A Western Technical College Guide for Employers: Building Your Workforce Through Apprenticeship

At Western, we believe in learning by doing—and apprenticeship is one of the most powerful ways to build talent from the ground up. Registered Apprenticeship is a high-quality, work-based learning model that combines structured, on-the-job training with classroom instruction. It’s not just training—it’s a direct investment in your future workforce.

As an employer, you play a central role in apprenticeship. Your job openings drive the opportunity. Your mentorship and guidance fuel the learning. And through Western’s partnership with the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (BAS), you gain access to a system that supports long-term growth, skills development, and industry advancement.

How to Get Started with Apprenticeship

1. Connect With Your Apprenticeship Training Representative (ATR)

   Western works closely with Wisconsin’s ATRs—your go-to resource for launching or expanding an apprenticeship program. ATRs provide personalized guidance and on-site assistance to help you assess your workforce needs and align them with the right apprenticeship pathway.

   Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards - Apprenticeship Training Representative:
   Darrell Ferguson
   2860 21st Place S
   La Crosse, WI 54601
   608-514-3233
   darrell.ferguson@dwd.wisconsin.gov

2. Design an Apprenticeship That Fits Your Business

   No two businesses are alike—and your training model shouldn’t be either. Your ATR will guide you in building a program tailored to your company’s job roles and future needs. You can adopt an existing model or design a new program from the ground up, all with Western’s support for classroom instruction.

   What Western provides: Quality classroom education aligned with current industry standards, delivered by experienced instructors in modern, hands-on learning environments.

3. Become an Approved Training Sponsor

   Once your program is designed, it’s time to register. Through the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, your business becomes an official sponsor. You’ll join over 2,000 Wisconsin employers committed to growing their skilled workforce through apprenticeship.

   Your responsibilities:

   • Hire and mentor apprentices
   • Provide structured, supervised on-the-job training
   • Pay apprentices for both work and classroom instruction
   • Support wage progression as skills are gained

   Western ensures the classroom portion of your apprentices' training meets high educational standards, helping them succeed both on the job and in the classroom.

4. Grow Your Workforce and Your Business

   With your program in place, Western continues to be your partner. Together with your ATR, we’ll help you evaluate program outcomes, troubleshoot challenges, and adjust for continuous improvement. You’ll build a pipeline of talent and preserve the hard-earned skills of your current workforce.

   The result: Loyal, highly skilled employees trained specifically for your business and your future.

Why Partner with Western Technical College?

• Proven success in apprenticeship education
• Deep ties to industry and regional employers
• State-of-the-art labs and training spaces
• Flexible scheduling options to support working learners
• Ongoing employer support and collaboration