Wisconsin Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
All Trade Schools & Apprenticeships / Wisconsin Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Wisconsin
Average Cost of Trade School in Wisconsin
Trade school costs in Wisconsin often reflect strong technical college systems and employer partnerships. Tuition may be manageable, but specialized trades can still require upfront spending on equipment and testing. Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $1,906 higher than in-state on average.
| Wisconsin Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $4,959 |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $6,865 |
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Wisconsin
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you train on the job and complete required instruction. In many cases, the employer covers tuition or class fees while you earn wages. You may still need to budget for tools, safety gear, and travel.
Paying for Trade School in Wisconsin
Trade school expenses aren’t always limited to tuition, which is why many students seek outside help. Scholarships and workforce funding are two common sources. Employer assistance may be available depending on the trade. Wisconsin scholarships
If borrowing is unavoidable, comparing private loan rates and repayment terms before choosing a lender is important: Compare private student loan rates
Wisconsin Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- Wisconsin trade pathways often rely on structured apprenticeships. Many entry-level programs take 6–24 months, while apprenticeships commonly run 3–5 years with defined related instruction hours.
- Licensing requirements vary by trade and locality. Some regulated work may require licensing and exams, with local permitting/inspection common—verify requirements for your trade and municipality.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality, require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Want to see what trades pay in Wisconsin?
View the Wisconsin skilled trade salary table (hourly, monthly, and annual pay) plus job outlook context.
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Showing all schools and apprenticeships in Wisconsin.
We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Top Apprenticeship Programs in Wisconsin
Explore the most trusted Apprenticeship programs available in Wisconsin.
The Sprinkler Fitter Apprentice opportunity is a registered apprenticeship focused on the installation of automatic fire protection systems.
The Cement Masons & Plasterers Registered Apprenticeship through Local 633 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) offers a proven, industry-recognized pathway into the skilled construction trades.
The Cement Mason Apprenticeship Program offers comprehensive, paid training for individuals seeking careers in the masonry and trowel trades.
The Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Association (OPCMIA) represents one of the oldest and most respected skilled trades organizations in North America.
The Steamfitting Apprenticeship Program through the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC WI) trains individuals to install, service, and repair piping systems that carry steam, chemicals, compressed air, fuel, or other pressure-producing substances.
The Sprinkler Fitting Apprenticeship Program through the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC WI) trains individuals to design, install, repair, maintain, and inspect fire protection systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
The Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program through the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC WI) provides in-depth training in the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of sheet metal systems.
The Roofing Apprenticeship Program through the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC WI) provides in-depth training in the installation, repair, and renovation of residential and commercial roofs.
The Plumbing Apprenticeship Program through the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC WI) trains individuals to design, install, and repair piping systems that supply water, remove wastewater, and support heating and cooling systems in buildings.
The HVAC Apprenticeship Program through the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC WI) trains individuals to install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems in both residential and commercial environments.
The Heavy Equipment Operating Apprenticeship Program through the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC WI) provides comprehensive, hands-on training in the operation and maintenance of heavy construction equipment.
The Heat & Frost Insulating Apprenticeship Program through the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC WI) trains individuals to install, maintain, and repair insulation systems that control temperature and energy efficiency in buildings, piping, and mechanical systems.
The Electrical Apprenticeship Program through the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC WI) provides extensive training in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical components and wiring systems.
The Concrete Finishing Apprenticeship Program through the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC WI) trains individuals to pour, level, and finish concrete for a wide range of construction projects.
The Carpentry Apprenticeship Program offered through the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC WI) provides comprehensive training in residential, commercial, and industrial construction.
The Bricklaying Apprenticeship Program through the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC WI) provides comprehensive training in the craft of masonry and structural construction.
Leading Automotive Programs in Wisconsin
Discover top-rated Automotive training options available in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College offers a range of hands-on technical programs designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in various industries.
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (Southwest Tech) is a respected leader in hands-on technical education, serving students across rural and regional Wisconsin with career-focused training in high-demand skilled trades.
Northwood Technical College in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, is a well-established institution known for providing high-quality, hands-on training in several high-demand skilled trades.
Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) is one of Wisconsin’s largest and most respected technical colleges, serving a wide region of northeastern Wisconsin with a strong focus on applied learning and workforce readiness.
Western Technical College, located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, provides technical education designed to support skilled trade careers throughout the western region of the state.
Northcentral Technical College (NTC) in Wausau provides hands-on technical education designed to prepare students for skilled trade careers that are essential across central Wisconsin and the greater Upper Midwest.
Nicolet Area Technical College is a well-regarded technical institution serving northern Wisconsin, known for delivering career-focused education aligned with regional workforce needs.
Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is a public technical college serving Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.
Mid-State Technical College is a public technical college serving central Wisconsin, with a primary campus located in Wisconsin Rapids.
Leading Aviation Programs in Wisconsin
Discover top-rated Aviation training options available in Wisconsin.
Gateway Technical College in Kenosha offers a comprehensive Aviation Maintenance Technician program that provides the knowledge and technical skills needed for FAA certification in aircraft maintenance.
Top Commercial Driving (CDL) Programs in Wisconsin
Explore the most trusted Commercial Driving (CDL) programs available in Wisconsin.
DriveCo CDL Training in Brookfield, Wisconsin provides comprehensive truck driver education designed to prepare students for a successful career in commercial transportation.
Western Technical College offers a professional Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training Program designed to prepare students for successful careers in the transportation industry.
Leading Construction Programs in Wisconsin
Discover top-rated Construction training options available in Wisconsin.
Madison Area Technical College, commonly known as Madison College, offers a wide range of skilled trade programs designed to support workforce needs across south-central Wisconsin.
Best Diesel Mechanic Programs in Wisconsin
Browse accredited and verified Diesel Mechanic programs across Wisconsin.
Lakeshore Technical College is a public technical college located in Cleveland, Wisconsin, serving students across eastern Wisconsin.
Gateway Technical College, located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, offers technical education programs designed to prepare students for skilled trade careers across southeastern Wisconsin.
Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) is a public technical college serving west-central Wisconsin, with its main campus located in Eau Claire.
Blackhawk Technical College (BTC) serves southern Wisconsin with a strong focus on career-ready technical education aligned directly with regional employer needs.