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.