Governor Tony Evers celebrated the launch of the U.S. Climate Alliance Governorsā Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative on September 30, 2024. This ambitious initiative aims to train 1 million new registered apprentices by 2035, focusing on expanding the clean energy workforce and supporting job training in innovative industries [814894a0]. Evers emphasized Wisconsin's historical role in apprenticeship programs, noting that the state has experienced low unemployment and record employment levels. The initiative aligns with the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement, reinforcing the state's commitment to addressing climate change through workforce development [814894a0].
In addition to this new initiative, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has recently received over $1 million to expand the stateās Registered Apprenticeship and Certified Pre-Apprenticeship programs. This funding is part of the U.S. Department of Labor's State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula funding, which is part of President Biden's "Investing in America" agenda [aaa58e01]. The DWD plans to use the funding to conduct outreach, create new opportunities for employers, and enhance the connection between Certified Pre-Apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs [aaa58e01].
Wisconsin's Registered Apprenticeship program reached 16,394 enrolled apprentices in 2023, showcasing the growing interest and participation in these programs [814894a0]. The DWD aims to strengthen the workforce and position the economy for success in Wisconsin by providing earn-while-you-learn opportunities for high-skill, high-wage employment [aaa58e01].
The broader context of workforce development is highlighted by a recent report from Multiverse and the Burning Glass Institute, which identifies 830,000 new apprenticeship opportunities that could open up annually in the U.S. [c9219e02]. This report emphasizes the importance of on-the-job training in addressing the financial strain on employers and the need for skilled workers to break into sought-after careers. It also notes that apprenticeships are increasingly used by employers to attract talent and fill skills gaps, moving beyond traditional trades to include sectors like healthcare, IT, and clean energy [c9219e02].
Overall, the combination of the new Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative and the expansion of existing apprenticeship programs in Wisconsin reflects a concerted effort to enhance job training and workforce development in alignment with clean energy goals and economic growth [814894a0][aaa58e01].