Building Statewide Youth Apprenticeship Systems: Lessons from Wisconsin

How do states move beyond individual youth apprenticeship programs to build durable, statewide systems?

Join New America’s Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship for an invitation-only learning visit to Wisconsin, home to the nation’s oldest youth apprenticeship system. Through meetings with state leaders, local consortia, and youth and employer partners, participants will explore how Wisconsin has built the infrastructure, policies, and partnerships needed to sustain and scale apprenticeship opportunities for youth over time.

The visit will examine statewide governance and implementation structures, the evolution of Wisconsin’s policy framework, and strategies for supporting local leadership and delivery. Particular attention will be paid to how Wisconsin has aligned education, workforce, and employer partners around a shared vision for apprenticeship and embedded work-based learning opportunities within its education and workforce systems.

While Wisconsin’s unique model provides the backdrop for the visit, the focus is not on program design. Instead, participants will explore the policies, funding approaches, and structures that have enabled local partners, employers, and education institutions to drive scale and sustainability.

Participants will leave with practical lessons and actionable insights for strengthening the systems that support apprenticeship pathways for youth in their own states and communities.

Space is limited. This event is by invitation only.

Programming will begin at 9 AM on Tuesday, October 20 and conclude by 1 PM on Wednesday, October 21st. 

All sessions will take place at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center. Buses will be provided for a site visit on Tuesday afternoon. A block of complimentary rooms has been reserved for all invited state guests. Please use this link to book your room at the Milwaukee Hilton City Center by September 21, 2026.