WPT examines funding for tech colleges

From wpt5.org: “Budget Watch: Technical Colleges” — In the latest installment of Here and Now’s Budget Watch series, reporter Zac Schultz examines the impact Gov. Scott Walker’s budget proposal could have on state technical colleges.

View video from wpt5.org

New FVTC program helps trucking companies fill skills gap

From wbay.com: “New FVTC program helps trucking companies fill skills gap” — Appleton – Instead of working against one another, a group of local trucking companies is teaming up to create a training program that will benefit all of them. The new program is believed to be the only one of its kind in the country.

Appleton West students are some of the first to hear about a new program being created at Fox Valley Technical College. After several local trucking companies found themselves trying to steal trailer tech employees from one other, because there’s a shortage of workers with the necessary skills, those companies decided to team up to create a curriculum to specifically teach trailer technician skills.

“It was a way for us to try and get more technicians in the field that we could all benefit from and ultimately the customer does,” says Margo Kane from Master Fleet, one of the participating companies.

The 18-week trailer tech program will cover a range of skills, everything from welding and electrical work to brake work and accident repair. With a 99% job placement rate, anyone who enters the program is pretty much guaranteed a job upon completion.

“For about $2200 somebody can come in for 18 weeks and go out in the industry and start at a good wage,” says Dan Poeschel from FVTC.

While high schoolers are being targeted for the trailer tech program, Fox Valley Tech officials tell us those who already work in the trades industry can easily transition into this program.

Says Poeschel, “The people that really transition well are somebody that may be a carpenter and they’re having a hard time finding work there. They could go right into, come on with a lot of skills and really excel at this.”

Registration for the new trailer tech program will begin in November. Classes are scheduled to start in January.

 

Dual credits help save money, time

From marshfieldnewsherald.com: “Column: Dual credits help save money, time” — By Sue Budjac — Today is Dual Credit Day. This day recognizes the role of Mid-State Technical College during the past two decades in helping thousands of high school students accelerate their educational attainment.

Recognition of similarly successful collaborations is happening today at technical colleges all across Wisconsin.

What is dual credit, and how does it work? Dual credit classes are college-level courses taught in high schools by high school teachers who are Wisconsin Technical College System certified.

Essentially, specific classes in the high school use MSTC books and curriculum, and students receive college credits for successful completion. Examples of dual credit classes include college accounting, advanced computer applications, medical terminology, alternative energy and marketing principles.

Each high school partners with MSTC to determine classes that are eligible for dual credit, so dual credit classes will vary from high school to high school. Eleven high schools currently offer dual credit classes in the Mid-State Technical College District.

The 16 colleges in the WTCS have offered dual credit opportunities for more than 20 years. During that time span, we have expanded dual credit into new program areas and presented high school students with numerous opportunities to get an inexpensive head start on their college education. Technical colleges across the state are specialists in transitioning high school students into higher education.

Every dual credit earned is one less credit to pay for in college. How so? With dual credit, high school students take a free MSTC college course that also counts toward their high school graduation requirements. Dual credit is thus a great way to reduce the cost of a college education.

Dual credit saves time and money. Students can focus their time in college on those courses and skills they need most to graduate quickly. Who wouldn’t prefer a paycheck in their pocket over another semester of college loans? Dual credit students also gain an early appreciation for the demands and rigor of college courses while putting themselves on the fast-track to a good-paying career.

About 20,000 Wisconsin high school students each year are already taking advantage of this head start on the path to a college degree. They learn a high-quality skill set and acquire hands-on experience in less time for less money. Dual credit students are more likely to enroll in college and complete an MSTC degree or certificate. Local businesses also benefit from a well-trained workforce. If our economy is to thrive, our communities need to embrace a healthy workforce that in turn stimulates economic growth and job creation. Dual credit is a means to that end.

If you are interested in learning more about earning college credit in high school, please visit with your local high school counselor or CTE teacher, or call MSTC’s high school career coach, Xiong Vang, at 715-422-5521.

