Workforce Development Specialist Apprenticeship

Train the Trainers. Elevate Your Team's Expertise with Proven On-the-Job Training Strategies.
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Empower Your Team. Elevate Your Operations.

At UW-Stout, we recognize the transformative power of your team’s expertise, which is why our apprenticeship was developed to cultivate your in-house talent into master trainers. This program is a strategic expedition into uncovering and amplifying potential, aligning individual growth with your organizational milestones. Collaborate with us to achieve operational excellence, and refine your team's training skills while elevating your business capacity.

Results-Focused Training for Immediate Impact

  • Tailored Training. Equip your employees with 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training plus expert-led online courses.
  • Immediate Results. Apprentices gain the skills to not just learn, but to teach, evaluate, and enhance workplace efficiency.
  • Zero Tuition. Fully funded through 2024 – a cost-effective solution for your training needs.
Professional trainer provides on-the-job training.

Program Highlights

Our program was expertly developed to align with the demands of modern industries, ensuring that every hour of instruction is relevant and immediately applicable in your business context. With the convenience of online coursework, your team can upskill without disrupting their essential roles, embodying the true spirit of professional growth.

  • Industry-Driven Curriculum. 144 hours of related instruction backed by real-world application.
  • Flexible Learning. Online courses designed to fit into busy work schedules, with no need for campus visits.
  • Earn While You Learn. On-the-job training means apprentices contribute while they grow professionally.

Benefits of Training Your Trainers

Your Business
See measurable improvements through innovative training strategies developed by your own apprentices.

Your Employees
Earn a certificate of completion and college credits, with pathways to further education at UW Stout.


Enroll Now 

Prepare your workforce for tomorrow's challenges. Contact Dr. Kelly Droege to schedule a program discussion and learn more about the application process.

  1. Contact Dr. Kelly Droege at UW-Stout. Schedule a meeting to discuss the program.
  2. Contact your state of Wisconsin apprenticeship Training Representative (ATR). Refer to the "Workforce Development Specialist" apprenticeship. Visit Wisconsin Apprenticeship Contacts
  3. After the initial contact, the employer will fill out paperwork and an Apprenticeship Contract will be created. The employer and the employee will need to provide information and receive approval from the WI Department of Workforce Development before starting the apprenticeship program.
Dr. Kelly Droege

Dr. Kelly Droege

Program Director & Associate Professor 
244 Jarvis Hall-Technology Wing
Call or Text: 715-232-5423
Email: droegek2005@uwstout.edu

Amanda Zastrow

Amanda Zastrow

Adult Student Services Coordinator
315 Sorensen Hall
Email: zastrowa@uwstout.edu

For More Information

After an initial meeting with Dr. Droege at UW-Stout, employers should register for the Workforce Development Specialist apprenticeship through the WI DWD.


View the Joint Press Release by UW-Stout and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD)

Wisconsin Apprenticeship partners with UW-Stout on new program

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and UW-Stout are partnering on a first-of-its-kind program in Wisconsin.
Continue Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS A REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM?

Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally recognized credential. The Train the Trainer apprenticeship is an "earn-as-you-learn“ program that is not limited by sector or industry. The apprenticeship requires 144 hours (nine college credits) of related instruction and provides 2000 hours (one year) of paid, on-the-job training for apprentices to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills in a way that contributes to the growth and development of the entire workforce.

WHO BENEFITS FROM THE TRAIN THE TRAINER APPRENTICESHIP?

Both employers and apprentices benefit from participation in this program. Apprentices acquire and/or strengthen knowledge and skills to design, develop, implement, and evaluate training and development solutions to improve individual, team, and organizational performance. Additionally, learners will earn a certificate of completion and nine college credits that align with their career paths, and which can be applied towards achieving an undergraduate or graduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Employers will see improvements to their workforce through the implementation of new training strategies.

WHAT IS THE COST OF TUITION FOR THE UW-STOUT COURSES?

NO COST through 2024! Tuition is currently provided through a generous grant from the West Central Wisconsin Workforce
Development Board. Funding exists for Fall 2024.

WHAT DOES “TRAIN THE TRAINER” MEAN?

Trainers work in nearly every industry and are tasked with creating strategies and programs to bridge the gap between the knowledge and skills possessed by workers and those demanded by employers. Trainers help employers gain and/or maintain a
competitive advantage such as retaining top talent, increasing job satisfaction and improving productivity.

DOES THE APPRENTICE TRAVEL TO UW-STOUT’S CAMPUS FOR CLASSES?

No - all three of the Train the Trainer classes are taught fully online! Students only need internet access and a computer. Classes are asynchronous with no set meeting times. Students work independently to complete assignments by the posted due dates. Courses have a start and end date that coincides with UW-Stout academic calendar.

HOW DOES AN EMPLOYEE/APPRENTICE GET STARTED?

1. Discuss your interest with your employer.

2. Familiarize yourself with the Train the Trainer apprenticeship program.

3. Fill out the required paperwork once your employer applies through the WI Department of Workforce Development.

4. Once the paperwork is processed, UWStout will receive the official contract. UWStout will then contact the apprentice to
register for the first course.

5. Upon registration, the Apprenticeship Coordinator will help new apprentices become oriented to learning technologies
and tools at UW-Stout.

6. Paperwork for the upcoming term should be completed by.

WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?

This is a one-year program. In addition to the three semesters of courses (Fall, Spring, Summer) which take roughly three hours/week of independent learning, apprentices will need to meet certain requirements as outlined in their contract with the
state of WI. Please refer to the contract for specific details. 

Note that the apprentices should receive paid time during their regularly scheduled hours to complete coursework.

WHAT COURSES ARE REQUIRED?

• Foundations of Talent Development (Spring)

• Learning Technologies (Summer)

• Managing Organizational Change Initiatives (Fall)

Note: Coursework will take roughly three hours/week to complete. Time studying and completing projects is compensated as part of the apprenticeship program.