Madison College expands Ft. Atkinson campus

From dailyunion.com: “Madison College dedicates wings” — New opportunities for training in manufacturing and other areas of study now are available at the Madison Area Technical College campus in Fort Atkinson.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Wednesday to recognize completion of a campus renovation and expansion that was part of the a larger $134 million vision of growth within the college’s 12-county district.

Madison College’s $134 million Smart Community Plan for new facilities, renovations and upgrades at the affiliated campuses was approved by voters in the November 2010 election. The referendum received nearly 60 percent of the ballots from electors in the 12-county vocational-technical college system.

The plan called for meeting the increasing demand of local residents who need affordable education and job training during a time of struggle in the economy while Madison College’s student enrollment and waiting lists are at all-time highs, and interest rates and construction costs are low.

The Fort Atkinson project consisted of remodeling 3,000 square feet of existing space and adding 6,000 square feet of new space to the current facility. The addition, a house nearly 3,000-square-foot metal fabrication/manufacturing lab.

Meanwhile, the addition on the east end of the building is for student support, and will include a new library and a Student Achievement Center.

Ribbons were cut on each end of the building, one traditional ribbon representing the library, achievement center and student support expansion and the other, a stainless steel ribbon with the Madison College logo designed by Brian Boden of Boden Machining Services in Cambridge for the new manufacturing lab.

Mark Dziewior, who is enrolled in welding classes this semester, had the honor of “cutting” the ribbon with a torch.

“It seems like we’ve been doing this a lot in Fort Atkinson,” Madison College President Bettsey Barhorst said of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, referring to past renovations and projects at the Fort Atkinson campus.

In 2008, the campus underwent an extensive renovation and expansion of nursing skills labs, science labs and community rooms. Two years ago, Madison College constructed the vocational district’s first small wind energy system in Fort Atkinson.

Barhorst recalled the groundbreaking for the latest project last fall.

“It was an exciting day, but it was a bit daunting,” the college president said. “We had embarked on a significant project that we knew would have a substantial impact on the community and we knew we had to get it right.”

With a smile, Barhost said it appears they got it right.

“I think the new facilities here are just wonderful for what they will give to our students,” she said, thanking taxpayers for supporting the building referendum.

Also, Barhorst recognized the faculty and staff at the Fort Atkinson campus for providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to be work-ready and “real-world” smart.

“We celebrate today the opening of a wonderful facility that will enhance Madison College’s ability to collaborate with business and industry partners in the Fort Atkinson area, as well as build tomorrow’s workforce,” she said.

Barhorst stressed how every square inch of the expansion was carefully designed to maximize the learning experience for students and the rate of return for area taxpayers.

“Now we’ve been referring to this project as a ‘renovation,’ but we’re not just talking about the renovation of physical space,” she said. “This project is really about expanding educational opportunity for every learner who steps through these doors.”

Meanwhile, the college president pointed out that 2012 marks Madison College’s 100th anniversary.

“While that alone is reason to be proud, it is a new century of promise that excites us most,” she said. “I’m proud of this campus, of what we hope to do for the future and I hope that you are because it’s your campus.”

Lynn Forseth, executive director for economic and workforce development in Madison College’s Eastern Region, served as the master of ceremonies for the ribbon-cutting event.

“This is a very exciting event this afternoon as it celebrates the culmination of several years of hard work on behalf of numerous college staff and external community partners,” she said. “The college is eternally grateful to the Fort Atkinson community and our contributing partners for your ongoing generosity and support of the Fort Atkinson campus.”

She said the additions were designed to address two critical needs: the shortage of skilled workers needed to fill jobs in advanced manufacturing and renewable energy.

“Specifically, this flexible lab space will be used to train individuals in welding, metal fabricating, machining, CNC operations, industrial maintenance and automation using a combination of fixed and mobile equipment,” Forseth said.

Secondly, the space provides access to facilities and support services that help student succeed academically, socially and emotionally at Madison College. Forseth said the center is intended to support students so they can get extra help on campus with their coursework, meet with faculty or work in groups with each other.

“I hope you agree that the college’s recent investments in Fort Atkinson were well spent,” she said.

Representatives of the Madison College Board of Trustees also offered praise for the project.

Board President Frances Huntley-Cooper, who usually would share her perspective on the importance of the campus expansion and how it enhances the learning experience of the students, instead yielded the microphone to board Treasurer Joel Winn of Fort Atkinson.

“The renovations of the Fort Atkinson campus affirm the commitment of Madison College’s Board of Trusteess to respond to the unique needs of the communities that are served by each of our regional campuses,” he said. “Foremost among those needs is providing our students with the digital-age tools technology and facilities that create an environment that builds knowledge and promotes hand-on learning.”

FVTC construction management students make a difference

From fox11online.com: “Fox Valley group helps homeowners” — KAUKAUNA – Jon Minkebige has been a resident of the city of Kaukauna for more than two decades.

In 1987, he moved into a home that was built in the late 1800s, with intentions to restore it.

Those plans changed after Minkebige was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  As his health continued to deteriorate, his home did as well.

“Because I lived here, I was used to the problem,” said Minkebige. “But I had mold issues, and when I saw the plaster falling through the kitchen I knew something had to be done.”

Rebuilding Together Fox Valley recently stepped in to help him.

The non-profit organization’s goal is to help senior citizens and those with disabilities make home repairs that if not taken care of, could force them to leave their homes.

RTFV gathers professional contractors, volunteers and students to help with the repair work. It is funded through corporate sponsorships and private donations, relieving the homeowner of the financial burden.

Many of the students who help RTFV are part of the construction management program at Fox Valley Technical College.

“We partnered with Rebuilding Together Fox Valley in September of last year,” said Rich Cass, a construction management instructor for FVTC. “Our students are able to work with a live client, do some design work and schedule subcontractors on the labor side.”

Cass assigned student Chris Deiss to take the lead on Minkebige’s home this past spring. Deiss says it was no easy task, as Minkebige’s home needed major work. Plumbing, new windows, a new ceiling and a front deck were just several items on the to-do list. Deiss recalls seeing snow and rain coming through Minkebige’s bathroom ceiling when he made his first visit.

“If things had continued the way it was, he may have not been able to stay here,” said Deiss.  “He might have had to go to an assisted living home or somewhere along the line.”

It took Deiss and scores of volunteers and professional contractors to make-over Minkebige’s home. The project was finished in three months.

“You say thank you so many times,” said Minkebige. “I actually get emotional just thinking what they did to help me out.”

RTFV expects to make repairs to as many as 100 homes by the end of 2012. You can help by making a monetary donation, or by offering any skilled trade services you may have.

 

NWTC president reflects on 100 years of education

From greenbaypressgazette.com: “Guest column: NWTC turns 100, continues key educational mission” — Happy 100th birthday, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.

A century ago, NWTC was born upon the creation of local boards of industrial education overseeing continuation and trade schools.

In 1912, it was the exception to have graduated from high school. Yet, the country was in the beginning of massive industrialization that begged for higher and more complex skills.

