Madison Area Technical College announced on April 30 a new initiative allowing Wisconsin apprentices to apply their apprenticeship training toward an Associate of Applied Science degree, streamlining the path to a college credential.
The change is expected to help meet strong demand for skilled workers in the Madison College district and across Wisconsin. Apprentices who have completed at least 400 hours of paid, Department of Workforce Development-approved classroom instruction—regardless of where it was delivered—can now automatically count that learning toward their associate degree.
“This new pathway recognizes the value of learning that happens on the job and in the classroom,” said Lucas White, Madison College dean of technologies and trades. “Apprentices are already doing essential work in our communities. By turning that experience into college credit, we’re making it easier for them to build on their skills, advance their education and meet the growing workforce needs across our region.”
Under this program, apprenticeship completers receive 39 out of the required 60 credits for the Technical Studies – Journeyworker Associate of Applied Science degree. To finish, they need only complete 15 general education credits and six elective credits at Madison College. Statewide data shows that apprentices who finish related instruction through a Wisconsin technical college earn a median salary of $93,000 according to the WTCS Apprenticeship Completion Report for 2023-2024.
“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.”
Madison Area Technical College extends its educational reach to support diverse communities across south-central Wisconsin according to the official website (https://madisoncollege.edu/). The college features state-of-the-art facilities designed to mimic workplace environments for practical training as reported by its official website (https://madisoncollege.edu/). It is affiliated with the Wisconsin Technical College System according to its official website (https://madisoncollege.edu/), offers more than 190 associate degrees, technical diplomas, certificates and apprenticeship programs—including online options—and provides open access higher education aimed at lifelong learning according to information from its official website (https://madisoncollege.edu/). Dr. Jennifer Berne served as president in collaboration with the District Board of Trustees as stated by Madison Area Technical College’s official site (https://madisoncollege.edu/).
Individuals interested in completing this pathway can contact an apprenticeship advisor at their current or former instructional institution or any WTCS college where they have earned at least fifteen credits toward this degree.
