Madison College Apprenticeship Signing Day highlights rising demand for electricians

Future electricians took a major step toward their careers during Madison College’s Apprenticeship Signing Day at the Commercial Avenue campus.

The May 1 event, held during National Apprenticeship Week (April 26–May 2), celebrated new apprentices as they formally committed to the Electrical Apprenticeship Program. The cohort includes 18 apprentices from the Local 159 construction apprenticeship and four from the Local 159 Voice-Data-Video apprenticeship.

Apprentices signed their commitments alongside representatives from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 159, contractors affiliated with the National Electrical Contractors Association, and leaders from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and Madison College.

The ceremony also included tours of the college’s advanced electrical labs, where apprentices will build hands-on skills throughout their paid training.

Demand for electricians is projected to grow nearly 8% in the Madison College district through 2030, according to Lightcast, April 2026.

Registered apprenticeship programs at Madison College provide a direct path from education to employment, helping students launch careers while meeting critical workforce needs. The college offers nearly two dozen apprenticeship programs across a range of fields, including trades and technology, health care, STEM, barbering and cosmetology.

Leaders highlight workforce impact

During National Apprenticeship Week, leaders emphasized how apprenticeships create direct pathways to high-demand careers.

“Apprenticeship programs effectively connect education with real careers,” said Madison College President Dr. Jennifer Berne. “Today’s signing highlights the demand for skilled electricians in our region and demonstrates how hands-on learning prepares students for in-demand, family-supporting careers. We value our partnership with industry and labor as we build Wisconsin’s workforce together.”

State leaders also pointed to continued growth in apprenticeship participation across Wisconsin.

"The state's strategic investments to bolster the workforce and expand access to opportunities have paid dividends for Wisconsin, including consecutive record-setting participation in registered apprenticeship," said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. "Since apprentices in Wisconsin earn money while they learn in the classroom and on the job, it means that more people can participate, receive training and pursue family-supporting careers."

Industry partners emphasized the long-term impact of the electrical trade, calling it a pathway to stable, family-supporting careers that strengthen local communities.

“National Apprenticeship Week is a powerful reminder of what the union electrical trade is all about—opportunity, skill, and a strong future,” said Pablo Baxter, IBEW Local 159. “On behalf of IBEW Local 159, we’re proud to welcome these new apprentices as they begin their careers. They’re not just starting jobs—they’re building lifelong professions that will support their families, strengthen our communities and power Wisconsin for generations to come.”

Learn more about Madison College Apprenticeship Programs.