Contact:
Michael Horecki
michael@wisconsinbuildingtrades.org
715-225-1908
Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Building Trades Council (WBTC) is highlighting a new study that shows the leading role that joint labor-management (union) apprenticeship programs take in addressing Wisconsin’s skilled labor shortage.
The new report, published by the Midwest Economic Policy Institute and the Project for Middle Class Renewal, outlines how union-affiliated apprenticeship programs in Wisconsin are creating the vast majority of new apprentices in the skilled trades.
Key Wisconsin Apprenticeship Takeaways:
- In 2022, over 8,500 construction apprentices (77 percent) were enrolled in union programs compared to fewer than 2,500 in employer-only programs (23 percent).
- Union programs accounted for 96 percent of apprenticeship investments ($64.3 million) compared to just 4 percent ($2.9 million) from employer-only programs.
- Union programs invested more than $7,500 per construction apprentice—six times as much as employer-only programs ($1,200 per construction apprentice).
“These findings confirm what we’ve long known: Wisconsin’s building trades are doing the heavy lifting to solve the skilled labor crisis,” said Emily Pritzkow, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Building Trades Council. “We’re not just training workers—we’re building middle-class careers, creating ladders of opportunity, and ensuring Wisconsin employers have the skilled workforce they need to thrive.”
The report also notes the strong economic outcomes for workers participating in union programs:
- Union journeyworkers earn a median wage of $41/hr—41 percent more than their nonunion counterparts ($27/hr).
- The typical union construction worker earns 24 percent more than a Wisconsin worker with a bachelor’s degree ($33 per hour) and 5 percent more than a worker with a master’s degree ($39 per hour).
The study is clear in its findings that union-trained workers in Wisconsin’s trades earn significantly more on average than their non-union counterparts, and also exceed the economic outcomes for those graduating with a master’s degree.
“For over 130 years, Wisconsin’s union trades have created pathways that transform lives and strengthen our communities. Registered Apprenticeship began right here in Wisconsin, and continues to serve as the national model and gold standard in workforce development— providing debt-free education, family-sustaining wages, and the prestige of mastering a craft,” said Pritzkow. “While others talk about closing the skills gap, union trades have been quietly solving it for generations. We know that with sustained and intentional investment in the worker, the American Dream continues to thrive in the lives of our skilled tradespeople.”
About WBTC:
The Wisconsin Building Trades Council was founded in 2018 to carry on its member unions’ proud traditions, many of which have been advocating for workers’ rights in Wisconsin for over 130 years. WBTC’s 15 member unions represent more than 40,000 voices and cover every building and construction trade. All are working together to:
- Ensure and increase the number of Wisconsin jobs that support Wisconsin communities
- Increase investment in building, energy, water, and transportation infrastructure
- Ensure fair and prevailing wages and workplace safety protections for all workers on all Wisconsin construction projects
- Develop Wisconsin’s current and future workforce through high-quality, accessible union apprenticeship programs and continuing education opportunities
- Support initiatives that improve inclusion and belonging in the construction industry
- Support and advocate for responsible bidder ordinances and other efforts that protect fair wages, workers, and surrounding communities
Member Unions
- Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers District Council of Wisconsin
- International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers
- International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers Local 18
- International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers Union 107
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
- International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 200
- International Union of Elevator Constructors
- International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139
- International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 7
- Ironworkers District Council of North Central States
- North Central States Regional Council of Carpenter
- Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ Local 599 and 633
- Wisconsin Laborers’ District Council
- The Wisconsin Pipe Trades Association
- United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, & Allied Worker