Sue Budjac is president of Mid-State Technical College.

Tech college expands to meet skills gap

From fox11online.com: “Tech school expands to meet skills gap” — The training labs at Lakeshore Technical College have been booked solid, up to 18 hours a day, and the waiting lists are nearly 30 people deep.

“The waiting list for example, machine tool and especially our welding program, are such that we can have a program filled and before the start of the program, we already have almost the next program filled,” explained Executive Dean of Manufacturing Richard Hoerth.

With a changing job market, some employers have been dealing with what they call a skills gap.

They say they are willing to hire, but can’t find qualified people to fill the spots.

And it seems more people are beginning to understand the gap in skilled labor in the state. And so the college decided there’s only one way to address the growing need and interest, expand.

The more than $6 million project includes doubling the size of LTC’s Flexible Training Arena and modernizing the Trade and Industry building.

The expansion project is one of the largest of its kind for the nearly century old school. Officials expect the expansion will increase the number of graduates by 50 each year.

“The manufacturing sector in Manitowoc County and the lakeshore in general is extremely important. It’s about 37% of our employment,” explained Connie Loden, Executive Director of the Manitowoc County Economic Development Corporation.

Economic development officials feel the expansion is coming at the right time, but the skills gap stretches beyond Wisconsin.

According to an annual survey by ManpowerGroup, skilled trades was the hardest job to fill last year in the U.S, and it’s topped the charts since 2010.

“As the economy grows, we’re part of that solution and our employers need a skilled workforce to grow and that’s where we come in, is working with them and working with the students in the area,” explained LTC President Michael Lanser.

The college plans to break ground on the project in June. Officials say grants, loans and private investments will cover the costs.

In addition to this milestone, the college will celebrate its 100th anniversary on May 8th.

Free vehicle safety checkup for senior drivers

From wkow.com: “Free vehicle safety checkup for senior drivers” — Senior citizens in the Madison area have the chance to make their vehicles more safe on the road.

A team of automotive technicians and health professionals have organized the CarFit program. The event is geared to help seniors feel more comfortable and safe in their vehicles.

Darcie Olson is an instructor for the Madison College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. She says drivers’ vision, flexibility, strength and other physical conditions may change as they age. Volunteers at the event will help drivers clear off blind spots, adjust headroom space, examine their foot positioning, and check safety belts.

The CarFit program will be held Monday May 6th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Madison College West Campus. Anyone who is interested can make an appointment by calling (608)-258-2313.

 

 

GOP lawmakers propose replacing technical college property taxes with sales tax hike

From madison.com: “GOP lawmakers propose replacing technical college property taxes with sales tax hike” — Control of the state’s 16 technical colleges would be shifted to a statewide board and a 1 percent sales tax would replace local property taxes raised by technical college boards, under a proposal from Republican lawmakers.

The bill would make all changes contingent on approval by voters in a spring 2014 referendum.

It was authored by Rep. Garey Bies, R-Sister Bay, and co-sponsored by Joint Finance Committee chairman Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, and Rep. Tom Larson, R-Colfax.

Bies said he was working on the bill since 2001 in response to constituent concerns about the effect of rising technical college property taxes and local technical college boards not being elected.

“We do not think paying for colleges should be on the property tax,” Bies said.

But he acknowledged he hasn’t received much support from fellow Republicans, and the bill’s prospects are uncertain.

Gov. Scott Walker suggested the referendum, Bies said. Walker’s spokesman Tom Evenson didn’t have an immediate comment Friday.

He also didn’t respond to a follow-up email.

The bill, AB 117, was referred to the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities, where committee chairman Rep. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, opposes the idea of shifting technical college revenue to a sales tax, spokesman Mike Mikalsen said.

“It was a terrible idea to (broach) the idea of a sales tax increase,” Mikalsen said. “That’s just not realistic.”

