The Wisconsin State Legislature has introduced Assembly Joint Resolution 29, which designates May 7, 2025, as Skilled Trades Day in Wisconsin. This resolution highlights the significance of the skilled trades within the construction industry, emphasizing that these jobs are critical, rewarding, and cannot be outsourced. It notes the urgent need for skilled workers, as a significant portion of the current workforce is nearing retirement age, and the industry is projected to require an additional half million workers in 2025 alone.

The resolution also recognizes Wisconsin's longstanding 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 past year. By celebrating Skilled Trades Day, the legislature aims to raise awareness of the vital contributions made by skilled tradespeople in building and maintaining the infrastructure of communities across the state.