Northcentral Technical College. MWC photo by Mike Leischner.
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Governor Tony Evers celebrated a milestone in Wisconsin’s apprenticeship program on Thursday.
According to the Department of Workforce Development, the state has surpassed 15,000 participants in the Registered Apprenticeship program—the highest participation rate in the program in two decades.
“They are learning the skills and practicing the skills at the same time,” said Evers. “The more apprentices we have in the state, the better. It’s helping our workforce, it’s helping employers find people that will be good, long-term employees.”
Evers says another mark of the program’s success is just how many industries and career fields are participating in the apprenticeship program, such as the medical field. “There are lots of different jobs in health care now, it’s not just doctors and nurses. There are all sorts of people that keep the building running.
“This is going to continue being an important part of our economy going forward, and it’s going to expand dramatically,” he added.
Thursday’s announcement featured comments from an apprentice in the state’s Human Resource department, who said she is finding the program valuable for her career as well.
Evers was joined by Department of Workforce Development Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek for Thursday’s announcement. The pair also stopped in DeForest to mark the milestone at the LiUNA Training Center.
DEBATE PREP UNDERWAY
Evers was also asked about how he is preparing for next week’s Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Governor Debate with Republican challenger Tim Michels. He says his focus is going to be on the positive things that have happened in the last three and a half years under his leadership. He also wants to make sure that his record is clear to the voters.
“I want to make sure that the record is correct on all the things that they are saying that frankly, are inaccurate- [to put it kindly.] Others might say they are lies,” said Evers.
Evers added that he and Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, who will debate GOP incumbent Ron Johnson on Friday in the US Senate race, aren’t sharing notes or coaching each other up for their respective debates.
“We’re friends, so when we talk it’s not necessarily about politics. It’s about life in general. Even when you are running for office you have to make sure your lives are in good order as well. It’s usually about personal stuff,” he said.
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