Record-high number of apprentices in Wisconsin [Video]

FOX CROSSING, Wis. (WBAY) – More people are becoming apprentices in our state than ever before.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) recently celebrated a record 17,089 apprentices enrolled in Wisconsin’s Registered Apprenticeship Program.

“We’re leading the way with new opportunities in fields such as teaching, child care, IT and finance, healthcare, and arboriculture, bringing apprenticeship to more diverse participants and new industries,” director of DWD’s Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards David Polk said in a statement.

Faith Technologies Incorporated (FTI), headquartered in Menasha, noticed growing interest in the trades.

“We do a lot of relationships with the schools and our job shadow program to bring people into the program. We’re definitely seeing a lot more apprentices coming to Faith,” Director of Workforce Management Scott Ross explained.

According to Ross, more than 1,100 people are in the Faith Technologies University (FTU) apprenticeship program. FTU is part of FTI.

“I mean, look at where the industry is going, the amount of work we’re able to do, …