Madison College celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

Madison College students are advancing their careers while employers discover skilled workers through apprenticeships. The college is celebrating the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week from Nov. 17-23, recognizing this year’s theme of engagement, expansion, and innovation.

Madison College offers over 29 apprenticeship programs in fields such as barbering, IT data analysis, respiratory therapy, electrical work, and more.

Student Riley Bailey is a plumbing apprentice who prefers hands-on work over sitting behind a desk. He enjoys applying his classroom learning in real-world situations and aspires to be a licensed master plumber specializing in plumbing design.

“If you are a hands-on learner and love working in the field, apprenticeships are fantastic opportunities,” says Bailey, who works at Pipe Dreams, a Janesville-based company.

Apprenticeship training programs combine structured on-the-job training with relevant classroom instruction. Apprentices are sponsored by employers, employer associations, or labor groups and earn while they learn.

Respiratory therapist program students — Madison College, UW Health and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development welcomed the first cohorts in the registered respiratory therapy (RT) apprenticeship this fall. The intiative aims to help with health care workforce shortages, while meeting patient needs and reducing educational and professional barriers.

The powerful apprenticeship experience

Wisconsin employers recognize the extraordinary advantages of apprenticeship training by paying employees for time spent both on the job and in classes, a practice that is unique in the United States.

The success of this is evident, as Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers recently celebrated record numbers in the state’s Registered Apprenticeship Program, which boasts 17,089 enrolled apprentices— a record high and the third consecutive year of growth in registered apprentices.

A great path to pursue

Bryant Richards, another plumbing apprentice, returned to college for a new career and considers it the best decision he has made. “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 apprenticeships and trades in Wisconsin’s economy and community. “We make a significant impact; everything built involves a tradesperson, and there is a great demand for that. The jobs are competitive with excellent benefits, making this a great path to pursue.”

Find more about Madison College Apprenticeship Programs.

Madison College apprenticeship program students — Apprenticeship training programs combine structured on-the-job training with relevant classroom instruction.