The 2025 Senate Joint Resolution 26, introduced on April 16, 2025, by a bipartisan group of senators and representatives, aims to officially recognize May 7, 2025, as Skilled Trades Day in Wisconsin. The resolution highlights the significance of the construction industry and the skilled trades, which provide essential, high-paying jobs that are in high demand and cannot be outsourced. It notes the aging workforce in the construction sector, with over 25% of workers being over 55 years old, and emphasizes the need for an estimated half a million additional workers in 2025 to meet industry demands.

The resolution also acknowledges Wisconsin's long-standing commitment to apprenticeship programs, including the nation's oldest registered apprenticeship program and the pioneering Youth Apprenticeship initiative. These programs have seen record participation, with over 17,000 apprentices and nearly 10,000 youth apprentices enrolled in the previous year. By declaring Skilled Trades Day, the resolution aims to raise awareness of the vital contributions of skilled tradespeople to the state's economy and community infrastructure.