

Assembly Bill 745 allows a high school senior to enter into an apprentice contract if attending a qualifying school. This program will take effect for the 2018-2019 school year.

To qualify, the student must be on track to graduate high school no later than the end of the current school year; the student’s proposed on-the-job training schedule allows sufficient time for the student to complete any high school graduation requirements to graduate during the current school year; the school district agrees to award high school credit to the student for hours of related instruction and on-the-job training the student completes during the first contract year; the student must earn his or her diploma or equivalent by the end of the first year of the contract to continue; and the student must complete 450 hours of on-the-job training during the first contract year.

This bill, authored by Senator Patrick Testin (R—Stevens Point) and Representative Romaine Quinn (R—Barron), passed the Senate on a voice vote and was concurred by voice vote in the Assembly. It is Act 273.

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