Workforce Under Construction

A recently signed bill in Wisconsin will provide a partial tuition reimbursement for students who successfully complete  apprenticeship programs and work in the trade in which they were trained.  Much like the apprenticeship tax credits we have seen in states like South Carolina, this new program will provide greater incentives for individuals and businesses to invest in skilled training to meet the skyrocketing workforce demand in industries like commercial construction.  According to the new legislation, individuals or the businesses who sponsor the trainees can receive a completion award for up to 25% of the tuition costs incurred by the apprentice or sponsor, however the award is capped at $1,000 per student.

As has been the case with many of Wisconsin’s legislative efforts to improve workforce development, this bill passed through the legislature with unanimous bi-partisan support.

Members and staff from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin participated in the bill signing, where Governor Walker praised the importance of apprenticeship programs that lead to high-paying careers in high-demand industries like construction.

“Apprenticeships are some of the most valuable worker training programs available,” said Walker,  “This bill will help employers address the current shortage of skilled workers and tailor training to their specific industry needs. It also encourages skilled workers to continue their education in rewarding career paths and allows them to earn while they learn.”

Over the past 25 years, the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin has trained thousands of skilled construction professionals in their apprenticeship system.  Learn more about their best-in-class programs here.