In a 1927 publication of the Green Bay Board of Vocational Education, it was noted that: “A rapidly changing world forces the American citizen — to face the constantly changing problems and difficulties of an almost kaleidoscopic environment. Even the individual himself is in a ceaseless process of change in his employment, his attitudes and ambitions, his social contacts, his interests and opportunities.”

This phrase is as relevant today as it was almost 85 years ago. The difference is that now most people have a high school diploma, and the minimum requirement for gaining a career with a living wage is education beyond high school.

I am struck, when looking at pictures of students in classes in the beginning decades of NWTC’s history, how many men came to school wearing ties. Wearing a tie spoke of a relatively high status. Attending the Green Bay Vocational School increased your social status. In fact, in the late 1920s a Green Bay Vocational School publication was subtitled The University of the Adult.

Sadly, today, too many times we have heard a graduating high school student say when asked about post-high school plans, “I am just going to the tech.” How many times have we watched community college students demeaned on television comedies, by stand-up comics, or in popular music? What happened?

The importance and status of a higher education technical degree was overtaken by the assumption that the only way to achieve the American Dream is to have a four-year college degree. Don’t get me wrong, achieving a bachelor’s degree or higher is a worthy endeavor and we encourage students to aspire to these degrees. But the vast majority of careers do not require more than a two-year technical associate degree. In fact:

• Two-thirds of students who have an associate degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) field will earn more than someone with a bachelor’s degree. The overlap of lifetime wages between all associate degree and bachelor degree holders is in the range of 80 percent.

• Many CEOs and business leaders started their careers with an associate degree. Associate degree holders are excellent problem-solvers, have outstanding team and people skills, and have a clear understanding of the world around them.

• Associate degree students graduate with new learning skills and practices that they will use throughout their lives as they keep pace with rapid business and industry changes.

Some think that the rigor and complexity of the education is somehow less than that learned at a four-year college. Actually, hundreds of adults with bachelor’s degrees come to NWTC each year to train for new careers, and they often comment that the intensity and difficulty of the course work is greater than what they experienced while pursuing the bachelor’s degree.

Rapid technological and business process changes require ever higher levels of competency that can only be obtained through applied learning techniques — and applied learning has always been the specialty of Wisconsin’s Technical Colleges. How many of us can design and program a machine that operates on four or five axes? Do you know what to do when a person has a heart attack or is bleeding profusely? I cannot develop a website that will attract someone to a new product, can you? Successfully de-escalating a domestic violence situation is beyond my capability. Never mind fixing a car, installing an electrical system, or repairing infrastructure after a catastrophic event.

We are surrounded each day by highly educated NWTC graduates. We bring them our illnesses, our design challenges, our security needs and our ambitious plans, and they return skilled solutions. They are the firefighters, EMTs, child care providers, network analysts and other specialists who make nearly every area of our economy — and our personal lives — run more efficiently. An education like that is something to be proud of, to celebrate and honor. Join me as we salute our students and celebrate our widespread community support.

Happy birthday, NWTC. Thank you for remaining committed to preparing all people to lead fulfilling lives, earning a living wage. You will achieve your vision of being a cutting-edge, life-long learning college that transforms, strengthens, and inspires our people, our families, our businesses, and our communities for another 100 years.

New manufacturing lab at Wausau’s NTC

 

From myfoxwausau.com: “New manufacturing lab at Wausau’s NTC” —  The new Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Center of Excellence is in business at the North Central Technical College. School, community and business leaders joined together on campus for a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Developers say it is designed to be a collaborative effort between the school and area businesses. Mark Borowicz, NTC Dean of Business & Industry Solutions says, “This is really an opportunity for our students to learn the latest technology and for workers at area businesses to get the training they need, too.”

Wisconsin manufacturers have repeatedly voiced concerns that there aren’t enough highly skilled workers to fill the job openings they have in their businesses.

For more information on the project or any of the programs at NTC you can check out there online information at www.ntc.edu.

View video

 

Manufacturing expo focus on skilled worker shortage

From greenbaypressgazette.com: “Manufacturing expo focus on skilled worker shortage” — Montello-based TW Design and Manufacturing LLC has been hiring workers right out of high school for its precision CNC milling and turning business.

TW was one of the exhibitors Wednesday at the Manufacturing First Expo & Conference in Green Bay, an event that put part of its focus on finding workers to fill open manufacturing jobs.

“We don’t have a skilled pool to draw from, so we hire energetic people out of high school and train them with the people who are already there and have been there for years,” said Brenda Hrobsky, the company’s quality assurance administrator.

Hrobsky said she senses that prospective employees are taking a look at careers in manufacturing.

“For the longest time it seemed like colleges and everyone directed people into the service industry and we got away from manufacturing,” she said. “I think people are starting to see its not a dead industry. We’re doing great as a company.”

Hrobsky said she’s seen employment at TW grow from 30 people to 65 in the seven years she’s worked there.

Manufacturers around the state continue to voice a need for skilled workers to take open positions in shops and production facilities around the state.

More than 600 people and 100 exhibitors were at the conference, networking and discussing what can be done to help address the shortage of skilled workers facing the manufacturing sector.

Jim Morgan, vice president of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, said one of the keys to addressing the shortage is exposing students, parents and teachers to the realities of manufacturing in the 21st century.

“We’ve got a serious image problem in manufacturing and all of you know that,” he told the conference Wednesday morning. “We’ve got people out there that think manufacturing looks like it did 30, 40, 50, 60 years ago. … If that’s their perception, and it’s that far off, they are not going to go where we need them to go.”

A small card on Sturgeon Bay-based Marine Travelift’s exhibit table indicated it — and its sister company, ExacTech — are looking for workers with skills ranging from welders and computer numerical control burn table operators to a brake press operator.

Kristen Sommer, the company’s marketing communications manager, said there is a challenge to find workers with specific skills.

“They type of worker we’re looking for is such a niche market, it can be a little bit difficult,” she said.

Tim Sullivan, former president and CEO of Bucyrus International Inc. and a special consultant for business and workforce development for the state of Wisconsin, said the state and industry need to pursue a number of different options to help alleviate the shortage.

He recently completed a report on the matter for Gov. Scott Walker.

Options range from implementing real-time labor market software that would link open job positions with people seeking those jobs, to state funding of job training programs and encouraging legal international immigration.

“The two countries in the world that have the least problems with the skills gap are Canada and Australia,” he said. “You know why? They have good immigration laws. They are recruiting people to come to their countries that are required for the skill set.”

This is the second year for the conference and it focused on innovation and addressing the skills shortage. Event organizers brought in more than 100 high school students to see the job opportunities available in the manufacturing sector.

“So they can see first-hand there are hundreds of companies in our region that manufacture stuff and get a first-hand look at the kinds of things that are made here,” said Ann Franz, strategic partnerships manager with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay. “It’s opening their eyes that manufacturing is alive and well in northeast Wisconsin, and if they are looking to stay in this area, a great career choice could be manufacturing.”

Franz is the coordinator of the NEW Manufacturing Alliance and one of the organizers of the conference.

