Madison Reporter

Madison College is celebrating the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week from November 17-23. This year's theme focuses on engagement, expansion, and innovation in apprenticeship programs.

The college offers over 29 apprenticeship programs in various fields, including barbering, IT data analysis, respiratory therapy, and electrical work. Students like Riley Bailey, a plumbing apprentice at Pipe Dreams in Janesville, find these opportunities beneficial for hands-on learning. Bailey appreciates applying classroom knowledge to real-world situations and aims to become a licensed master plumber specializing in plumbing design. He believes apprenticeships are ideal for those who prefer working in the field.

“Apprenticeships are fantastic opportunities,” says Bailey.

These training programs combine structured on-the-job training with relevant classroom instruction. Apprentices earn while they learn under sponsorships from employers or labor groups.

This fall marked the beginning of registered respiratory therapy apprenticeships at Madison College, UW Health, and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. This initiative addresses healthcare workforce shortages by meeting patient needs and reducing barriers to education and professional growth.

Wisconsin's unique approach to apprenticeship includes paying employees for time spent both working and attending classes. The state's Registered Apprenticeship Program has seen record enrollment numbers under Governor Tony Evers' administration, with 17,089 apprentices currently enrolled—a third consecutive year of growth.

Bryant Richards returned to college as a plumbing apprentice seeking a new career path. “It is a great way to go; you not only get education in the classroom but also valuable on-the-job training,” Richards says. He emphasizes the importance of trades in Wisconsin’s economy: “Everything built involves a tradesperson...there is a great demand for that.”

Richards highlights that jobs obtained through apprenticeships offer competitive benefits and play an essential role in community development.

For more information about Madison College's Apprenticeship Programs visit their website.