Mikalsen said the committee may discuss the role of the state and local technical college boards in the fall. But he noted a Republican attempt last session to add more business representatives to local technical college boards fell flat.

“A lot of legislators are licking their wounds,” he said.

Wisconsin Technical College System officials are open to discussing funding changes but oppose centralizing control of the colleges, system spokesman Conor Smyth said.

“The current government structure is responsive to local communities and the employers in those communities,” Smyth said.

Tim Casper, Madison Area Technical College assistant vice president for budget and public affairs, said the local board — appointed by local elected officials — understands area business needs better than a state board would. He also said the bill is problematic because it doesn’t specify that the sales tax funds would go to technical colleges.

The state’s technical college system provides vocational training, college credit and adult enrichment classes to more than 350,000 students a year.

Technical college boards outside Milwaukee are appointed either by county or school district leaders and must include two employers, two employees, three members of the public, a school district administrator, and a local or state elected official.

Bies’ bill would transfer all district employees, facilities, property, assets and liabilities to the Wisconsin Technical College System Board. The local boards would continue to advise the district director, who would be appointed to the state board.

The bill would increase the state sales tax from 5 percent to 6 percent, raising about $900 million in new state revenue. The bill does not dedicate the new funds to technical colleges but calls for legislation to “reconcile” new funding and a shift in control of the system.

This fiscal year, the 16 technical colleges raised $786.7 million in property taxes.

That amount has grown on average by 3.8 percent per year over the past decade.

Much of the statewide increase in recent years came from MATC, which received voter approval in fall 2010 for a $133.7 million building plan.

The college has faced criticism for erecting several new buildings but not having the money to operate them.

“We asked the public and the public pretty overwhelmingly said go forward and provide for the facilities that are needed,” Casper said.

The state cut aid to technical colleges by $36 million, or 30 percent, in 2011-12. Walker proposed a $5 million, or 6 percent, increase in 2014-15.

 

High school students can get head starts through dual credits

From gazettextra.com: “High school students can get head starts through dual credits” — By Gabrielle Banick – Financing a child’s college education can seem daunting. Even with financial aid, and with the knowledge that education is an investment that pays dividends long into the future, many families believe they cannot fit college tuition into their budgets.

That’s why on April 30th, the Wisconsin Technical College System is promoting “Do the Dual” to raise awareness about dual credit programs across the state. Dual credit programs allow high school juniors and seniors to simultaneously earn high school and college credit. At most schools, these classes are free, resulting in significant cost savings for families of college-bound students.

How significant are the savings associated with dual credit? During the 2009-10 school year, Blackhawk Technical College registered 194 students in dual credit courses, saving parents $55,668 in college tuition costs. In 2011-12, that number jumped to 652 students, saving families $284,546.

Still, we believe dual credit is somewhat of a well-kept secret—and that needs to change. At Blackhawk Tech, the general education division has been working with public school staff and administrators throughout Rock and Green counties to ensure that more students and parents know of this opportunity. In fact, Blackhawk Tech has 34 different transcripted credit articulation agreements in place at 10 area high schools.

Nevertheless, more awareness beyond the education sector is needed to help families and students pay for college and understand that dual credit programs have other benefits in addition to tuition savings, such as:

–Employers need access to skilled workers in order to remain globally competitive. We need to supply more well-trained graduates to meet the workforce needs, and dual credit allows students to finish college in less time.

–Students deserve the chance to use their time in the classroom more efficiently and get a head start on college. Many high school students who are career focused and willing to take on the rigor of college classes can begin their pathways to postsecondary education and then to the workforce at earlier ages.

–The partnerships between our secondary schools and technical colleges are outstanding and grow even stronger when aligning curricula.

–Finally, and perhaps most important, a student who leaves high school with college credit is much more likely to pursue, and complete, a college degree. Dual credit helps students overcome real or perceived obstacles to higher education.

