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About the Apprenticeship Standards Bureau

The Department of Workforce Development has the primary responsibility for monitoring apprenticeship programs in Wisconsin.  Through a cooperative agreement between the federal government and the state, the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training of the U.S. Department of Labor has two field staff in Wisconsin who work with state staff to ensure the smooth functioning of the system.

A fundamental part of the Wisconsin Apprenticeship System is the Agreement (contract) between the employer and the apprentice that must be approved by the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (BAS).  Such approval establishes the State's responsibility to oversee the contract to ascertain that all of the provisions are lived up to by the parties involved.

In order for such a program to work effectively for the many types of skilled trades and crafts, the system incorporates the cooperation of management organizations, labor organizations, the Wisconsin Technical College System and many other groups and agencies.

The involvement of the skilled journeyman in the training of apprentices is vital.  They also play an important role helping employers administer sound programs and by serving on apprenticeship committees advising both the Bureau and Wisconsin Technical College System.