As Wisconsin’s unemployment rate hits all-time lows, and as the workforce shortage continues, the state has a focus on growing its own talent for industries that need the help. This fall, Wisconsin high school juniors and seniors have 14 new occupational pathways that local employers support, thanks to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
Two of these new pathways are in the agriculture sector: dairy grazer and arborist. Apprenticeship Bureau Director David Polk zeroes in on all the agricultural youth apprenticeships with Mid-West Farm Report.
Wisconsin’s registered apprenticeship system has been around since 1911. DWD’s YA program has been connecting employers with high school student workers for over 30 years.
“For the past three years, we have been working closely with industry leaders to review and update the YA training framework to ensure students continue to learn the skills employers are looking for now and in the future,” says DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek.
The Department of Workforce Development works with schools, employers, tech colleges and others to develop a total of 75 youth apprenticeship programs. The industries span construction, health sciences, transportation, and of course, agriculture.
DWD’s YA Program Modernization Initiative resulted in 14 new occupational pathways this fall in which local employers can offer apprenticeship opportunities to students. These include:
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, new pathways: Arborist and Dairy Grazier.
Architecture and Construction, new pathways: Gas Distribution Technician, Heavy Equipment Operator/Operating Engineer, and Utilities Electrical Technician.
Arts, Audio Visual Technology and Communications, new pathway: Media Broadcast Technician.
Health Science, new pathways: Phlebotomist and Resident Aide.
Information Technology, new pathway: IT Broadband Technician.
Manufacturing, new pathway: Electro-mechanical/Mechatronics.
Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics, new pathways: Airport Operations and Management, Aviation Maintenance Fundamentals, Aviation Airframe and Powerplant Technician, Aviation Avionics Technician.
To update existing program curricula, DWD staff reached out to YA participating employers, industry associations, and other relevant stakeholders to gather feedback and input regarding the training and education needs.
The YA program is coordinated and provided around the state by consortia that often consist of school districts, technical colleges, and chambers of commerce. Of the 421 public school districts, 321 districts, or 76.2 percent, had students enrolled in YA for the 2021-2022 school year.
Employers interested in becoming a youth apprenticeship sponsor can find more info here: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/ya-employers.htm
Students interested in becoming a youth apprentice can find more info here: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/ya-applicants.htm
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