It’s clear that dual credit has far-reaching implications. These programs will help foster economic development and make higher education more affordable. Let’s move dual credit from a well-kept secret to one of Wisconsin’s greatest success stories.

Our state, our taxpayers and, most important, our students will be the real winners.

Gabrielle Banick is dean of General Education at Blackhawk Technical College and is a former Wisconsin Technical College System education director for articulation; phone 608 757-6320; email gbanick@blackhawk.edu.

“Do the Dual” event

On Tuesday, April 30, Blackhawk Technical College will host two articulation workshops at its central campus, 6004 Prairie Ave., Janesville. These are workshops you would normally be able to take as dual credit classes. One in math will run from 9 to 11 a.m. and one in marketing and business education will be from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Blackhawk Tech also will give out “Do the Dual” wristbands and promotional posters at area high schools.

Prescott High School students laud dual credit to fight college costs

From piercecountyherald.com: “Prescott High School students laud dual credit to fight college costs” — Prescott High School Junior Courtney Krenig has a dream of enrolling in medical school and becoming a doctor specializing in sports and athletics-related health. Krenig plans to start out locally, though, at UW-River Falls.

Actually, she has already started on her college coursework with a class in Medical Terminology at Prescott High School. Through the class, she is earning not only credits toward her high school graduation, but credits at Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), which are transferrable to a number of universities, including UWRF. Already having those credits will save her hundreds of dollars in tuition and fees at college.

The program is called “dual credit,” and its use has been growing rapidly in school districts throughout CVTC’s 11-county area, and in other technical college districts throughout the state.

At a time when college costs and resulting student debt are rising, families are looking for ways to cut costs and the time spent in college. Dual credit is designed to do both and is ideal for a student like Krenig, who found she was getting an extra benefit from a class she planned to take anyway.

“I didn’t know it was dual credit until I got here, but I’m happy I will get the credits. I took it to save time, so I didn’t have to take it in college. Now they will be like elective credits for me in college,” she said.

With dual credit, students earn full credit directly from the technical college, just as if the student took the class at the college.

“They get credit on their (CVTC) transcript right away. They don’t have to apply for it. That credit can transfer to a university too,” said CVTC Registrar Jessica Schwartz. “We are looking for ways to create pathways from high school to CVTC, and to their bachelor’s degree at a university.”

Tech Ed students show their work at Project GRILL unveiling

From fdlreporter.com: “Project GRILL unveiling on May 3 in Fond du Lac” — The smell of summer will soon be in the air as area students and business leaders gather for the 2013 Project GRILL unveiling.

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 3, at the Festival Foods parking lot, 1125 E. Johnson St. Admission is free, but the unveiling will include a brat fry to support the Project GRILL program.

Student creativity and hands-on manufacturing lessons combine to produce one-of-a-kind and sometimes unexpected charcoal grills. Project GRILL, a program of the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce, matches high school technical education departments with area manufacturers in a challenge to work together to design, test and build a grill.

This year, eight high school technical education departments have been paired with eight area manufacturers, according to an event press release. Partnerships include Campbellsport High School and Mid-States Aluminum, Fond du Lac High School and Nemesis Metals, Horace Mann High School and JF Ahern Co., Laconia High School and Mercury Marine, Lomira High School and Kondex Corp., Mayville High School and Mayville Engineering Co., Oakfield High School and Manowske Welding, and Winnebago Lutheran Academy and MAG.

Moraine Park Technical College is a supporting partner of Project GRILL, providing technical assistance and facilities.

For more information, visit www.fdlac.com or call the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce at (920) 921-9500.

 

NWTC budget proposal expands high-demand programs

From greenbaypressgazette.com: “NWTC budget proposal expands high-demand programs” — Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is expanding popular programs next school year, but administrators say that won’t impact its spending plan.

School officials are shifting resources to programs that are most in demand in a budget that isn’t expected to mean higher costs for taxpayers, according to NWTC President Jeff Rafn.

