ABC of Wisconsin Celebrates Record-Breaking Apprenticeship Numbers

More people are choosing construction apprenticeships to further their careers.

Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC-WI) is celebrating a new record: More than 2,600 apprentices are now enrolled in the association’s apprenticeship program. Of those, 679 apprentices are beginning their first year. This number is up by nearly 100 from the year before, and reflects a greater interest in the skilled trades.

“Construction apprentices are setting themselves up for a profitable future,” said Kelly Tourdot, president of ABC-WI. “Apprentices earn wages both for their work, and their classroom instruction time, all while learning in-demand skills that cannot be replaced.”

The ABC-WI apprenticeship program is the largest apprenticeship program in the state. Apprentices are assigned an apprenticeship manager to guide them through their program. Then they have classroom instruction in partnership with Wisconsin’s technical colleges and on the job training with ABC-WI’s members. ABC-WI has nearly 1,100 member companies, and a significant number of them train apprentices. Their locations throughout Wisconsin provide many opportunities to advance in skilled trades.

“One of the best parts of our program, I believe, is the connection apprentices build with their employers. So many of ABC of Wisconsin’s companies are smaller or family owned companies,” said Tourdot. “Apprentices who join these teams are able to be promoted, grow with their companies, and build lifelong relationships with their employers.”

Apprentices in ABC-WI’s program choose between 12 distinct trades, and graduate within 3-5 years, depending on the trade selected and the hours worked. This year’s apprenticeship enrollment reflects an increased interest in electrical work. More than two-thirds of the new apprentices are entering the program to become an electrician. Electricians are needed on every commercial construction project, with specialized work required in many projects such as hospitals, veterinary clinics, and solar panel installation.

Cole McCloskey is an electrician and graduate of ABC-WI’s program. Today he co-owns The Electrician, Inc. in Verona, Wisconsin. “The ABC apprenticeship program provided me with the skills I needed to succeed as an electrician- but it also gave soft skills that prepared me to move up the ranks,” McCloskey explains. “Thanks to the merit-based system, I now am part owner of an electrical company, and I’m proud to help train the next generation of apprentices.”

For more information on ABC-WI Apprenticeships, visit www.buildyourcareerwi.org.