Apprenticeship Application Checklist
What to gather before you apply — Wisconsin-focused
Pick your lane
✅ Prepared beats “potential”
🕒 Many programs are year-round — but interview cutoffs matter
📄 Get official transcripts early
🚗 Reliable transportation is non-negotiable
What programs actually want
Show up on timeConsistency beats “talent.” Be the reliable guy.
Reliable rideGetting to the jobsite matters as much as the job itself.
Drug-freeTesting is common. Don’t lose a career over a weekend.
Take directionListen, ask questions, improve fast. No ego.
Safety mindsetYou’re responsible for yourself and your crew.
Basic mathFractions, measuring, word problems. Practice daily.
1) Identification & Eligibility
- Government-issued photo ID
- Legal eligibility to work in the U.S.
- Valid driver’s license (most trades) + reliable transportation
2) Education Records
- High school diploma or GED
- Official transcripts (request early)
- Proof of basic algebra completion (especially electrical)
3) Aptitude Readiness
- Algebra refresh (fractions, equations, word problems)
- Reading comprehension (tests + safety manuals)
- Mechanical reasoning (varies by trade)
4) Work History & References
- Previous employers + dates
- Supervisor contact info (or credible references)
- Honesty beats polish — don’t “inflate”
5) Physical & Medical Readiness
- Ability to lift, climb, work outdoors/heat/cold
- Drug testing (common)
- Safety responsibility to coworkers
6) Background Checks
A record doesn’t always disqualify you. Dishonesty almost always does.
Wisconsin timing reality: Many committees accept applications year-round, but they still use closing dates for interview rounds. Treat it like a “window” anyway—apply early so you’re in the next ranking group.
Official WI apprenticeship directory (committees + contacts): WI DWD Local Apprenticeship Committees
🔌 Wisconsin Electrician Apprenticeships (IBEW / WIJATC)
Sorted + searchable. Click a column header to sort.
| Local / Committee | Area | Applications | How it’s handled | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IBEW 159 (Madison Area JAC) | Madison | Year-round | In-person + closing dates | Monthly closing date (often 4th Friday). Call training office for current round. |
| IBEW 494 (Milwaukee Electrical JATC) | Milwaukee / SE WI | Check current | Online request + instructions | Timelines vary by intake needs; follow JATC directions for testing/interview schedule. |
| IBEW 430 (Racine Area JAC) | Racine / Kenosha | Year-round | Mondays / appt + interview rounds | Interviews multiple times per year; due dates determine which round you land in. |
| IBEW 127 (Kenosha Area JAC) | Kenosha | Year-round | In-person | Bring transcripts; watch for published closing dates for interview rounds. |
| IBEW 158 (Northeast WI JAC) | Green Bay | Year-round | In-person / appt | Closing dates determine interview session eligibility. |
| IBEW 577 (Appleton/Oshkosh JAC) | Appleton / Oshkosh | Year-round | In-person | Some programs list extended weekday hours; confirm before you drive. |
| IBEW 388 (Wisconsin River Area JAC) | Stevens Point | Year-round | In-person | Watch for announced closing dates for the next interview round. |
| IBEW 890 (South Central WI JAC) | Janesville | Year-round | In-person | Confirm daily application hours and transcript requirements. |
| IBEW 14 (La Crosse Area JAC) | La Crosse | Year-round | In-person + posted cutoffs | Some rounds publish specific deadlines—check the latest post. |
🚿 Plumbing / 🔥 Steamfitting / ❄️ HVAC Service (Pipe Trades)
Many pipe programs route you through an online portal or a packet + transcript submission.
| Program | Area | Applications | How to start | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers Local 75 (Plumbing apprenticeship) | Milwaukee + Madison regions | Portal-based | Register online → follow local instructions | Expect transcripts + readiness screening; watch for specific dates. |
| UA Local 434 (Plumbing / Steamfitting / HVAC Service) | Central & Western WI | Packet + scores | Complete packet → send transcripts + required scores | Some programs require contractor sponsor—follow instructions closely. |
| Steamfitters Local 601 (Paid UA apprenticeship) | Milwaukee / Madison pathways | Portal-based | Create account → follow application steps | Bring transcripts/GED as directed for screening/orientation steps. |
| WI DWD — Plumbing occupation page (state resource) | Statewide | Varies | Use “Applications Accepted” links by region | Good for finding region-specific committees and official contact routes. |
🧰 Sheet Metal / HVAC (SMART)
Great lane if you like fabrication + installs + HVAC service work.
| Program | Area | Applications | Start link | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMART Local 18 (Sheet Metal / HVAC related) | Waukesha / SE WI | Contact JATC | Details | Call/email for current intake dates and required documents. |
| Milwaukee Area Sheet Metal JATC | Milwaukee region | Online | Apply | Expect structured requirements; read the page before submitting. |
🪚 Carpenters (UBC)
Framing, concrete forms, interior systems, finish work.
| Local / Program | Area | Applications | How to Apply | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters Local 314 | Madison / Central WI | Year-round | Contact training center | Local · Training |
| Carpenters Local 344 | Milwaukee / SE WI | Year-round | Online / in-person | Local · Training |
🚧 Laborers (LIUNA)
Construction support, concrete, utilities, roadway work. Often the fastest entry.
| Local | Area | Applications | Entry Path | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LIUNA Local 464 | Madison / South Central WI | Year-round | Apply → dispatch | Local |
| LIUNA Local 113 | Milwaukee / SE WI | Year-round | Walk-in / call hall | Local |
🏗️ Ironworkers
Structural steel, rebar, welding. High skill, high pay, physical work.
| Local | Area | Applications | Process | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ironworkers Local 8 | Milwaukee / SE WI | Periodic intakes | Application → test → interview | Local |
| Ironworkers Local 383 | Madison / Central WI | Periodic | Call training center | Local |
🚜 Operating Engineers (Heavy Equipment)
If you’d rather run machines than carry materials all day, this lane can be a fit.
| Program | Location | Applications | Start link | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IUOE Local 139 (Apprenticeship) | Coloma, WI (training center) | Info session / application | Details | Read required documents + testing score requirements before applying. |
Timelines, requirements, and intake dates can change. Always verify details on the official local/training site before driving in or submitting documents.