Snap-On honored for quality by auto techs; Doyle announces state workforce training program
Snap-On honored for quality by auto techs
Kenosha-based Snap-on Inc. was named the best in hand and power tools, tool storage devices, scan tools and floor jacks in the 2008 survey, United States (U.S.) Automotive Technicians’ Choice: Evaluation of Automotive Tools.
In the 2008 survey, 69 percent of technicians ranked Snap-on number one in the hand tool category compared to 10 percent choosing its nearest competitor. Among the innovative hand tools that service technicians have come to rely on is the Snap-on ratchet with Dual 80 Technology – the world’s strongest ratchet.
“Snap-on is honored to be the recipient of five Frost & Sullivan’s Technician’s Choice Awards this year,” said Thomas J. Ward, president of Snap-on Tools Company, LLC. “Receiving the recognition is truly gratifying to everyone at Snap-on because our customers select the award winners. Our goal is to work hard to understand our customers’ critical needs so we can produce unique productivity solutions for them. Based on the results of the Frost & Sullivan research, we are very proud that service technicians feel we have the best products and solutions in the industry.”
Doyle announces state workforce training program
Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle recently announced $5.89 million for strategic workforce training initiatives to prepare Wisconsin workers and businesses to succeed in the future economy.
"Now more than ever, we must invest in training that gives workers the right skills and meets the needs of employers, especially those in advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, health care and other sectors poised for growth," Doyle said. "The Wisconsin Sector Strategies Initiative is a new way of doing business. It is regional in focus. It is industry-driven. It engages all the key players in understanding common industry needs and aligning resources to meet them. It is what we need to build a 21st century workforce and connect skilled workers to quality jobs."
The Wisconsin Sector Strategies Initiative will be funded with nearly $3 million in federal funds over the next two years. In the months ahead, $490,000 in grants will be awarded as a first step in bringing together leaders of industry, labor, education, economic development and workforce development in the state’s seven Grow Wisconsin regions.
Doyle announced the initiatives at a meeting of the Milwaukee 7 Regional Economic Advisory Council at Manpower Inc.’s global headquarters in downtown Milwaukee.
Among the other "Grow Wisconsin – The Next Steps" in Doyle’s economic plan include:
- $1.5 million for opportunity grants. The grants will help low-wage workers with no education or training beyond high school.
- $300,000 for skills jump start grants. The grants will help individuals who lack a high school diploma. They can complete their basic education, and at the same time, receive job training at technical colleges for employment in high-demand sectors, such as manufacturing and health care.
- $700,000 for emerging industries skills partnership. The governor announced a second round of grants to meet the workforce needs in advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and renewable energy.
- $85,000 for manufacturing skill standards certification. The funding will support assessment efforts and encourage enrollment. Doyle has set a goal of having 40 percent of the state’s production workers earn MSSC credentials by 2016.
- $175,000 for skills assessment and work readiness certification. This funding will support pilot projects to develop a standard method to assess the skills of job seekers and certify them as job ready.
- $140,000 for career 101 pilots. The funding will help school district establish pilots that more effectively inform students of career opportunities in high demand occupations and help them chart a course to achieve their career goals.
