By Ascendium Education Group

While you can’t see the sheet metal or welding labs — or even a classroom — when driving by the Commercial Avenue Education Center on the corner of Commercial and Packers Avenue, it’s still evident that hands-on learning is happening at this space. This campus houses Madison College’s Construction and Remodeling design program and is the primary training center for many apprentices. The tiny homes and sheds you see outside are built by apprentices at Madison College and sold to residents in the Madison community.

Apprenticeships are training programs that provide learners with on-the-job experience along with classroom instruction. In Wisconsin, apprentices are sponsored by an employer, an employer association or a labor organization, and then enrolled in classroom instruction via a technical college. Many learners see apprenticeships as an investment in their future. For employers, it’s an investment in their workforce.

That’s why at Ascendium, we recognize the important role of apprenticeships in preparing learners with the right skills for in-demand jobs and assisting local employers in filling those well-paying jobs. Through our national philanthropy, we support initiatives that explore different pathways for learners to and through workforce training, including short-term credentials, hybrid college models and apprenticeships. Each of these pathways provide the opportunity for upward mobility by providing a well-paying job, especially for learners from low-income backgrounds.

In addition, we’ve awarded scholarships to eligible apprentices enrolled at a Wisconsin Technical College System college since 2013 through our Tools of the Trade Scholarship Program. Each scholarship helps an apprentice with the cost of tools, clothing and other equipment required for their apprenticeship. Last year, we surpassed $2 million in scholarship awards to eligible apprentices across the system.

Over 450 apprentices from Madison College have received Tools of the Trade scholarships since the program’s inception. More apprentices from Madison College will be receiving a scholarship this spring to help them stay on track to complete or continue their apprenticeship. When these learners complete their apprenticeship, they unlock the opportunity to secure a well-paying job in the trades and become an asset to local employers and those who utilize their services in the community.

Learn more about our mission to help individuals rise at ascendiumeducation.org.