Technical Studies - Journey Worker
61 Credit Associate DegreeProgram Description
Acceptance Requirements: Possess or be enrolled in a Wisconsin Apprenticeship Completion Certificate issued by the Department of Workforce Development – Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards registered program which includes a minimum of 400 hours of prescribed apprentice related technical instruction in the Wisconsin Technical College System; Complete all prescribed WTCS apprentice related technical instruction. Possession of the DWD – BAS Wisconsin Apprenticeship Completion Certificate AND successful completion of all prescribed coursework fulfills the 39 credit minimum technical studies requirement of the Technical Studies – Journey Worker Associate of Applied Science Degree; Meet the WTCS Associate of Applied Science Degree requirement for a minimum of 21 credits of General Education/Electives as outlined below. The Technical Studies - Journey Worker Associate Degree program responds to requests for academic recognition of apprenticeship training in the state of Wisconsin. The WTCS provides a program option of an associate degree in Technical Studies. This system-wide approach provides journey workers an option to receive an associate degree around individual needs. Advanced standing procedures will be used to assess the degree requirements for journey-level workers including those who completed a registered apprenticeship program outside of the state of Wisconsin.
Approximate Program Cost
$4,804
Tuition & Fees:
$3,372
Books & Supplies: $1,432
Books & Supplies: $1,432
Financial Aid
May Be Available
Total financial aid offered may not exceed the estimated Cost of Attendance (COA).
A Closer Look
Detailed Program Information
Take a deeper dive into the details of this program. This section offers information to help you evaluate whether the program fits your goals, interests, and timeline. Use it as a tool to guide your decision-making process.
Availability
Courses for this program may be available at a variety of campus locations through multiple modes of delivery if you meet the admission requirements and prerequisites.
* Campus and online availability of courses and programs may be subject to change.
Courses
The Technical Studies - Journey Worker Associate Degree is a 61 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.
Credit for Prior Learning Available
* College 101 (10-890-165) is not part of the program credit requirements but is a College Requirement for graduation that must be passed with a “C” or better.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This apprenticeship program represents a forward-thinking model that blends hands-on training with emerging technologies to prepare electricians and instrumentation technicians for a rapidly evolving workforce. Rooted in NTC’s commitment to accessible, high-quality education and a caring campus community, the program integrates artificial intelligence (AI) in three impactful ways that enhance student learning and industry relevance.
First, AI-powered simulation tools create immersive, active learning environments where apprentices can safely troubleshoot complex electrical systems and instrumentation scenarios. These simulations allow students to practice decision-making in real time, reinforcing theoretical knowledge through applied experience.
Second, the program is industry inspired through the integration of AI-driven diagnostics and predictive maintenance concepts. Apprentices learn how modern employers use AI to monitor equipment performance, anticipate failures, and improve operational efficiency — ensuring graduates are prepared for the technologies shaping today’s workplaces.
Finally, AI supports competency mapping by enabling more personalized learning pathways. Data-informed insights help instructors track skill progression, identify gaps and tailor instruction to ensure each apprentice meets program and industry standards with confidence.
This strategic integration of AI not only strengthens student engagement but also delivers measurable value to employers by developing highly skilled, adaptable professionals. By combining real-world experience with intelligent technologies, NTC continues to “make doers out of dreamers,” equipping apprentices with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in a competitive and technology-driven industry.
Learn more about Our Commitment to AI Integration
Transfer Information
You can continue your education to earn a four-year degree in a variety of ways.
Program Transfer
The following transfer guides, executed in partnership with post-secondary institutions, are based on agreements that allow you to continue your program at another college.
Siena Heights University
General Transfer
All associate degrees transfer to a variety of programs at other partner colleges to give you the opportunity to continue your education in other areas of study.
View all transfer guides
Cost of Attendance
2026–2027 Estimated Academic Year Budgeted Cost of Attendance
The estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) is a budget that includes categories of expenses that a student may incur while attending NTC. The COA does not reflect actual charges. It is an average based on the estimated living costs typical of our region. In determining the cost of attendance, Northcentral Technical College takes into consideration the budget established by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Financial Aid Budget Work Group. This budget is used to determine financial need for all students who apply for financial aid. A student’s cost of attendance is composed of all educational expenses that can be included for financial aid purposes that a student may accrue while pursuing their education for the year (or semester, if enrolled less than a year). A student’s financial aid cannot exceed their cost of attendance. Schools are required to provide a fuller picture of what it may cost students to pursue their degree, not just what they will owe in tuition/fees and books/supplies. The costs displayed below are estimates based on a 16-week semester or term enrollment. Expenses such as food and housing, personal or transportation may be less based on the weeks you are enrolled.
- Full Time: 12 or more credits
- 3/4 Time: 9 to 11 credits
- 1/2 Time: 6 to 8 credits
- Less Than 1/2 Time: 1 to 5 credits
| Expense Category | Full Time | 3/4 Time | 1/2 Time | Less Than 1/2 Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees* | $2,620 | $1,965 | $1,310 | $655 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment | $732 | $549 | $366 | $183 |
| Living Expenses (Housing & Food) | $5,455 | $5,455 | $5,455 | $0 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $1,542 | $1,542 | $1,542 | $0 |
| Transportation | $1,950 | $1,950 | $1,950 | $1,950 |
| Federal Loan Fees | $43 | $43 | $43 | Not applicable |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance | $12,342 | $11,504 | $10,666 | $2,788 |
| Expense Category | Full Time | 3/4 Time | 1/2 Time | Less Than 1/2 Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees* | $2,620 | $1,965 | $1,310 | $655 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment | $732 | $549 | $366 | $183 |
| Living Expenses (Housing & Food) | $1,612 | $1,612 | $1,612 | $0 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $1,542 | $1,542 | $1,542 | $0 |
| Transportation | $1,950 | $1,950 | $1,950 | $1,950 |
| Federal Loan Fees | $43 | $43 | $43 | Not applicable |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance | $8,499 | $7,661 | $6,823 | $2,788 |
* Tuition listed is based on approved rates for the 2026–2027 academic year. Rates are approved each March by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board. Your tuition cost is based on your enrollment level. These will appear on your bill and account.
For more information regarding billed tuition and fees, visit our Tuition & Fees page.
Students awarded Federal Direct Loan(s) also have an average of the mandatory loan fees automatically added to their COA.
Students with disability-related expenses may contact the Financial Aid Office to have their additional expenses considered. Disability-related expenses include but are not limited to: personal assistance, equipment, and supplies. The Financial Aid Office may potentially include disability expenses in the COA that are not provided by other assisting agencies.
NTC also offers a Net Price Calculator to help estimate costs.
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about how the financial aid process works. Please feel free to reach out for more information.
-
NTC Financial Aid Office
- 715.803.1647
- financialaid@ntc.edu
Admissions Process
Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions while submitting your application.
Before you apply, you should know
Please connect with an advisor before applying if you are interested in this program.
Fill out our application
The application can be submitted online and takes just a few minutes to complete. There is no fee to apply.
Apply NowWhat’s Next?
We’ll review your application and let you know if we need anything else. If you’re all set, your acceptance letter will be emailed to you.