Apprentice & Apprenticeship Manager

Suburban Enterprises; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Team Ownership

ESOP

401(K) Match

No Premium Increases

Job summary

Suburban Enterprises in Wisconsin is seeking an Apprentice & Apprenticeship Manager to own the end-to-end development of the electrical apprentice program, ensuring safe, skilled, and promotable workers for the Electrical Division.

You will coach apprentices, manage records, and coordinate with HR and project teams, leading recruitment partnerships with trade schools and driving mentorship and compliance across the program.

Qualifications

• High School diploma and experience mentoring, training, or supervising apprentices or entry-level workers.
• Ability to build trust and hold people accountable without daily task authority.
• Strong interpersonal, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills.

Responsibilities

• Own and administer the registered apprenticeship program, wage progression, and reporting.
• Maintain apprentice records, level-up docs, and ABC standards compliance.
• Collaborate with HR to develop wage ranges and advancement criteria.
• Serve as direct manager and mentor for all apprentices.
• Conduct regular one-on-one check-ins, performance reviews, and career-pathing conversations.
• Coordinate with Project Managers and Foremen on apprentice placement and skill-building.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Coaching

Conflict resolution

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

High School diploma

Tools

LMS experience

Job description

Take Ownership of Your Career and Shape Your Future!

Are you ready to become an Employee Owner? At Suburban Enterprises, you not only work for the company you own the company! The ideal candidate is happy where he/she is currently employed but is interested in a more self-directed work environment, increased responsibility, and the opportunity to grow into additional roles. We would like to hire someone interested in a career, not a job, who wants to do the work and be recognized for a job well done!

The Role – Apprentice & Apprenticeship Manager

The Apprentice Manager owns the end-to-end development of the company's electrical apprentices, administering an indentured apprenticeship program that builds a safe, technically skilled, and promotable workforce in support of the Electrical Division's growth. Serving as the primary point of contact, coach, and program administrator for every apprentice, this role partners closely with field leadership, talent acquisition, and human resources to keep the apprenticeship pipeline strong and each apprentice progressing on schedule. By pairing structured mentorship with disciplined program administration, the Apprentice Manager ensures apprentices arrive on projects trained, safe, and ready to contribute.

What You'll Do

• Own and administer the registered apprenticeship program, DOL/state reporting, and wage progression schedules.
• Own and maintain apprentice records, level-up documentation, and compliance with ABC apprenticeship standards.
• Partner with HR to develop Suburban's annual Apprentice Wage Ranges and level-advancement criteria, keeping them current, competitive, and equitable.
• Serve as the direct manager and mentor for all apprentices throughout Suburban Divisions.
• Conduct regular one-on-one check-ins, performance appraisals, and career-pathing conversations.
• Build and track RPM (individual) development plans for apprentices.
• Build, strengthen, and maintain recruiting partnerships with trade schools, technical colleges, and community organizations, working closely with Talent Acquisition.
• Lead pre-apprentice screening, interviewing, and selection decisions in partnership 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 in the field, assess their readiness and performance, and gather feedback from crews on safety and performance habits.

What You Bring (Required Experience)

• High School diploma and prior experience mentoring, training, or supervising apprentices or entry-level trade employees.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and hold people accountable without holding day-to-day task-assignment authority.
• Strong interpersonal, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Comfortable working cross-functionally with Superintendents, Foremen, HR, and Preconstruction leadership.

Bonus Points For (Preferred Experience)

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

What We Offer – Why Choose Suburban Enterprises?

• Team Member Ownership: Work for a company where your contributions directly impact your future
• Commitment to Safety: Safety isn’t just a priority; it’s our promise to you and your family
• Career Growth: This isn't just a job - it's a career path with opportunities for advancement
• Continuous Learning: Investment in your professional development
• Collaborative Culture: Work with a team that values respect, integrity, and excellence
• Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive pay, ESOP, 401(K) with employer match, and no healthcare premium increases for 4 years

Ready to Join Us?

Our high standards of service to our customers and clients require that we select only the top team members based on our culture and core values so please read and understand them or come with clarifying questions because we work, live, hire and promote by them. We will choose new team members with great care because the future of Suburban Enterprises rests with them. You are here because we believe in your character and abilities.

If you're passionate about innovation, committed to excellence, and ready to be part of a company that invests in its people, we want to hear from you. Help us create a better future through innovation and automation.

We are an equal opportunity employer.