The college’s general fund budget is expected to dip slightly to $77.18 million from $77.52 million last school year.

A public hearing is set for May 8 and the school’s board will give final approval in fall. The proposed budget calls for a tax levy increase of about $300,000 to $59.199 million, up from $58.899 million. The increase is due to higher land value based on new construction, and won’t affect the tax rate, Rafn said. That means homeowners shouldn’t see much change in the amount of property taxes they owe for NWTC — about $160 for the owner of a home valued at $100,000 last year.

The community college plans to launch a new Sustainable Food and Agriculture Systems program, electro-mechanical mobile lab and start mechanical and electrical engineering technology programs that would lead to baccalaureate degrees at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and UW-Oshkosh. The school also plans to expand its physical therapist assistant program to Marinette and its Environmental Engineering Technology program.

Construction and renovation plans include creation of a student success center, an expansion of its Marine Training Center, an update of the Center for Business and Industry Training area and creation of the Shawano Health Education Center. The student success center will focus on connecting students to services that can help them succeed and reflects the continued growth of support services, school officials said.

Other changes include a move to a new academic calendar that would add a three-week January term and a 12-week summer semester. NWTC would continue to grow its work with area school districts by expanding or starting a number of partnerships with districts in Northern Wisconsin, including plans for programs with schools in Gillett, Lena, Coleman and Suring, as well as work with the Green Bay School District on a school-based manufacturing operation.

The idea is to make modifications to support programs that provide strong job potential, Rafn said.

“Up until last few years, I think we have had a big employer demand, not student demand in certain programming, “ said Amy Kox, associate dean for engineering and sustainability. “Now that’s changed. We’re working to help students see, ‘What’s next?’

“I think that’s helping. We’re helping them to see that coming to technical school is a great first step in lifelong process of learning.”

The agriculture sustainability program is built around suggestions from local organic farmers, including the Oneida Tribe of Indians and New Leaf Market, Kox said.

“We asked them what their needs were,” she said. “That helped build our program. Younger people are interested in sustainability, so we see a lot of possibilities.”

NWTC is expanding its manufacturing areas to meet employer demands, Kox said.

“We keep adding sections,” she said. “We’re trying to get as many students through as possible. The need is there.”

Despite the changes, the college’s budget proposal reflects a tax freeze, Rafn said.

Under state law, the school will be able to raise taxes slightly to reflect construction growth in Brown County, or an estimated $300,000 to its tax levy, which is not expected to impact the overall tax rate.

“Our focus really is student success,” Rafn said. “We want more students to get degrees. We have 45 percent graduation rate, our goal is to achieve 60 percent.”

The college has worked to keep students enrolled, he said. It has hired counselors to help students with mental health issues, hired a counselor to work with military veterans and made orientation mandatory, Rafn noted. It also has created an alert system to monitor if students seem to be struggling in the first three weeks of school.

“Maybe we can find ways to help them , instead of letting them get deeper and deeper,” he said.

The district is trimming costs by leaving some positions empty, Rafn said. It also is cutting out overtime payments to some instructors for teaching extra classes, as well tightening compensation to reflect performance.

NWTC expects to enroll the equivalent of 7,200 full-time students in 2013-14.

 

MPTC offers event for nonprofits, small business

From wiscnews.com: “‘Trained to Serve’ coming to MPTC'” — A new event geared toward nonprofits, small businesses and organizations with boards will be held May 22 and 23 at Moraine Park Technical College  in Beaver Dam.

“Trained to Serve: Staying Sane in an Insane World,” has been organized by area executive directors and members on nonprofits interesting in improving skill needed in the service industry and small business.

The focus is on education, sustainability and networking.

Two recognized featured speakers include John Gillespie, founder of Rawhide Boys Ranch, and John McHugh, motivational speaker from Kwik Trip Inc.

The event begins on May 22 at 12:30 p.m. and continues until 6:45 p.m. May 23, speakers it will be from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. with a choice of break out sessions.

