La Crosse, Wis., June 10, 2026 — Western Technical College has expanded career-connected education opportunities with the launch of two new Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Registered Apprenticeship programs: Surgical Technologist and Education Assistant.
The new apprenticeship programs are designed to help students earn an associate degree while gaining paid, hands-on experience with employer sponsors in high-demand career fields. Apprentices will combine classroom instruction at Western with structured on-the-job training, allowing them to build workforce-ready skills while earning a wage.
“These new degree apprenticeship opportunities reflect Western’s commitment to meeting regional workforce needs while creating accessible pathways for students to earn credentials and gain meaningful employment experience,” said Angie Martin, Director of Business and Industry Services at Western. “By partnering directly with employers, we are helping students learn in real-world environments while strengthening the workforce pipeline for our communities.”
The Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship prepares students to work as vital members of surgical teams in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Apprentices will complete coursework through Western’s Surgical Technology associate degree program while receiving hands-on clinical and workplace experience with participating healthcare employers.
The Education Assistant Apprenticeship is designed for individuals interested in supporting students and educators in K-12 school settings. Apprentices will work within participating school districts while completing coursework aligned with Western’s Foundations of Teacher Education associate degree program.
Both programs are structured as Registered Apprenticeships through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and allow students to “earn while they learn,” reducing financial barriers while helping employers develop and retain skilled talent.
In addition, the apprenticeship programs are supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand apprenticeship opportunities in rural communities. The grant provides additional support for both rural apprentices and employer partners, helping reduce barriers to participation and strengthening workforce development efforts across the region.
“This funding creates new opportunities for rural employers and students to participate in high-quality apprenticeship programs,” said Tara Keifer, Project Manager for the grant at Western Technical College. “By supporting both the apprentice and the employer, we can expand access to career pathways while helping address workforce shortages in healthcare and education throughout our rural communities.”
To participate in either apprenticeship, students must first secure employment with a participating employer sponsor. Employer sponsors work in partnership with DWD and Western to support apprentice training and instruction throughout the program.
Western continues to expand apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities across the region in response to workforce demand and industry partnerships.
For more information about apprenticeship opportunities at Western, visit https://www.westerntc.edu/programs-possibilities/apprenticeships or contact Apprenticeship@westerntc.edu.