The Wisconsin Apprenticeship Advisory Council, an arm of the state’s Department of Workforce Development, recently approved pre-apprenticeships for youth taking online classes through Destinations Career Academy of Wisconsin as well as adults who are preparing for apprenticeships. This certification is important for the Wisconsin Operating Engineers because it formally recognizes DCA’s online program as a bridge to registered apprenticeship.
Pre-apprenticeship certification adds our program to a list of certifications that DWD uses to award Act 59 grants to high schools. Grants from this program incentivize school districts to off er high-quality career and technical education programs that ease workforce shortages in key industries and occupations. The grants reimburse up to $1,000 for each pupil in a school district who earns an approved, industry-recognized certification.
A pre-apprenticeship program for adults is piloting with five contractors through a Fast Forward grant. In the future, the certification allows Wisconsin Operating Engineers to serve as an Eligible Training Provider and accept Individual Training Account funds.
With Foxconn Technologies Group starting to award contracts, efforts to recruit and train new Operators will be critical for contractors working on the company’s mega-project in Racine County.
For more information on the externships, AB375, or pre-apprenticeship certification, contact Laura Cataldo at 608-616-2835, or laura.cataldo@bakertilly.com
English 
Español de México