Local contractors can earn lead-safe certifications and strengthen their business 

The Marathon County Health Department, in partnership with the City of Wausau, is offering a week of free, in-person lead contractor training courses for local contractors from February 23–27, 2026, at the Marathon County Health Department in Wausau.

These hands-on trainings are designed to help contractors learn lead-safe work practices and earn Wisconsin-recognized certifications required for renovation and lead abatement work in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities. Training opportunities include Lead OSHA, Lead-Safe Renovator, Lead Abatement Worker, and Lead Abatement Supervisor courses.

Contractors may choose individual classes that fit their experience and professional goals or attend the full week of training to work toward Lead Abatement Supervisor certification. Registration requests will be prioritized for participants completing the full training pathway.

All courses are free to attend, thanks to funding from a U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Lead Capacity Building grant awarded to the City of Wausau. To secure a spot, each participant is asked to submit a $100 refundable deposit, which will be returned after attending the registered class(es). The deposit will only be cashed if a participant does not attend.

This training is intended to support local contractors while advancing public health goals specifically for lead abatement work in homes located within the City of Wausau. While the training is open to contractors across the region, abatement work supported through this program will occur in the City of Wausau. Many homes in Wausau were built before 1978 and may contain lead-based paint hazards, putting children and families at risk of lead exposure. This program helps protect residents while supporting contractors’ ability to grow their business and qualify for lead-related projects. 

Spots are limited. Contractors are encouraged to review the training flyer for class dates, prerequisites, and registration details. 

To register, visit www.MarathonCounty.gov/Health or the Marathon County Health Department’s Facebook page.