MADISON – The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week April 26-May 2, and this year has something extra special to announce. Wisconsin’s 16 technical colleges will now review apprenticeship-related learning from all sources to count as credit for prior learning to fast-track some apprentices toward an Applied Associate degree.
Wisconsin has been at the forefront of apprenticeship since WTCS and the Wisconsin apprenticeship system were founded together in 1911. Now we are moving the needle further for student success for apprentices who complete their paid-related instruction through non-WTCS providers. Wisconsin’s 16 technical colleges will review the 400-plus hours of related training to ensure it meets standards and allow apprentices to apply that learning toward an Applied Associate Science (AAS) degree. Then with just 21 additional credits earned at a Wisconsin technical college, students will earn their AAS degree, setting them up for further educational advancement should they choose.
The latest earnings for apprentices who complete their related instruction from a Wisconsin technical college show a median salary of $93,000.
“Apprentice earnings continue to reflect strong demand among employers in Wisconsin,” said Layla Merrifield, president of Wisconsin Technical College System. “I don’t know of any other program where students can earn while they learn, often completing all training with zero debt. And now with the option to more easily turn their journeyworker credential into an Associate of Applied Science degree, apprentices will be even better equipped for future success.”
Wisconsin was the first in the nation to launch a Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program in 1911, followed with the first Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program in the U.S. in 1991, and has a growing Certified –Pre-Apprenticeship program that readies apprentice-seekers to enter RA programs. Both RA and YA have in the past several years marked record participation levels as more employers and apprentices join the successful system.
“Expanding education options through Wisconsin’s technical colleges opens more opportunities for apprentices to earn their degrees and advance in their career pathways to in-demand careers,” said Amy Pechacek, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. “This is an important step to expand opportunities and break down barriers that Wisconsinites face when trying to join the workforce.”
“The ability for apprentices to continue their education and gain credit from their registered apprenticeship programs will open doors as they progress through their careers and will benefit apprenticeship completers and our workforce across Wisconsin,” said David Polk, director of the Department of Workforce Development Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards.
About the Wisconsin Technical College System
The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) offers more than 500 programs awarding two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas, short-term technical diplomas, certificates and related education for apprenticeships. The System is the major provider of customized instruction and technical assistance for Wisconsin employers. With nearly 300,000 people enrolling in a technical college each year, it is the largest higher education system in the state.