Highlights include sessions on creative fundraising, networking, marketing, collaborations, conflict management, human resources troubleshooting and leadership.

A full schedule can be emailed or mailed to those interested by contacting Karla Jensen, BDAAA executive director, at 885-3635, or requesting a brochure atbdaaa@seippelcenter.com.

There is a registration fee, with reduced rates for groups of six or more from one business or organization. Individuals may register for both days at $50, which includes Wednesday dinner and Thursday lunch.

Groups may register with six or more attending at the lower rate of $25 per person for the entire event.  Register by May 1 and save.

Organizations assisting with planning “Trained to Serve” are Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Beaver Dam Area Arts, PAVE, First Lutheran Church, The Watermark and Beaver Dam Community Activities and Services, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Moraine Park Technical College and the YMCA. Any of the organizations can provide more information or a brochure.

MATC, UW-Whitewater sign articulation agreement

From dailyunion.com: “MATC, UW-Whitewater sign articulation agreement” — The Warhawks and Wolfpack might be ominous mascots in sports competitions, but from this point forward, Willie and Wolfie make excellent study buddies when it comes to obtaining a college degree.

Administrators from both the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Madison Area Technical College were on hand at Madison College’s Fort Atkinson campus Wednesday for a special signing ceremony formalizing a direct program-to-program transfer of credits between the two schools.

Two separate institutional contracts, formally called articulation agreements, where made official with signatures Wednesday. First, the Liberal Arts Journalism Pathway program begins at Madison College and is designed for students who obtain an associate degree in liberal arts, but wish to complete the coursework required to earn a baccalaureate degree in journalism from UW-Whitewater’s College of Arts and Communication.

Second, the Liberal Arts Business Pathway is tailored toward Madison College students who complete a customized mix of liberal arts and business courses leading to an associate degree. Once the associate degree is achieved, students can then pursue a bachelor’s degree in any major offered by UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics.

While there were multiple administrators, professors, instructors, admission personnel and staff from both institutions on hand Wednesday, the actual signatories for the ceremony were Madison College Dean of Arts and Sciences Todd Stebbins, Dean of Business and Applied Arts Bryon Woodhouse, Associate Vice President for Learner Success Turina Bakken and UW-Whitewater Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Beverly Kopper.

Serving as master of ceremonies was Lynn Forseth, executive director of Economic and Workforce Development for Madison College’s Eastern Region.

“Due to our geographic proximity to Whitewater, the Fort Atkinson campus regularly serves students who are planning to transfer to UW-Whitewater, and often, in fact, dual-enroll at both institutions,” Forseth said during introductory remarks. “Both colleges also work closely with area K-12 districts to help high school-age students to formulate their educational and career plans. The agreements we will sign today give high school graduates yet another opportunity to begin their education anywhere in the Madison College district and transfer those credits to UW-Whitewater.”

Forseth added that she has heard positive feedback from regional K-12 school districts about the agreements, and she thanked them for their support.

Bakken was the first speaker.

“Just before we started today, we were talking about the state of higher education, and the new environment that we do our work in,” she said. “Whether you’re a two-year school, a four-year university or a private institution, we can’t exist in isolation anymore; these kinds of partnerships we sign today are so very important – not only for our communities and students, but for us, too, as they make us the most efficient we can be with the scarce resources that we have.

“Just a few weeks ago, we signed an agreement with UW-Madison that essentially says that for those students who start at Madison College and transfer to UW-Madison without their associate degree, once they earn enough credits, we will honor those credits toward the associate degree; and if they continue on for a bachelor’s degree or beyond, fantastic, but no matter what happens, they will at least have that credential, Bak­­ken continued.

“There are very few agreements like that in the country, and we were very proud to sign that one.”

She noted that last week, Madison College signed an agreement with UW-Platteville for students in biology and bio-technology.

