
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.
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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
Other
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.