State officials kick off National Apprenticeship Week with another year of record-breaking enrollment

Summary

Wisconsin has kicked off National Apprenticeship Week with an impressive milestone: a record 12,141 high school juniors and seniors have enrolled in the state's Youth Apprenticeship program for the 2025-26 school year. This surge reflects a growing recognition of the value of apprenticeship as a pathway to career readiness for young individuals.

The increase in enrollment highlights the importance of earn-and-learn models that connect education with real-world experience. As more students engage in apprenticeships, the workforce is poised to benefit from a skilled talent pool ready to meet the demands of various industries.

Why this matters for apprenticeships

This story underscores the vital role of registered apprenticeship programs in shaping the future workforce. With more youth participating, employers and educators can collaborate to create sustainable career pathways that not only support individual growth but also drive economic development.