apprenticeship

what is apprenticeship?

apprenticeship is a system of work-based learning that fulfills the needs of industry by preparing workers for skilled trades. it combines on-the-job learning with classroom instruction and is sponsored by employers, employer associations, or labor/management groups that have the ability to hire and train in a working environment. related instruction is usually provided by the wisconsin technical college system. mid-state technical college is proud to provide related instruction for several apprenticeships that serve both central wisconsin and the balance of the state.

why choose apprenticeship?

apprenticeship is a mutually beneficial arrangement for both the apprentice and the employer.

apprentices:

• earn while you learn. learn a skilled trade while earning a good wage and establishing a sense of job security.
• gain entry. apprenticeship can serve as an entry point into a career that might have otherwise been closed to you due to lack of experience.
• acquire lasting expertise. you are provided a lifetime skill and comprehensive knowledge of the trade.
• learn transferable skills. the skills you learn are transferable from one employer to another and generally from one area of the country to another.

• prepare for advancement. apprenticeship enhances your economic security in that graduate apprentices are often promoted to supervisory positions.

employers:

• apprenticeship training reduces turnover.
• apprenticeship training offers a long-term solution with measurable results.
• apprentices are usually highly productive workers.
• apprentices are among the most technologically up-to-date workers.
• structured training fosters quality and teamwork.
• apprenticeship programs provide employers with a pool of highly skilled workers from which future managers may be selected.
• training gives production workers a path for upward mobility.
• apprenticeship programs serve as an effective recruitment method for graduates of the wisconsin technical college system.
• an employer’s costs in beginning an apprenticeship program are minimal.
• apprenticeship provides state and national recognition.

how can i become an apprentice?

mid-state technical college currently provides related instruction for the following apprenticeships. please click the link for the program you are interested in to learn more.

construction

• carpenter
• construction electrician (abc)
• construction electrician (ibew-neca)
• ironworker
• plumber
• steamfitter and steamfitter service

manufacturing

• Electrical & Instrumentation Technician
• machinist
• maintenance technician
• millwright/maintenance mechanic

service

• arborist
• metering technician

other

• it software developer

licensure

wisconsin state licensure is achieved through mid-state's apprenticeship programs as follows:

construction electrician (abc) and construction electrician (ibew/neca):

• electrical apprentice – licensure earned during apprenticeship.
• journeyman electrician – licensure earned upon completion of apprenticeship.

plumber:

• plumbing apprentice – licensure earned during apprenticeship.
• journeyman plumber – licensure earned upon completion of apprenticeship.

licensure disclosure 

mid-state's apprenticeship programs prepare students to obtain the required licensure to be employed/practice in the state of wisconsin. the college does not guarantee its curriculum matches the requirements for preparation, examinations, or licensure for other states.