From business networking to discussions on the issues facing the industry, Franz said this kind of annual event can make a difference.

“You have to start the conversation somewhere,” she said.

Madison College helping student veterans

 

From nbc15.com: “VIDEO REPORT: Madison College Helping Student Veterans” — Adjusting to life after serving overseas can be difficult as it is, then add going back to school to that list. A new clinic at Madison College’s Truax Campus is helping ease the veterans’ transition.

Randy Bouzek served overseas for several years. When he got back, he realized he was missing one thing, a college degree. He’s now a student at Madison College. He says “VA Connections” will help him as well as other vets adjust to school and succeed at getting their education. The clinic will offer therapy, crisis management and health care.

The vets will then be able to focus on their futures and bring their leadership and experiences to the college to share with classmates.

There were at least 800 veterans enrolled at Madison College last year.

 

Opinion: Wisconsin must narrow its ‘skills gap’

From lacrossetribune.com: “Jennifer Shilling: Wisconsin must narrow its ‘skills gap’ — As Wisconsin continues to struggle with the effects of the worst economic recession since the Great Depression, employers are still having a difficult time finding workers with the necessary skills to fill vacant positions.

Workforce development professionals refer to this as the “skills gap.” Narrowing that gap and ensuring that Wisconsin’s workforce has the necessary skills to meet the needs of current and emerging industries needs to be a priority as we continue to pursue efforts to get our economy moving again.

On Sept. 19, Sen. Jessica King and I convened a hearing about job training and workforce development to learn about the skills gap and discuss ways the Legislature can be a more effective partner in addressing Wisconsin’s workforce training needs.

This hearing was an opportunity for elected officials and stakeholders to have an open dialogue about important workforce development issues confronting Wisconsin, including the skills gap. We heard from the state Department of Workforce Development, as well as representatives from technical colleges, businesses, and the construction trades who are engaged in public-private partnerships that provide training in high demand occupations.

Two main themes emerged from that hearing:

• Wisconsin’s technical colleges, businesses, construction trades and other community partners are engaged in many successful local and regional worker training initiatives throughout the state, and we need to find a way to build on these success stories on a statewide level.
• Adequate resources are needed, including both public and private sector investments, to move workers through the educational pipeline and get them ready to enter the workforce with the proper skills in a timely manner.

The 2011-13 state budget, which I voted against, cut funding for the Wisconsin Technical College System by 30 percent, which put state funding assistance for our technical colleges at a level not seen since the 1980s. Consequently, technical colleges reported almost 12,000 students on waiting lists for high-demand programs throughout the state in June.

It doesn’t take a workforce development expert to make the connection between the significant funding cut for our technical colleges and the growing skills gap dilemma facing our state.

With the next legislative session scheduled to begin in about three months, now is the time to consider our options, have a bipartisan discussion and come up with proposals to tackle our state’s top priorities: preparing Wisconsin’s workforce to meet the needs of employers and growing our state’s economy.

As a member of the Governor’s Council on College and Workforce Readiness, I attend regular meetings focused on creating a bipartisan package of job creation and workforce development recommendations for Gov. Scott Walker and the Legislature to consider during the upcoming legislative session and state budget process. I’m hopeful that the work of this council will lead to more bipartisan cooperation in addressing our state’s educational and workforce development needs.

I have confidence that Wisconsin can meet the needs of employers and employees in current and emerging industries, and I also appreciate the limited resources with which we have to work. By including all stakeholders, continuing to have an open dialogue and learning about successful workforce training efforts in high demand occupational fields, we can better understand how to direct our resources to develop and foster a successful statewide workforce development strategy.

Veteran Student Organization underway at MATC

From matctimes.com: “Veteran Student Organization underway” —  The Veteran Student Organization is an organization for MATC veteran students returning home from deployment. Like BSU or LSO, this organization helps students with financial needs to attend classes at MATC.

Student accommodations are provided for veteran students. They provide financial and emotional support when needed.

The Veteran Student Organization is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8: 30 a.m.- 4 p.m. in room 322 of the Main Building.

MATC to celebrate 100th year

From madison.com: “On Campus: MATC to celebrate 100th year” — Madison Area Technical College hits the century mark this year and has a party planned to celebrate — and raise a pile of cash. The North Side college will host an event Oct. 26 at Alliant Energy Center to spotlight its array of programs that serve about 40,000 people annually through a curriculum of technical, liberal arts and sciences and adult basic education.

There will be food and dessert, not surprising for a school well-known for turning out top chefs.

The event, “A New Century of Promise,” runs from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and costs $125 to attend. It will include presentations on the college’s programs and an auction to benefit the school.

The college had humble beginnings. In 1912, 63 students crammed in a single room above a fire station on South Webster Street to take the area’s first vocational classes from what was then called Madison Industrial School. Popular courses were hat making, typesetting and stenography.

The college is now embarking on its biggest building boom since the 1970s thanks to a $133.7 million building referendum voters approved in 2010.

Regional job picture stabilizing

From thenorthwestern.com: “Regional job picture stabilizing: Skilled manufacturing, healthcare tops career bets” — Mass layoffs have eased at northeastern Wisconsin businesses and the demand for skilled workers is soaring.

Despite growing concerns about an overall global slowdown, business leaders say the region’s diverse economy continues to find markets for its goods and services, which means they need people to meet demand, making competition fierce for skilled workers.

Statewide, the jobless rate in July stood at 7.3 percent and around the region, unemployment rates ranged between 5.6 percent in Calumet County to 8.2 percent in Marinette County.

Jeff Sachse, a labor market analyst for the state Department of Workforce Development, does not anticipate jobless numbers will change dramatically in the short term but expects continued, gradual improvement for a variety of business sectors, particularly in manufacturing, health care and construction services.

“Clearly, welding and CNC (computer numerical control) machinists positions are what we hear about all the time,” said Sachse, who monitors employment activity for northeastern Wisconsin.

Large government contracts secured by shipbuilder Marinette Marine and Oshkosh Corp., a maker of military vehicles, are behind rising demand for those workers.

“Between Marinette (Marine) and Oshkosh (Corp.) they are pulling from the surrounding labor market, which has created a need throughout the system,” Sachse said.

Manufacturing still represents about a quarter of all employment in the region. However, the health care and construction industries also have seen steady job growth in recent months, Sachse said.

“The (federal) stimulus helped larger-scale projects. Roadwork, including (U.S. Highway) 41 is an example,” Sachse said. “But we’ve also seen some resurgence on the residential side.”

Sachse said the growing number of nursing homes and assisted living facilities around the region and expansion by the health insurance industry, particularly by insurance giants Humana and United Healthcare, is driving job creation in the health sector.

“The steady growth we’ve seen in health care has not necessarily been with the hospital systems,” he said. “Services tied to health care, particularly health insurance, have seen significant numbers and also demands from the aging population will put more demand on providers.”

Finding, retaining workers

Sachse said the regional manufacturing sector’s strength is the role it plays in the overall global supply chain. He said manufacturers have weathered economic downturns mostly because a majority of them supply components and parts to companies that make a variety of machinery worldwide.

