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Skill Improvement and Apprenticeship Fund

The training program offers a comprehen- Community outreach is another significant
sive approach that includes classroom instruction aspect of our apprenticeship program’s involve-
and hands-on experience. This format enables ment with the training initiative. We actively
apprentices to learn essential concepts such as participate in local career events aimed at raising
project safety, equipment operation, materi- awareness about career opportunities in the con-
als handling, and construction techniques. By struction industry. By engaging with schools
directly participating in real highway projects, and community organizations, we promote the
apprentices can apply their skills in practical importance of highway infrastructure and inspire
settings, solidifying their understanding and young individuals to consider apprenticeship as
building confidence. a viable and rewarding career path.
One of the striking features of our involve- As our apprenticeship program contin-
ment has been the emphasis on safety training. ues to evolve, we remain committed to helping
Given the potentially hazardous conditions our apprentices succeed in their careers while
involved in highway construction, we prioritize addressing the skilled labor shortage in highway
equipping apprentices with the knowledge and construction. The ongoing collaboration with the
tools to work safely. The program integrates Highway Construction Skills Training Program
comprehensive safety protocols into every enhances our ability to provide participants with
aspect of training, ensuring our apprentices the training, experience, and support they need
Operating Engineers 139 significantly to the infrastructure development value safety as a culture, not just a requirement. to thrive in a critical industry.
In today’s rapidly evolving construction of our communities. Moreover, the collaborative nature of the In conclusion, our apprenticeship program’s
industry, skilled labor is more essential than Our involvement in the Highway Con- apprenticeship program fosters an environ- involvement with the Highway Construction
ever. Recognizing this demand, our appren- struction Skills Training Program started with ment of mentorship. Experienced professionals Skills Training Program represents a powerful
ticeship program has actively engaged with a shared vision: to bridge the gap between edu- from the Highway Construction Skills Training partnership focused on fostering skilled labor for
Program serve as trainers and mentors, guiding
cational training and real-world application in
the future. Together, we are building not only the
the Highway Construction Skills Training the highway construction sector. By collabo- apprentices through challenges and sharing infrastructure of our roads but also the future of
Program to provide comprehensive training rating on curriculum development and training invaluable insights from their own careers. our workforce — one apprentice at a time. We
and development opportunities for the next sessions, we’ve ensured that our apprentices This mentorship not only enriches the train- are excited about the impact this collaboration
generation of construction workers. This receive industry-relevant skills that are crucial ing experience but also helps apprentices build will continue to have on our apprentices, our
partnership has not only enhanced our appren- for success in construction jobs, particularly in professional networks and develop crucial soft communities, and the construction industry as a
ticeship offerings but has also contributed highway projects. skills like teamwork and communication. whole.

Kromrey Middle School’s “Trade Up” Event Showcases Skilled Trade

Careers

from two construction companies also pre-
sented, discussing careers at their companies
such as mechanical contractors and construc-
tion jobs.
The presenters highlighted education and
training requirements, salary ranges, work
environments, and what their jobs entail. They
also discussed apprenticeships and the require-
ments for obtaining journeyman licenses.
Students asked presenters questions
about what they do, how much they earn, and
how to start training.
"Honestly, all the careers were really
interesting to me because you can keep devel-
oping your skills, and you can keep advancing
onto one specification in your career, " seventh
grader Harshitha Manikandan told WKOW 27
News, which covered the event.
In addition to hearing from professionals, perspectives about their options after high
the event’s curriculum included opportuni- school.
ties for students to learn about different types “The message we’re emphasizing is
Carrie Brooker long academic and career planning (ACP) of post-secondary education and post-high that not everyone wants to go to a four-year
Public Relations Specialist experience for seventh graders to learn from school pathways. Students also received a college, and that's completely okay,” Cree
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District skilled trades professionals and employers. preview of Middleton High School's Youth said. “The skilled trades offer great pay, job
Seventh graders at Kromrey Middle He invited plumbers, electricians and Apprenticeship program. security and the chance to see something you
School got a sneak peek of careers in the trades operating engineers, including IUOE Local WMTV 15 News also covered the event. built with your own hands.”
at the school’s Trade Up event on Feb. 17. 139 – Wisconsin Operating Engineers, who Kromrey Middle School Associate Principal
Technical education teacher Dan Biddick run heavy machinery such as cranes and exca- and ACP coordinator Joanna Cree told WMTV
organized the event to coincide with a day- vators to talk with students. Representatives 15 News the event aimed to broaden students’ www.mcpasd.k12.wi.us