Wisconsin Building Trades Council

08/15/2026

Union training does not stop when an apprenticeship ends.

Across Wisconsin, union tradespeople continue building their skills throughout their careers through safety training, updated certifications and hands-on instruction with new tools and technology.

That commitment to continuous learning helps workers stay safe, helps contractors meet changing industry needs and ensures every project is completed to a high standard.

In the union trades, learning is part of the job, from the first day of apprenticeship through an entire career.

08/13/2026

08/12/2026

Young people deserve career paths that let them build skills, earn a paycheck and start their futures without taking on student debt.

Union apprenticeship combines paid training, classroom instruction and hands-on experience in high-demand careers. On International Youth Day, we celebrate the next generation of tradesworkers who will build Wisconsin’s future.

08/07/2026

Part two from the Wisconsin Pipe Trades Association Apprentice Contest at Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 400 this spring. Instructor Brad Hagens breaks down what judges are watching for: logic, troubleshooting, thought process.

United Association

08/06/2026

Across Wisconsin, union tradespeople build the places and systems our communities rely on every day.

From schools and hospitals to roads, energy infrastructure and public spaces, their work is backed by rigorous training, skill and pride in doing the job right.

When Wisconsin invests in union construction, it invests in safe projects, strong careers and communities built to last.

08/04/2026

Perceptions of careers in the union trades are changing.

More young people, teachers and school counselors are recognizing that the trades offer strong wages, excellent benefits and the opportunity to build a secure future.

In this Trade Talk Wisconsin cutdown, Mike Killian of IBEW Local 159 explains how greater outreach to high schools is helping the union building trades welcome a younger and more diverse generation of workers.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAlnYPBz-a8
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2wFeHAlLNGaEZJkqfHhQRi?si=e0a924e9abbc43ac
Follow Trade Talk Wisconsin: https://open.spotify.com/show/5xaT60pw0Wzbz5rd1ivsQ6?si=bf955c1d83d74e38

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

08/03/2026

Last Thursday, 11 young people from Northeast Wisconsin completed the first-ever Youth Entry Level Construction Skills (YELCS) cohort in the region, earning their Wisconsin Pre-Apprenticeship Certification in Construction Skilled Trades after eight weeks and 163 hours of training. This program, run by WRTP / BIG STEP in partnership with NorthEast Wisconsin Building & Construction Trades Council, creates a path into apprenticeship and careers in the skilled trades. Congratulations to all our successful participants! If you or someone you know is interested in the next cohort, contact Amy Arndt at 920-961-2232 or [email protected].

07/31/2026

07/31/2026

Yesterday, NorthEast Wisconsin Building & Construction Trades Council unions were on the ground in Menasha helping neighbors clear debris after the F3 tornado damage, and fired up the grill for a brat fry to feed volunteers and community members. Thanks to everyone who is stepping forward to lend a hand during this challenging time.

07/23/2026

Earlier this spring, Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 400 hosted the Wisconsin Pipe Trades Association Apprentice Contest, bringing together plumbers, steamfitters, welders, and service techs from across the state for up to 14 hours of competition. But as Business Manager Doug Dokey puts it, it's about more than the contest. It's about camaraderie, pride, and showing apprentices what it means to be part of the United Association.