This is the situation for Fox Valley Tool & Die, which has about 180 workers, spread across two plants in Kaukauna.

“We make the parts that make the parts,” said Mark Dennis, one of the owners of Fox Valley Tool & Die.

He recognizes there is heated competition for his workers, most of whom are machinists with specialized skills who can create custom parts and components.

Dennis said an aging workforce, especially in skilled areas, is a problem for regional manufacturers. As a part of a state effort to shore up future workers for manufacturers, Dennis has worked with high schools from Shiocton to Little Chute and other Fox Cities communities to introduce students to manufacturing.

He also works with Fox Valley Technical College on training programs for people interested in careers as machinists.

Getting to people early in their career planning is essential, Dennis said.

“It gives us a chance to show young people that the machine shops today may not be the ones their grandfathers worked in,” he said.

Dennis said many jobs, especially those requiring specialized skills, require a two-year degree.

His son, John, the CEO of Gardan, which employs about 50 workers at in Hortonville and Brillion, said he’s been fortunate to find qualified workers when his company needed to fill openings.

“I think because of the region’s strong farming and manufacturing tradition, people here just have a strong work ethic and many of those people settle in the region,” John Dennis said.

Health care outlook

The health care industry has been working with colleges and nursing schools over the past several years to ensure a steady flow of nurses will come into the system to replace those retiring.

Tom Veeser, chief nursing officer for Affinity Health System in Menasha and vice president of patient care at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton, said the health care industry recognizes that demands for services will increase as the nation ages.

Hospital operators also face competition for workers from an increasing number of care facilities for the elderly, which also are in need of registered nurses, certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses.

Traditionally, registered nurses tend to have an easier time finding work, Veeser said. But there also is a growing demand for certified nursing assistants.

“At least for us, it’s getting harder to recruit CNAs because they’re getting more lucrative salaries from nursing homes and sometimes from physician offices,” Veeser said. “We may not be able to compete on salary in some situations but we try to offer a better benefits package.”

Editorial: Technical colleges are vital

From thenorthwestern.com: “Editorial: Technical colleges are vital” — Wisconsin has a problem that’s only going to get worse. It’s been described in great detail, and will accelerate with the fruition of demographic trends that are neither new nor unexpected.

How quickly and decisively it is addressed will determine whether Wisconsin will be relegated to a rust belt relic or undergo an economic transformation. A lack of skilled workers is holding back the state’s economy today, and will certainly cripple it tomorrow as more Baby Boomers leave the workforce.

There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing thousands out of work and job openings unfilled for lack of enough properly trained workers. Worse yet, the crisis will become acute when existing skilled workers retire and replacements cannot be found.

The solution doesn’t require anything more than affirming the values that made Wisconsin an economic powerhouse in the first place: the Wisconsin ideal retooled for the new economy. We’ve already seen the fruits of the cooperation between higher education and industry, such as Northeast Wisconsin Technical College’s partnership with Marinette Marine to train workers to help the company fulfill major government contracts.

Still, Marinette officials sounded a warning during a legislative hearing held last week at Fox Valley Technical College’s Riverside Campus in Oshkosh, and co-chaired by State Sens. Jessica King, D-Oshkosh, and Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse. The vice-president of human resources at the company said significant challenges remain.

“My concern is, I have a rapidly aging workforce, and these are highly skilled positions,” Marinette’s Steven Baue told the committee. “I should not have to work this hard to find employees.”

Officials from the Wisconsin Technical College System estimate employers will require 39,000 more workers with technical college training than the system can produce with current resources. Inexplicably, the state cut 30 percent from the state technical college system in the last budget, even as Gov. Scott Walker embarked on his goal of creating 250,000 new jobs.

The state must invest in its technical college, much like the voters that overwhelmingly approved a referendum last spring for Fox Valley Technical College to expand its Appleton campus and make needed improvements across the system. Taxpayers recognized that investing in the technical college to train and retrain workers is critical to our economic health and well-being.

As it crafts its 2013-2015 budget proposal, the Walker administration has an opportunity to connect its aggressive job creation goals with workforce realities. Companies will not create jobs without trained workers to fill them. Wisconsin technical colleges have a great track record of working with businesses to build a stronger economy.

The Final Thought: State must invest in technical college system to remain economically relevant.

Commentary: State can be a model for creating skilled workers

From jsonline.com: “State can be a model for creating skilled workers” —  By Tom Still —An expert in invention and entrepreneurship who has forgotten more about both than most people know recently used this line in a room of economic development professionals: “Increasingly, there is no room in America for the unskilled.”

Before the politically correct among us rise up in solidarity for the right to remain unskilled, let’s do something refreshingly honest and concede he’s right.

The current job market certainly suggests so, given the stubborn national unemployment rate three years after the official end of the recession. And so have credible studies on the future of the American workforce, such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecast and state-specific reports from the Georgetown University Center on the Economy and the Workforce.

Between 2008 and 2018, Georgetown researchers predicted, the need for workers with some kind of postsecondary training or education will grow by 139,000 jobs in Wisconsin. Jobs for high-school graduates and dropouts will grow by 52,000 jobs. By 2018, 61% of all jobs in Wisconsin will require some postsecondary training.

Meeting the need for skilled workers – from people with the right training for today’s high-tech manufacturing to people with advanced college degrees – has been addressed by three recent reports in Wisconsin. That kind of consensus around the size of the problem should mean solutions are achievable, even in a divided political era.

Unveiled a month ago was “The Road Ahead: Restoring Wisconsin’s Workforce Development.” Otherwise known as the Sullivan report, it was a volunteer effort headed by Tim Sullivan, the former Bucyrus International executive who was appointed by Gov. Scott Walker in February to take a hard look at state workforce gaps.

The report stressed that demographics alone are threatening the state’s long-term economic health. The number of senior citizens living in the state will nearly double between 2010 and 2040 (from 777,000 to 1.54 million), the report said, and its working-age population will grow by a miserly 0.4% (from 3.57 million to 3.58 million).

“Baby boomers are also aging out of the workforce, leaving gaps that cannot be met by our current projected population, or the education system in which they develop working skills,” it read.

The Sullivan report’s conclusions ranged from finding ways to encourage immigration of high-skilled, hard-to-find workers to better coordination of state workforce programs to establishing academic and career plans for all students.

Another recent report stressed the importance of science, technology, engineering and math education. “Wisconsin STEM: Navigators to the future” was produced by a group led by Bryan Albrecht, president of Gateway Technical College. Gateway has a successful history of meeting employer needs for skilled labor.

That report noted that so-called STEM occupations are predicted to grow by 17% from 2008 to 2018 and that STEM workers command higher wages, earning 26% more than their non-STEM counterparts. Over the past 10 years, growth in STEM jobs in the United States was three times the rate of non-STEM jobs. Workers with STEM skills are also more likely to keep a job, contribute to a local economy and drive innovation, the report noted.

“STEM education is an imperative to secure our state’s viability in a competitive global economy,” said S. Mark Tyler, president of OEM Fabricators and a contributor to the report.