“Their last year in biology at UW-Platteville, they will be enrolled in our bio-tech post-baccalaureate certificate. So, they will graduate in four years from Platteville with a degree in biology or bio-tech and a post-baccalaureate certificate from Madison College,” Bakken noted. “We are thinking more innovatively at our college and with our partners beyond simple agreement where we hand students off; we are really looking at more integrated partnerships.”

The agreements signed Wed­nesday were another example of an integrated partnership, Bakken said.

Stebbins, meanwhile, spoke on the Journalism Pathway.

“It guarantee’s Madison College students a direct program-to-program if they wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in journalism at UW-Whitewater,” he said. “Some of you may be aware that Madison College currently offers a journalism certificate for students who are interested in moving into entry-level careers in journalism or people who are already in the industry, but want to get an education to position themselves in that industry. The sweeping majority of students come to us because they are interested in at least a four-year degree, sometimes beyond that.”

Stebbins noted that more than 83 percent of Madison College students enrolled in the current certificate program go on to a four-year program.

“This new Liberal Arts Journalism Pathway is tailored to students who have met the requirements for a liberal arts degree from us, and wish to complete their coursework required for a baccalaureate degree in journalism from UW-Whitewater’s distinguished College of Arts and Communications,” he continued. “By taking advantage of the strengths at both institutions, access, academic rigor, and shared commitment to excellence, graduates of the Liberal Arts Journalism Pathway should be very prepared for success as they enter the workforce beyond their bachelor’s degree.”

Woodhouse spoke about the Business Pathway.

“The second contract we are signing today is the Liberal Arts Business Pathway agreement with UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics,” he said.

“Madison College currently offers 26 areas of programming that are covered by the broad umbrella of business management and administration,” Woodhouse remarked,.

” That includes many specialties, like accounting, human resources, paralegal and many others. As Todd noted, the majority of students who enter these programs intend to transfer to a four-year college. For most of them, their first choice is to transfer somewhere into the UW System. That is why we partnered with UW-Whitewater.”

He said this agreement is designed for Madison College students who completed a customized mix of liberal arts and business courses required for an associate degree.

“In turn, these students can pursue a bachelor’s degree in any major offered by UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics,” Woodhouse noted. “I want to emphasize the word ‘in.’ That is, all credits earned at Madison College will transfer to UW-Whitewater, including those earned in our business courses. This program-to-program transfer allows business students to take their careers into whatever direction they choose. Of course, it opens a whole world of possibilities for each student as they choose their career path.

“This agreement, like the others between Madison College and the UW System, really maximizes our finite resources,” he concluded. “It encourages academic and administrative coordination with an eye toward continuous improvements.”

Kopper said that she was excited about the articulation agreements.

“The UW-Whitewater is certainly an enthusiastic partner in paving pathways for students of all walks of life to achieve success,” she said. “These agreements show our joint commitment to making that happen.

“Students from Madison College will now be able to seamlessly transfer credit to UW-Whitewater, and enroll in upper-level courses in both business and journalism,” the provost said. “The College of Business and Economics, the College of Arts and Communication, and the College of Letters and Sciences are all ready to welcome these students into our challenging and innovative programs. As we strive to increase the number of baccalaureate degree holders in Wisconsin, working closely with our technical college partners is extremely important as we develop these credit agreements. These are vital, certainly, to our mission at UW-Whitewater.”

She continued: “UW-Whitewater graduates will enter the workforce with a strong liberal arts education that prepares them for the ever-changing world that we are in, with the skills that we hear from employers that they value, and demand, and with the knowledge to power the state’s economy. Many of our business alumni are leading accountants, entrepreneurs, they have their own businesses, and are CEOs in their respective fields. Our journalism alumni travel the globe, working for broadcast networks, trade publications, marketing companies and social media enterprises, just to name a few.

“I would like to thank everyone at both Madison College and UW-Whitewater for crafting theses agreements,” she concluded. “They deserve our thanks, we look forward to more partnerships.”

