Wisconsin has joined a national campaign called Dream It. Do It. that aims to get high school students interested in manufacturing.
Waukesha County Business Alliance is providing the initial project executive oversight for the program, which was made possible by a grant awarded to Waukesha County Technical College by the Wisconsin Technical College System.
Dream It. Do It. includes partnership development with local manufacturers, who are encouraged to share more information about their companies through an interactive website, DreamItDoItWI.com. The website provides information to job seekers who want to learn more about manufacturing career paths.
“As important as manufacturing is to our economy, we need a collaborative effort–including manufacturers, educational institutions and civic groups–to help students and their parents see the great career opportunities available and ensure we have the talent to support a thriving sector,” said Suzanne Kelley, president of WCBA.
Manufacturing ambassador companies like Weldall Manufacturing, Waukesha Metal Products and Dueco Inc. will offer plant tours, job shadowing, internships and externships to interested students, Kelley said.
“It’s happening obviously because of the critical shortage of skilled workers in manufacturing and the projections that this shortage is only going to get worse unless we do something,” she said. “The ultimate goal is to connect manufacturers to employees in the workplace.”
Wisconsin is the 20th state to join Dream It. Do It. The Wisconsin website launches today.