It established five markers to chart success: Eliminate barriers that prevent learners from exploring STEM careers; emphasize acquiring STEM knowledge and skills for all learners; increase public-private partnerships with a focus on STEM skills; establish a statewide awareness campaign for STEM careers; and invest in development for educators so they can better integrate STEM throughout the curriculum.

Also weighing in is the Department of Public Instruction, which recently issued its Agenda 2017 report. Among its recommendations are increasing Wisconsin’s graduation rate, doubling college and career readiness rates, and increasing the percentage of students scoring proficient in third-grade reading and eighth-grade mathematics.

One specific DPI recommendation: Expand high-school programs for “dual enrollment.” Those are programs that allow high school students to earn college credits and specific career skills through industry certifications and youth apprenticeships.

Indeed, there is precious little room in America for the unskilled. With the help of those who are committed to understanding the problem, perhaps Wisconsin can become a model for giving the unskilled hope and pathways to more rewarding, productive lives.

Key to good work: train, train, train

From marshfieldnewsherald.com: “Key to good work: train, train, train” — Workers are faced with two choices in today’s job market — adapt to the rapid changes in their industries or get left behind.

John Cichon, 44, of Stratford was on the verge of being one of those left behind when he was laid off in 2008 after a 15-year career building windows at SNE in Mosinee.

“I was worried about being in my 40s and only having window-building skills,” Cichon said.

With jobs scarce and money tight, Cichon decided to change careers. He never had welded before in his life, but after researching local job openings, salaries and other information, that’s what he decided to do.

He went back to school, worked jobs to gain some experience and now is employed by Schuette Metals in Rothschild after completing the company’s revolutionary in-house, welding academy training program. Today, he spends his days welding parts for military vehicles as part of the company’s government contract.

Cichon is among the thousands of workers who have taken advantage of training and other programs to adapt to changes in central Wisconsin’s economy. Shrinking budgets and increased expenses have forced many local employers to become more efficient. Employees have had to learn new skills after their employers eliminated positions or brought new technology into the workplace. Workers who lost their jobs learned they needed to refresh or learn new skills in order to be attractive to prospective employers.

Tom Younger, Department of Workforce Development area manager for the Job Center of Wisconsin in Marathon County, said the Great Recession has been a life-altering event for many workers.

“A lot of them have gone on to school and they are saying, ‘I am just lost. The technology is so beyond what I’m used to,’” Younger said.

Classes on computer skills as basic as sending emails and uploading resumes are available at local libraries, and workers who haven’t been in school since before computers entered the workplace often need such remedial lessons. More complex computer skills such as Web design and accounting software are available at technical colleges.

Technical colleges play an important role in central Wisconsin for both students fresh from high school and veteran workers. Mid-State Technical College Vice President of Academic Affairs Ann Krause-Hanson said 63 percent of MSTC students are ages 25 and older, many of whom are seeking real-world skills to use in local businesses and industries. The college has campuses in Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point and Adams.

The partnerships between technical schools and businesses provide an avenue for workers to get additional training even while still on the job. One example is the short-term contract training MSTC provides for local businesses. About 90 workers at Domtar in Nekoosa received updated training on hydraulics through the program this summer, Krause-Hanson said.

Some workers, such as those who lost their jobs after plant closures at SNE, Federal Mogul in Schofield, or Wausau Paper in Brokaw, had to find new careers quickly.

The North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board based in Plover is a partnership between government and business that plans, administers and coordinates the federal Workforce Investment Act employment and training programs in nine counties. NCWWDB has partnered with technical colleges and the DWD to create a short-term specialized training in fields such as food service, machine-tooling and welding. The workers get training in a matter of weeks, instead of enrolling in a yearlong course at a technical college, and are back into the workforce as soon as they graduate. The training includes face-to-face time with local business leaders who evaluate the participants’ work in the program.

Bruce Trimble, employer services director for NCWWDB, said that 95 percent of participants found jobs after completing the program.

“We had people getting job offers before they were done,” Trimble said.

Schuette Metals created its welding academy nearly a year ago. New hires spend up to three weeks learning the math, blueprint-reading and welding skills needed at the company and then work under the eyes of mentors. Even veteran employees undergo constant training to sharpen their skills, said Tony Schmidt, the company’s director of education.

Russ Weis, 37, of the town of Emmet, has welded for 18 years, but said he didn’t learn nearly as much about the trade until he went to work at Schuette three years ago. Now, he is mentoring new employees after they complete the welding academy.

“It’s huge having a company do this for you instead of having to go to the tech (school) on your own time,” Weis said of the continuing education.

FVTC recognized for workplace wellness

From thenorthwestern.com: “FVTC earns exemplary recognition for workplace wellness” — The Wellness Council of America, along with local affiliate Wellness Council of Wisconsin, presented its Gold Well Workplace award to Fox Valley Technical College. This level of recognition is the highest form of acknowledgement from WELCOA for an organization regarding employee health and wellness.

WELCOA, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-bring of working Americans, helps companies establish key benchmarks to reduce health risks and health care costs, while implementing programs to enhance employee wellness. WELCOA has more than 3,200 member organizations.

WCTC hosts Manufacturing Summit

 

From wctc.edu: “Manufacturing Summit” — Finding talented workers remains a pressing issue facing the manufacturing industry.

WCTC’s 2012 Manufacturing Summit was created to be a catalyst in creating mutual beneficial relationships between the K-12 school districts, post-secondary institutions, manufacturers, government agencies and local business alliances. The Summit provided a foundation. WCTC invites you to be part of the solution by participating in the Manufacturing Roundtable Discussion, which is an opportunity for participants to contribute in identifying and prioritizing the next “Action Ideas” along with key outcome expectations and timelines.

Roundtable Action Planning Discussions:

• Increasing Interest in Manufacturing, Engineering and Skilled Trades Occupations
• Preparing for the Changing Workforce Needs
• Identifying Partnership Roles

Hot breakfast provided. No cost to attend. Space is limited.

 

BTC honored for agribusiness program

From agriview.com: “WMMB supports outstanding award winners at WAAE Conference” —  For the second straight year, the dairy farm families of Wisconsin helped underscore the important contributions that agricultural educators make to secondary and post-secondary education throughout the state. At the Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators (WAAE) 2012 Annual Professional Development Conference held in Green Bay earlier this summer, the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Wisconsin dairy farmers’ promotion and education organization, sponsored four recognition awards.

“Agriculture and dairy are not only an important part of our past here in Wisconsin, the industry contributes more than $51 billion each year to our state’s economy and offers our next generation more than 300 different career paths,” said Laura Wilford of WMMB and who heads up the Wisconsin Dairy Council. “As we enter another school year, it’s not only important to share information with our children about the healthful advantages of dairy products and daily exercise, it’s also critical that we recognize and support the ag education efforts of our dedicated teachers and instructors.”

