Apprenticeships seen as a weapon against looming labor shortage in county

Polk County may face significant workforce challenges in the future, according to a report from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. In response, schools across Polk County are adopting a Youth Apprenticeship program to retain young talent and counterbalance the effects of retirements and deaths. Amery has taken the lead in this effort, recognizing this reality and providing students with real-life experiences through various positions.

Polk County set new employment records in 2024. Employment rose by 3.4% over five years, with manufacturing jobs being the most common. Manufacturing represented nearly a quarter of all jobs in the county, significantly higher than the state average of 16.2%. Although these figures seem favorable on paper, the demographic data suggests a decline in the workforce over the next two decades.

Despite the progress made in creating jobs in the county, the unemployment rate remains higher than the state average, currently at 4.1% compared to 3%. Employers struggle to find workers, citing an aging population and stagnant labor force growth. The most concerning aspect of the study is the projected population decline. By 2050, the population is expected to decrease by as much as 22%, while Wisconsin as a whole is projected to lose only 3.1% of its population. 

Read the full article here.