Wisconsin Construction Apprenticeships Hit Record High With 2,600 Enrolled

A growing number of Wisconsinites are turning to the skilled trades as a pathway to stable careers, higher wages, and long-term growth opportunities. This week, the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC-WI) announced a new milestone: more than 2,600 apprentices are now enrolled in its apprenticeship program, the largest in the state.

Of those apprentices, 679 are entering their first year — nearly 100 more than last year’s class. The increase underscores a rising demand for training in construction-related fields at a time when Wisconsin, like much of the country, is confronting labor shortages in skilled trades.

“Construction apprentices are setting themselves up for a profitable future,” said Kelly Tourdot, president of ABC-WI. “Apprentices earn wages both for their work, and their classroom instruction time, all while learning in-demand skills that cannot be replaced.”

The ABC-WI program stands out not only for its size, but also for its structure. Apprentices are paired with an apprenticeship manager who provides guidance throughout their training. From there, they split their time between classroom instruction — in partnership with Wisconsin’s technical colleges — and on-the-job training with ABC-WI member companies.

With nearly 1,100 member companies across the state, ABC-WI provides a wide network of employers who both support and rely on apprentices. This structure ensures apprentices have ample opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom directly to real projects, giving them an edge in both experience and employability.

Tourdot noted that these relationships often extend well beyond training. “So many of ABC of Wisconsin’s companies are smaller or family-owned companies,” she said. “Apprentices who join these teams are able to be promoted, grow with their companies, and build lifelong relationships with their employers.”

Apprentices in the program can choose between 12 distinct trades, with completion times ranging from three to five years depending on the trade and hours worked. While opportunities are diverse, one area is clearly driving interest this year: electrical work.

More than two-thirds of new apprentices are training to become electricians. The demand for electricians remains strong statewide, as virtually every commercial construction project requires their expertise. From wiring hospitals and veterinary clinics to installing complex systems like solar panels, electricians are essential across a wide range of industries.

For Cole McCloskey, a program graduate who is now co-owner of The Electrician, Inc. in Verona, the ABC-WI apprenticeship was transformative.

“The ABC apprenticeship program provided me with the skills I needed to succeed as an electrician — but it also gave soft skills that prepared me to move up the ranks,” McCloskey explained. “Thanks to the merit-based system, I now am part owner of an electrical company, and I’m proud to help train the next generation of apprentices.”

Stories like McCloskey’s highlight the dual benefit of apprenticeships: they not only equip individuals with the technical know-how for immediate employment, but also prepare them for leadership and entrepreneurship within the trades.

The surge in enrollment comes as state policymakers continue to spotlight the importance of construction and the merit shop philosophy that underpins ABC-WI’s work. Earlier this year, Sen. Pat Testin, who represents the 24th District, was honored with the Building Wisconsin Award from ABC-WI.

“I am proud to have recently received the Building Wisconsin Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin,” Testin said. “It’s an honor to stand with ABC members and continue promoting opportunities that help both workers and our state’s economy thrive.”

The award recognizes legislators who have shown consistent support for the merit shop construction industry. It also acknowledges efforts to promote free enterprise, open competition, and policies that strengthen both Wisconsin’s construction sector and its broader economy.

For ABC-WI, the record-breaking enrollment is more than a statistic — it’s an encouraging sign that more young people and career changers are discovering the value of apprenticeships. By blending paid, hands-on work with formal instruction, the program provides an alternative to traditional higher education that leaves participants with little debt and plenty of opportunity.

As Wisconsin’s construction needs continue to grow, so too does the need for a workforce that is trained, motivated, and ready to meet demand. With more than 2,600 apprentices now advancing through ABC-WI’s program, leaders believe the future of Wisconsin’s construction industry is on solid ground.