An Eastern Wisconsin Senator’s bill aimed at addressing a significant financial barrier to entering well-paying skilled trade careers has taken a major step forward.
The bill co-authored by De Pere Senator Andre Jacque, and Greenville Assemblyman David Murphy, which would create the “Tools of the Trade” program, has passed in a Senate committee in a unanimous vote.
The duo explained in a news release that under the bill, each individual student who qualifies is eligible to receive up to $1,500 to assist in paying for materials and expenses associated with the apprenticeship training program, including tools, clothing, equipment, and supplies.
Additionally, at the request of Wisconsin’s tribal governments, the bill also allocates $21,000 annually in tribal gaming revenue for apprenticeship Tools of the Trade grants at our state’s tribal colleges.
Sen. Jacque explained that the bill is important because “Apprenticeship education provides opportunities for this generation to build better lives for themselves and their families. At the same time, our Wisconsin economy will benefit from a growing highly-skilled workforce.”