The four WAAE award recipients included:

Outstanding Agricultural Educator – Adam Wehling, Mondovi High School. Wehling started teaching at Mondovi High School in 2007 and has continued to challenge his students to gain valuable career skills. Besides teaching agriculture, he also serves as the high school coordinator for the district’s work release program and has taught numerous adult education classes. He has partnered with 35 area businesses to start a career fair with four schools that brings together over 300 students.

Outstanding Young Member – Candice Olson, Badger High School, Lake Geneva. Olson teaches agricultural education at Badger High School in Lake Geneva. In addition to serving as an advisor for the FFA and environmental club, she also developed a chapter exchange program with an FFA advisor in Oklahoma. She has been an active member and presenter at the WAAE and National Association of Agricultural Educators conventions and has served as a National Agri-Science Teacher Ambassador.

Outstanding Post-Secondary/Adult Ag Education Program – Blackhawk Technical College, Monroe Campus. The Agribusiness Specialist program at Blackhawk Technical College started in 2008 with Dustin Williams as the instructor. The rigorous program is a unique one-year technical diploma program designed to coordinate with area high schools and feed into a two- or four- year program either at Southwest Technical College or UW-Platteville. The program boasts a 30-member advisory committee that works with the instructor to ensure curriculum is relevant to industry. There is a high student success rate in attaining internships and full-time employment upon their graduation from the program.

Ideas Unlimited Program – Jim Melby, Winneconne High School. Melby was recognized for his contribution to the Ideas Unlimited contest, a national competition which is designed to give members an opportunity to exchange classroom, supervised agriculture experience (SAE), leadership, and other teaching ideas.

Tech colleges in Wisconsin, Ireland enter study pact

 

From bizjournals.com: “Tech colleges in Wisconsin, Ireland enter study pact” — A new agreement between the Wisconsin Technical College System and the Institutes of Technology Ireland paves the way for technical college students to begin studies in Ireland come 2014.

In a press release, Geoff Bradshaw, director of international education for Madison Area Technical College, said the agreement offers tremendous mobility and flexibility to the students.

“Wisconsin and Ireland share major employment sectors such as information technology, software development, hospitality and tourism,” said Bradshaw who headed the delegation representing WTCS. “There are opportunities in Ireland for American undergraduate students to gain technical exposure and internships in business that will increase the economic capacity of the workforce in both places.”

 

WCTC receives grant to train Aries Industries workers

From bizjournals.com: “WCTC receives grant to train Aries Industries workers” — Waukesha County Technical College’s Center for Business Performance Solutions announced Wednesday it has been awarded a $134,000 Workforce Advancement Training grant to help Aries Industries Inc. continue its “lean” quality initiative and support enhanced skills in supervisory development and customer service.

Aries Industries, a manufacturer of underground video inspection and rehabilitation equipment used in water, waste water, mining, and oil and gas applications, has about 100 employees at its Waukesha plant.

“Over the past year, Aries Industries has made a significant investment in building a foundation for this next step,” said Joseph Weitzer, dean of the Center for Business Performance Solutions. “Its leadership understands the value of implementing a strategic improvement process, and it started with a commitment of resources to educating employees, building a foundation for developing improved processes, engaging employees in process improvement initiatives and providing time for employees to learn and implement process improvements systems.”

Nick Kroll, president and CEO of Aries Industries, said the grant provides the company an opportunity to continue its improvement efforts.

“The training provided through WCTC and funded by this grant is instrumental in advancing our efforts,” Kroll said. “Our employees and organization as a whole will benefit from the services provided under the scope of this grant.”

Wisconsin’s WAT grants are awarded through a competitive process to Wisconsin’s technical colleges, which work in partnership with business and industry on the grant programs. Since 2008, WCTC’s Center for Business Performance Solutions has received nearly $1.5 million in grant funds used to support 95 Waukesha County businesses and the training of nearly 7,000 workers.

Trucker tribute honors father

From fox11online.com: “Trucker tribute honors father” — PEMBINE – Jonathon Pierce is climbing aboard for his final exam. The truck driving school student is taking this road test with a heavy heart.

“He’s constantly on my mind, 24/7. I try to focus on my schoolwork, on my studies, but he’s always back there,” said Jonathon.

This class of student drivers usually sticks to the highway and the weigh stations. But for this day, Pierce had a special request.

“He had asked if we could, on our final voyage, go up to Pembine to see his father. We feel honored,” said Charles Nelson, Fox Valley Technical College truck driving instructor.

So Pierce leads the way. He will be a fifth generation trucker. His mind is on his father, who is battling terminal cancer.

“I kind of wish he was better, unfortunately like I said under the circumstances, I don’t think he’s going to be around too much longer,” said Jonathon. “It’s really heartbreaking for me, but it is what it is.”

It’s 110 miles from FVTC’s Grand Chute campus to Pembine. It’s a trip Pierce has made many times before, but today is different.

“Now, he’s going to get to see me riding in a semi today for driving,” Jonathon said.

And as his father stretches to get a glimpse of his son behind the wheel, it’s a reunion that goes beyond words.

“Jonathan always wanted to go trucking with his dad, and I guess this is as close as you’re going to get now,” said Pam Pierce, Jonathan’s mother. “I’m proud of him.”

“I couldn’t think of anywhere I’d rather be right now than right here,” said Jonathon.

“He pulled off one more; I just hope he makes it. It’s a long ways to go,” said Steve Pierce, Jonathon’s father.

A proud father to the end.

“Yeah, I know he is deep down inside, even though he rejected me from doing it for years and years and years. I know he’s happy,” said Jonathon.

The students will have one more road test before graduating on Friday.

As for Jonathon Pierce, he says he already has a job lined up with a trucking company with a terminal in Green Bay.

 

WTCS participates in legislative hearing on skills gap

From thenorthwestern.com: “Shortages predicted in skilled workforce” — Wisconsin faces a workforce crisis, with a high volume of exiting workers and not enough skilled workers to take their place.

That double whammy was a focus on Wednesday of a legislative hearing in Oshkosh to discuss job creation and training.

The hearing was held at Fox Valley Technical College’s Riverside Campus in Oshkosh, and co-chaired by State Sens. Jessica King, D-Oshkosh, and Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse.

Testimony tackled Wisconsin’s skills gap and successful workforce development initiatives. King said the next step is to build on the hearing’s success stories and work to ensure the state’s workforce meets employers’ the current and future needs.

Dennis Winters, chief economist for the Department of Workforce Development, said Wisconsin’s workforce started to flatten out around 2000, and by 2035, it could start to shift to a decline. The state’s growing occupations require teamwork, communication, analytical and problem solving skills, Winters said. The top occupations with the most new jobs from 2008-2018 are mostly in health care and technology fields.

New survey data indicates that the workforce will change more dramatically over the next 15 years than employers and educators expected. According to the 2011 Fond du Lac County Retirement and Departure Intentions Study, 51 percent of that county’s workforce plans to retire within the next 15 years.

Josh Bullock, vice president of strategic advancement for Moraine Park Technical College said the county could train every school-age student and still not have enough workers. He said Fond du Lac County could be short 19,000 people to fill available jobs by 2026, which could lead employers toeither leave the area or shut down.

