Wisconsin's Youth Apprenticeship Program
February 25, 2025
Building the Workforce of Tomorrow
Wisconsin's Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program offers a unique opportunity for employers to connect with the next generation of workers while addressing workforce needs. Designed to combine hands-on learning with classroom instruction, YA bridges the gap between education and career, preparing students for a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and beyond.
Why Get Involved?
Participating in the YA program can be a win-win for both employers and students. Employers gain access to motivated young talent eager to learn, while students get real-world experience that shapes their future career paths. This partnership helps build a trusted relationship between your business and the local consortium that administers the program.
How to Get Started
- Connect with Your Consortium: Your first step is reaching out to your local YA consortium. These organizations are dedicated to understanding your company’s needs and matching you with the right students. Find your local consortium at YA Consortium Directory.
- Learn from Peers: Speak with other businesses that have implemented YA programs. Their insights can help you create a successful program tailored to your organization.
- Plan for Success: Consider how your company can make the experience meaningful for youth apprentices. Are there entry-level roles to engage them? Opportunities to rotate through different departments? Pathways to transition them into specialized full-time roles?
- Address Logistics: For industries like construction, travel can be a barrier for young workers. Consider solutions like partnering with nearby schools, facilitating carpooling, or supporting apprentices in obtaining driver’s licenses.
- Be Transparent: Clearly communicate what the job entails—whether it’s outdoor work, physical labor, or unique challenges. Honesty helps set expectations for students and their families.
- Start Small: If a full apprenticeship program feels overwhelming, ease into the process by offering workshops, job site tours, or presentations at local schools.
The Role of Mentorship
A key component of YA is mentorship. Selecting the right mentor can make or break the experience for the apprentice. Mentors should be approachable, patient, and committed to guiding young workers.
A Strategic Investment
Think of YA as a "try-before-you-buy" system. These programs allow you to evaluate whether a student is a good fit for your company’s culture and long-term workforce needs. Even if you’ve already hired a student, you can still reach out to the consortium to register them in the YA program and unlock additional benefits for their development.
Investing in Wisconsin's Youth Apprenticeship program isn’t just about meeting today’s workforce demands—it’s about building a stronger future for your business and community.
Ready to take the next step? Visit Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship to learn more!
Every year, OSHA releases its list of the most frequently cited violations. The 2025 list is out, and while many industries should pay attention, underground and utility contractors face unique risks that line up with several of the top violations. Here’s a breakdown of the most relevant items, along with trenching and excavation hazards that continue to be a top focus for OSHA inspectors. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501) Falls remain the #1 most cited violation. For underground contractors, the risks aren’t always rooftops—they include falls around trenches, vaults, manholes, ladders, and uneven ground. Proper guardrails, harnesses, and safe working surfaces are essential. Hazard Communication (1910.1200) Chemicals are everywhere on utility jobs: fuels, solvents, coatings, and even the contents of pipes. Employers must ensure proper labeling, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and worker training to stay compliant. Ladders (1926.1053) Climbing in and out of holes or accessing elevated work is common. Using damaged ladders, setting them up improperly, or failing to secure them leads to frequent citations—and serious injuries. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147) Whether shutting down pumps, isolating electrical lines, or dealing with hydraulic energy, contractors must properly control hazardous energy before starting work. Failure to do so can be fatal. Respiratory Protection (1910.134) Dust, silica, exhaust, and even gas leaks underground make respiratory protection critical. Employers must provide proper respirators, medical clearance, and fit testing. Fall Protection – Training (1926.503) Having equipment isn’t enough—workers must know how to use it. Training ensures employees recognize hazards and properly use fall protection systems. Scaffolding (1926.451) Though more common in building work, scaffolding is sometimes used in utility projects. Improper erection or use can lead to collapse and falls. Eye and Face Protection (1926.102) Flying debris, sparks, fluids, and dust are part of daily life in underground work. OSHA continues to cite employers who don’t provide or enforce PPE use. Trenching & Excavation Hazards – Always a Priority Beyond the top 10 list, OSHA has placed special emphasis on trenching and excavation safety because fatalities remain high. Utility contractors should pay close attention to: Cave-ins: Protective systems (sloping, benching, shoring, shielding) are required. A “competent person” must inspect trenches daily. Spoil piles and equipment placement: Keep soil and heavy equipment at least 2 feet from trench edges. Safe access/egress: Trenches 4 feet deep or more must have ladders, ramps, or stairs within 25 feet of workers. Atmospheric hazards: Test for low oxygen or hazardous gases before entry. Provide ventilation or respiratory protection if needed. Training & competency: Workers and supervisors must be trained to recognize trench hazards. Struck-by hazards: Protect workers from falling tools, materials, and equipment near trench edges. Utility strikes: Always identify and mark underground utilities before digging to avoid catastrophic incidents. Takeaway for Contractors Staying on top of OSHA’s most cited violations isn’t just about compliance—it’s about keeping crews safe and projects on track. Underground and utility contractors should: Refresh fall protection and ladder training. Update hazard communication programs. Review lockout/tagout procedures. Conduct fit testing for respirators. Enforce PPE requirements. Double down on trenching and excavation safety. By focusing on these areas, contractors can reduce risk, protect workers, and stay ahead of OSHA citations. Click Here for the Full Article, Top 10 OSHA Violations of 2025
Blend southwestern charm with luxury at a historic dude ranch and resort. Guests can enjoy horseback riding across thousands of scenic acres, championship golf, a full-service spa, and warm Western hospitality that’s been a tradition since 1948.
Madison, WI — June 23, 2025 — Wisconsin’s water infrastructure is at a critical crossroads with federal investment transforming outdated systems and protecting public health. However, the success of these initiatives depends on sustained funding from Washington, D.C. State and local leaders are urging Congress to make ongoing water infrastructure investment a national priority. Why Continued Federal Support is Crucial Aging Infrastructure Needs: Much of Wisconsin’s water infrastructure is nearing the end of its functional life. Without regular investment, lead service lines, failing wastewater systems, and outdated stormwater management pose significant risks to public health and safety. Emerging Challenges: Contaminants like PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” threaten water safety in communities across the state. Continued funding ensures we can detect, remove, and prevent these hazards. Economic Impact: Federal funding supports thousands of jobs in construction, engineering, and manufacturing while providing cost savings to municipalities and ratepayers. A lapse in funding could halt these benefits. The Success of Federal Funding So Far Wisconsin has been a model of effective use of federal resources. Since the enactment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL): The state has received over $900 million for water infrastructure projects. $402 million has been allocated to address emerging contaminants like PFAS. Communities of all sizes have benefited from grants and below-market loans, with special attention given to underserved areas. This progress underscores the need for continued federal support to maintain momentum and address long-standing water issues. A Call to Action for Wisconsin Residents and Leaders “Water infrastructure is the backbone of our communities, safeguarding health and supporting economic growth. We must ask Congress to continue investing in these essential systems,” said Ruth Hackney, Executive Director of WUCA. Continued federal funding will empower Wisconsin to: Replace remaining lead service lines, protecting children and families. Modernize aging wastewater systems to prevent flooding and pollution. Combat PFAS contamination and other emerging threats to water safety. Why Your Voice Matters Wisconsin residents and leaders have the power to influence federal priorities. By contacting elected officials, we can ensure that water infrastructure remains at the forefront of the national agenda. How to Take Action: Contact Your Representatives: Share why clean water matters to your community and ask for ongoing water infrastructure funding in future budgets. Engage Locally: Advocate for projects that showcase the importance of federal funding in your city or town. Stay Informed: Follow updates from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and community organizations championing water initiatives.
