A range of programs are working to help match manufacturers with workers by providing training and resources for companies working to bridge the skills gap.
WCTC
Waukesha County Technical College helps employees and employers. It provides technical training in a range of manufacturing skills and has a Workforce Development Center on site, which helps employers in Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties to meet hiring needs.
Dream It. Do It.
The WCTC was recently awarded a competitive grant from the Wisconsin Technical College System to launch the Wisconsin portion of a national campaign called Dream It. Do It. The program, being managed by the Waukesha County Business Alliance, provides information to students about the careers available in the manufacturing field through advocacy and manufacturing ambassador companies.
MATC
Milwaukee Area Technical College provides technical training for manufacturing careers, and has worked to keep ahead of growing industries like water technology. MATC’s Office of Workforce and Economic Development works to match curriculum to the requests of the business community.
Mayor’s Manufacturing Partnership
The Mayor’s Manufacturing Partnership is an initiative of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett that invests in manufacturing job creation. So far, it has raised $707,000 from the city and the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board, which it has put toward training and job placement services.
Second Chance Partners for Education
Second Chance Partners for Education helps students who are struggling in the traditional academic environment explore and find opportunities in manufacturing through our immersive program. “In many cases, our business partners have been able to find full-time, permanent employees by partnering with our program. Our partners feel good about helping students achieve their academic and, in some cases, career goals while helping themselves solve challenges in finding skilled workers,” said Stephanie Borowski, president of the organization.
WMEP
The Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership works with small and midsize manufacturers throughout the state on training, growth, innovation, export assistance, supply chain management, continuous improvement and profitable sustainability. It provides consulting, industry studies, publications and seminars like the annual Manufacturing Matters! Conference.