A similar survey of eight major health care providers in the Fox Valley found that 48 percent of health care workers plan to retire in the next 15 years, up 4 percent from 2008.

“We have this double whammy with a mass exodus of aging baby boomers who are aging: not only are they leaving health care, but they require more health care as they age,” Bullock said.

Morna Foy, vice president of policy and government relations for the Wisconsin Technical College System, said the system estimates that employers will require 39,000 more workers with technical college training than what the system can produce with its current resources, Foy said.

Still, Foy said, Wisconsin’s tech schools are training more people with a more diverse population and showing as positive results as they ever have.

Representatives from Fox Valley Technical College cited the success of collaborations with Miller Electric and FABCO in providing students with real-world learning opportunities while providing companies with continued education. FABCO has offered a job to every student graduating from its partnership with FVTC, and job placements from the Miller Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center ranged from 85 percent to 100 percent, depending on the field, last year.

The hearing also included testimony from Jeff Rafn, president of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, and Steven Baue, vice president of human resources for Marinette Marine. NWTC and Marinette Marine have a $1.8 million, two-year agreement under which NWTC will provide Marinette Marine with more than 130,000 hours of training for the company’s welders, shipfitters, pipefitters and electrical workers. This month alone, Marinette Marine will hire 70 permanent employees and 180 contractors, Baue said.

Without NWTC, Marinette Marine would not have been able to grow, Baue said. He said education related to the company’s shipbuilding jobs isn’t just failing at the high school level; it’s failing at the elementary school level.

“My concern is, I have a rapidly aging workforce, and these are highly skilled positions,” Baue said. “I should not have to work this hard to find employees.”

Groundbreaking for FVTC health and technology center

From fox11online.com: “Groundbreaking for health and technology center” — GRAND CHUTE – Fox Valley Technical College is expanding. Tuesday, school officials broke ground on a new building.

The Health Simulation and Technology Center is expected to be completed next fall.

A $66.5 million public referendum passed last April will help pay for the project.

It features a three-story, 60,000 square foot building.

“It’s a very exciting day. We’ve been in the planning process for this facility for at least seven or eight years, and to see it come all together and actually turn the dirt today at our groundbreaking, is extremely exciting,” said Robert Sternhagen, the human patients simulator coordinator at FVTC.

Once completed, the new building will also feature new technology, including virtual reality and computer simulation.

Police officers train at WCTC for “active shooter” situations

From fox11nonline.com: “Officers train for scenarios after Sikh shooting” — PEWAUKEE – The Sikh Temple shooting is changing the way police officers train. Some are getting a “refresher course” in dealing with active shooters.

It’s a scenario no law enforcement officer can predict, but if or when it happens, quick action is all it takes to put down an active shooter.

At the Waukesha County Technical College, a dozen officers from agencies across southeast Wisconsin got a refresher course on how to handle the most dangerous situations.

“I can’t emphasize training, training, training. They come to us with various levels of experience and training. and it’s our job to elevate their training,” says Brian Dorow, dean of WCTC’s criminal justice program.

One situation involves a resisting suspect and how to apprehend and handcuff them.

“It’s what we call diminishing skill sets. if you don’t practice them, you may not be as sharp as when you have to do it,” says Dorow.

Another involves clearing a staircase where a suspect may be hiding.

“There’s a skill set as well as a technique to clearing a staircase. We call that metering,” says Dorow.

The most relevant skill is dealing with an ambush situation.

After the Sikh Temple shooting, instructors say it’s the most important training.

“What we’re putting the officers in is the most realistic situation so that their heart rate is elevated. They’re processing it like it could happen anywhere else. It makes them so much better when they’re out on the street,” says Dorow.

This training is part of a rotating 17-week training. By the end of it, instructors will have trained close to 3,000 officers throughout southeast Wisconsin.

BTC working with local employers to meet demand for skilled workers

From beloitdailynews.com: “Projects to improve downtown, create jobs in the Stateline Area” — There are several exciting projects being pursued in Beloit thanks to Diane Hendricks.

“Her commitment to Beloit and Rock County is huge. She wants to do whatever she can to grow it and make it bigger and better,” said  Rob Gerbitz, president and COO of Hendricks Commercial Properties (HCP).

From helping to bring businesses to Beloit’s city center and Gateway Business Park to investing in its current facilities and partnering with local educational institutions, Diane Hendricks and Hendricks Commercial Properties continues to find new ways to help the community.

Hendricks Commercial Properties is busy planning the transformation of the site of the Wagner’s building in downtown Beloit. In December of 2011 HCP purchased the two-story building in the 400 block of East Grand Avenue to fill it with apartments and businesses. The building has been re-named “The Phoenix” by Isaac Bamgbosea, a Beloit College intern, to symbolize it rising from the rubble.

“It’s pretty exciting when you think about more businesses and more people coming to live, work and play in the city center,” Gerbitz said.

Gerbitz said the Wagner’s building and two adjacent structures are set to be torn down in October. In August the company was testing the soil around the building and civil engineers had been out to inspect the location.

The company hasn’t finalized the purchase of the surrounding buildings, located at 416 and 418 E. Grand Ave., but expects to close on the property soon.

The company expects the project to take about a year, which includes construction and leasing out the first floor for commercial business.

Gerbitz declined to say how much the construction would cost, but Beloit Daily News archives said previous estimates put the total development cost at about $7.39 million.

The top three floors will be residential housing apartments. Gerbitz said Beloit College officials have discussed students living in the apartments, but nothing has been finalized.

He said they haven’t discussed having a mix of students and residents in the apartments, but would prefer to focus on either one or the other.

The college previously told the Daily News that its board of trustees was expected to take up the issue in the spring. The next board meeting will be in October, but they are not expected to hear anything on the Wagner’s site at that time.

The Wagner’s building previously held Wagner’s Office Supply, which closed its doors in 2001. The building stood vacant for more than a decade until Hendricks bought it in December 2011.

Diane Hendricks and Hendricks Commercial Properties have also been involved in bringing a cutting edge business to Beloit — NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes. The company serves the needs of the nuclear medicine market.

NorthStar is a privately-held company, and one of the key investors is  Diane Hendricks, through Hendricks Holding Company. She made an investment last November. The land in the Gateway Business Park where NorthStar is set to build is owned by Hendricks Commercial Properties along with John Patch.

In June of 2011, NorthStar announced plans to locate a $194 million, 82,000-square foot production facility in Beloit. It plans to build the facility and occupy a 33-acre site adjacent to Gateway Boulevard. The development was projected to create about 150 jobs by 2016. Construction is slated for 2013.

NorthStar is also working on ways to decrease production costs while increasing its output of Molybdenum-99, which is used to extract isotopes to use in medical diagnostic imaging.

Gerbitz said one small project Hendricks Commercial Properties and Corporate Contractors Inc. are involved in is the re-roofing on American Construction Metals (ACM) on Park Avenue. The company produces a wide array of metal building materials including metal roofing, trim coil, edge metal, gutter systems, and a variety of other metal accessories.

