(Thanks to Laura Kocum from ABC of Wisconsin for this contribution to our blog.)

This spring, an apprentice named Melody graduated from a sheet metal apprenticeship. For Melody, this is a second career. She started as a chef, but after years of long hours, lagging wages, and instability during the pandemic, she decided it was time for a change. After researching her options, she chose a sheet metal apprenticeship.  “Everyone needs heat and air. These needs aren’t going anywhere. I can do anything with the skilled trades,” she exclaimed.

Melody wishes she had known about apprenticeships sooner and had begun her program right out of high school. She sees that her apprenticeship has created a career path that will pay well, provide stability, and give her the positive work environment she was seeking.

Apprenticeships are Paid

In Wisconsin, apprentices in the construction trades are paid a required minimum wage while they train- a wage that increases annually until the program is completed. A beginning sheet metal apprentice, for example, will earn $18.08/hour in Dane County, increase to a minimum of $22.09/ hour in year two, and graduate earning a minimum of $40.17/hour, all while learning the skills necessary to be a craft professional.  Employers have the option to pay more than these minimums, and market conditions are currently favorable to boost apprentices’ wages.

Apprenticeships Provide Stability

In 2023, there were half a million more job openings in construction than there were skilled workers to fill them. These jobs require people trained in skilled trades, like carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, sheet metal and more. They also are family sustaining jobs, with wages and benefits.  Skilled construction workers and contractors work on important projects like hospitals, schools and public safety centers that transform and improve communities. These infrastructure needs are not going away.

Apprenticeships Include Positive Work Culture

The vast majority of construction and contractor employers are family run businesses, with interest in growing leaders from within their own teams. This creates an important focus on safety, positive work cultures, and opportunities for employees to build a career. By graduation, apprentices have a living wage, the expertise to take on significant projects and the opportunity, if they choose, to own and operate their own business. 

Melody’s story is specific to the construction industry, but there are apprenticeships available in many fields including healthcare, information technology, service, agriculture and more. For more information on apprenticeships of all kinds, visit the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/.