Apprentice & Apprenticeship Manager

Suburban Enterprises•Appleton, WI

About The Position

The Apprentice Manager owns the end-to-end development of the company's electrical apprentices by administering an indentured apprenticeship program that builds a safe, technically skilled, and promotable workforce in support of the Electrical Division's growth. The role is the primary point of contact, coach, and program administrator for apprentices, partnering with field leadership, Talent Acquisition, and Human Resources to maintain a strong apprenticeship pipeline and help apprentices progress on schedule. Through structured mentorship and disciplined program administration, the Apprentice Manager ensures apprentices arrive on projects trained, safe, and ready to contribute. The ideal candidate is interested in a self-directed work environment, increased responsibility, and career growth, and wants their contributions recognized. Suburban Enterprises describes itself as an employee-owned company.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Prior experience mentoring, training, or supervising apprentices or entry-level trade employees.
Ability to build trust and hold people accountable without day-to-day task-assignment authority.
Strong interpersonal, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills.
Comfort working cross-functionally with Superintendents, Foremen, HR, and Preconstruction leadership.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of registered apprenticeship program requirements, including OJT and RTI hour tracking and DOL/state standards.
Five or more years as a licensed Journeyman or Master electrician with direct commercial or industrial field experience.
Apprenticeship instructor or trainer credential, such as ABC or equivalent.
Experience with a Learning Management System or apprenticeship-tracking software.
Bachelor's degree or trade-related certification.

Responsibilities

Own and administer the registered apprenticeship program, including DOL and state reporting and wage progression schedules.
Maintain apprentice records, level-up documentation, and compliance with ABC apprenticeship standards.
Partner with HR to develop and maintain annual Apprentice Wage Ranges and level-advancement criteria.
Serve as the direct manager and mentor for apprentices across Suburban divisions.
Conduct regular one-on-one check-ins, performance appraisals, and career-pathing conversations.
Build and track individual RPM development plans for apprentices.
Build and maintain recruiting partnerships with trade schools, technical colleges, and community organizations in partnership with Talent Acquisition.
Lead pre-apprentice screening, interviews, and selection decisions with Talent Acquisition.
Partner with Project Managers and Foremen on apprentice placement, rotation, and skill-building assignments across projects.
Conduct frequent site visits to coach apprentices, assess readiness and performance, and gather crew feedback about safety and performance habits.