The project was started about two months ago, but Gerbitz said that ACM’s business is going so strong that it has been a bit challenging to get completed while making sure not to interfere with ACM’s production.

Gerbitz said Diane Hendricks continues to work with Blackhawk Technical College officials to build an advanced manufacturing center in Beloit. The center is needed in order to meet the high demand of local businesses and their need for highly skilled and certified workforce. A third welding program section was added for this upcoming school year.

Blackhawk Technical College officials are looking at various locations to build an advanced manufacturing center after meeting with representatives of the Hendricks Commercial and Hendricks Holdings on Friday.

About $10 million to $12 million needed to be raised to finance the renovations. Eckert said the college couldn’t afford to add the costs of the renovations to the lease, which is what the owner of a property normally does for the tenant and its specific needs.

Instead the college is attempting to raise funds from local businesses that can then have direct input into what BTC will be training their students and future employees for.

“We continue to work on the advanced manufacturing center with BTC. It’s a strong initiative Diane really believes in to provide the highest level of technical education to Rock County, Green County and their respective businesses,” Gerbitz said. “We are willing to help and work with them in any way we can.”

Hendricks Commercial Properties, founded by Diane Hendricks and her late husband, Ken Hendricks, has a history of redeveloping buildings in Beloit. In in the downtown Beloit area, Hendricks Commercial Properties has redeveloped the former Beloit Public Library, which is now the Hendricks Center for the Arts. The company also redeveloped the former Beloit Corporation properties, which now is the Ironworks complex.

Partnership brings Kestrel to Superior

From superiortelegram.com: “State allocates tax credits for Kestrel development” — Gov. Scott Walker announced Tuesday that Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority and Wisconsin Community Development Legacy Fund have completed a $30 million allocation of federal New Markets Tax Credits to the Kestrel Aircraft Co.

Established in 2010, Kestrel moved its design operations from Duluth to Superior; plans include constructing two facilities in Superior to manufacture its single-engine turboprop aircraft for production. A composites plant will be constructed in the Winter Street Industrial Park, and the assembly plant is slated for construction next year on the northeastern corner of the fairgrounds on Tower Avenue, near the Bong Airport.

“Attracting this visionary entrepreneur to relocate with the potential to create 600 new jobs is incredible news for the city of Superior and the entire state of Wisconsin,” Walker said in a prepared statement. “In putting together an aggressive package, Wisconsin has decisively demonstrated its commitment to job creation and boosting our state economy.”

WHEDA’s New Markets Tax Credit program promotes economic development in low-income communities. WHEDA is a part of the nonprofit WCDLF that is responsible for allocating federal New Market Tax Credits in Wisconsin. Kestrel qualifies for the credits as an eligible business seeking to make an investment in a federally designated qualified low-income area.

“I am thrilled that WHEDA is able to utilize its economic development and job creation tools to help Kestrel revolutionize aviation right here in Wisconsin,” said WHEDA Executive Director Wyman Winston. “Kestrel recognizes Wisconsin’s know-how and talent and WHEDA is committed to helping Kestrel develop the next generation of commercial aircraft in our great state.”

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has created an Enterprise Zone in Superior to provide $18 million in tax credits, and has provided a $2 million loan to the company.

“This is a significant step and valuable economic development tool in supporting Kestrel Aircraft’s move to establish its manufacturing and headquarters in Superior,” said Paul Jadin, chief executive officer of Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

The city of Superior has provided a $2.4 million loan in addition to providing two parcels of land for development, and $1.125 million in tax incremental financing (TIF).

“The decision of Kestrel Aircraft to locate in Superior is a high level addition to our corporate base, which will benefit the entire region and the State of Wisconsin,” said Superior Mayor Bruce Hagen. “We thank all of the private/public partnerships that reached out on all levels and depth to solidify and welcome Kestrel as our newest corporate citizen. The economic ripple effect will be very promising in growing the community, along with the introduction of complementary businesses and industries. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Kestrel President Alan Klapmeier and the Kestrel team.”

Douglas County has provided $800,000 in loans.

“Douglas County is pleased that one of the final steps in the financing of Kestrel Aircraft has been approved,” said Douglas County Board Chairman Douglas Finn. “This has been an exciting project for all of the residents of the area with the potential for several hundred jobs along with spin-off opportunities. We would not be at this point without a great partnership between Kestrel Aircraft, the state of Wisconsin, the city of Superior, Douglas County and all the other agencies involved along with the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College.

“These are exciting times for our community and this is just one of many great opportunities if we continue to work together.”

‘Transcripted credit’ gives students jump start

From wausaudailyherald.com: “‘Transcripted credit’ gives students jump start” — With the start of another school year, students are back to class and hitting the books, but some of those books are actually doing double duty.

Did you know that high school juniors and seniors can earn both high school and college credit without ever leaving their high school classroom? Northcentral Technical College, along with Wisconsin’s other 15 technical colleges, has offered dual enrollment opportunities, free of charge, for high school students for more than 30 years. Upon successful completion of the college coursework, students earn technical college credit and receive an NTC transcript.

One dual enrollment opportunity, transcripted credit, is a method through which technical colleges and high schools partner to deliver seamless instruction to high school students, providing them with the opportunity to enroll in and complete associate degree and technical diploma course work while fulfilling high school graduation requirements. These courses are taught at local high schools by certified high school instructors who follow NTC’s curriculum and competencies in their classroom, and have no tuition cost for the student or the school district.

Through NTC’s transcripted credit program, more than 8,000 students have enrolled in a technical college course since 2006, saving students and their families more than $650,000 in tuition costs. Students are able to apply the credit they earned to one of NTC’s 150-plus program options, or transfer their credit to another college or university where NTC has an existing articulation agreement.

Many of the high schools in NTC’s district participate in the transcripted credit program, including D.C. Everest and Wausau school districts. Nick Polak and Theran Peterson, technology and engineering instructors for the Wausau School District, teach several transcripted credit courses at Wausau East and West high schools, and both see the value of transcripted credit for their students.

“Students are saving time and money by eliminating the need to take the course at the post-secondary level. The student is receiving high-quality instruction from industry-approved and aligned curriculum,” said Peterson. “Ultimately, the role of education is preparing students to succeed in their chosen career. Providing them with curriculum that has been approved by industry will ensure the transition from student to employee is as seamless and successful as possible.”

Northcentral Technical College faculty collaborate yearly with certified high school teachers to ensure that the transcripted credit curriculum being taught is relevant, rigorous and up to industry standards.

Transcripted credit is a wonderful opportunity for high school students to experience college level coursework at their high school. These courses offer a cost-effective way for students to get a jump-start on earning a college credential, and provide them with skills and knowledge that will lead to employment.

NTC continues to look for opportunities to expand and partner with area school districts to ensure that local students have the ability to excel no matter what their future may hold.

For more information about transcripted credit opportunities, contact your local high school counselor or Leslie Fischer, Career Prep Coordinator at NTC, at fischerL@ntc.edu.

Leslie Fischer is the career prep coordinator and a career coach at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau.