Wisconsin Senate Bill SB242

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/9/25
• Refer: 5/9/25
• Report Pass: 3/3/26
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

An Act to amend 106.015 (1) of the statutes; Relating to: required ratio of journeyworkers to apprentices in apprenticeship programs and contracts.

Impact

The impact of SB242 is significant as it could lead to increased apprenticeship opportunities in various trades and industries within Wisconsin. By allowing more apprentices to be paired with a single journeyworker, proponents argue that this change can facilitate a more efficient learning environment and enhance the skills development of new workers. As the state faces workforce shortages, this adjustment in ratio could spearhead initiatives to attract and train more individuals in the trades, which are essential for the economy.

Summary

Senate Bill 242 aims to amend the existing ratio of journeyworkers to apprentices in apprenticeship programs in Wisconsin. Under current law, the Department of Workforce Development cannot allow more than one journeyworker for each apprentice. SB242 proposes to change this ratio to one journeyworker for up to two apprentices, thereby providing more flexibility in apprenticeship structures. This bill has been introduced by a coalition of senators and representatives, highlighting the importance of workforce training and development in state legislation.

Contention

Despite the potential advantages, there are notable points of contention surrounding SB242. Critics worry that increasing the apprentice-to-journeyworker ratio may lead to diminished training quality and oversight for apprentices. There are concerns that with more apprentices per journeyworker, the personal attention and mentorship that apprentices receive might be compromised. Therefore, discussions around this bill could center on the balance between increasing apprenticeship opportunities and maintaining high training standards.