After Kopper’s remarks, each of the speakers signed the official paperwork needed to formalize the agreements, receiving a round of applause from those gathered for the event.

Then, in a somewhat humorous moment, Forseth presented Bakken and Kopper with a stuffed mascot from the opposite school – Willie Warhawk for Bakken and Wolfie for Kopper – to symbolize the partnership of the two institutions.

After the ceremony, Kopper said that UW-Whitewater has similar agreements with other two-year colleges in southern Wisconsin, but in other areas.

“We have an articulation agreement with every technical college in the state related to our Early Childhood program,” she said. “That is with Madison College and all other technical colleges. I believe next month, we are sending a team over to UW-Waukesha to look at further articulation agreements and partnerships.”

Qualified students are eligible to participate in the Liberal Arts Journalism Pathway and Liberal Arts Business Pathway programs this fall. For more information, contact Carlotta Cal­mese, associate dean of student development at Madison College, CCalmese@madisoncollege.edu, or Troy Moldenhaur, associate director of admissions at UW-Whitewater, moldenht@uww.edu.

Tech college graduates find jobs by filling skills gap

From thenorthwestern.com: “Technical college graduates find jobs by filling skills gap” — Tabetha Moore was a year away from earning her associate’s degree in human resources when a local manufacturing company gave her a full-time job in her field and agreed to pay for her last two semesters of school.

The 21-year-old hasn’t yet negotiated the salary she’ll earn after obtaining her diploma from Fox Valley Technical College in May, but that fact she secured a job so quickly reflects a new era of opportunity for graduates of two-year college programs.

“What surprised me most was that they would hire a 20-year-old without a degree to work in their human resources department,” Moore said.

She’s one of a new generation of graduates defying a stereotype that technical colleges offer a “second-to-best” option for those who don’t attend a university. Demand for technically-trained, skilled workers has driven up wages and employment opportunities for associate degree holders with highly-sought skill sets.

Analysts and educators refer to the situation as a skills gap. A wave of new jobs in a changing, high-tech economy is rolling in just as a mass of baby boomers retires. The end result is a glut of vacant positions with too few workers with desired skills.

“I think the simple economic theory about supply and demand is going to drive, locally and regionally, what’s driving up those associate’s degree wages. Employers are obviously very conscious about how some individuals joining their organization can add value to their customers and operations,” said Chris Matheny, vice president of instruction services for FVTC.

The competition for skilled workers is blurring the line between two- and four-year degree holders’ career opportunities. Nationwide, nearly 30 percent of Americans with associate’s degrees now make more than those with bachelor’s degrees, according to a recent study by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce.

About 89 percent of 2012 graduates from FVTC were employed within six months of earning their degree, according to a survey of graduates. Three-out-of-four grads found work related to their field of study and earned an average starting salary of $33,000.

Many saw much higher wages. Graduates from the web site development program reported earning as much as $104,000; human resources grads reported earning up to $90,000; business management grads saw up to $80,000; and electrical engineers found jobs paying as high as $59,900, according to the graduate survey.

Not all these salaries are for entry level work. A growing number of adults are returning to college to learn additional skills to either find new work or stay relevant in their current field. More employers are also paying for their employees’ continuing education.

“Once you get in house, we often have to put students through $10,000-$20,000 of aircraft-specific training. Each individual we consider a huge investment for the company,” said Greg Laabs, vice president and general manager of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation in Appleton.

Laabs spoke during a recent forum about the skills gap hosted by FVTC, where a number of employers said they’ve become more competitive with wages, hired younger people into higher-level positions and paid for schooling.

Nearly 55 percent of Wisconsin manufacturing companies reported offering collaborative training programs through local technical colleges and 46 percent reported increasing wages for difficult to fill positions, according a December 2012 survey by Schnenck SC, an Appleton-based accounting and business consulting firm.

“We offer competitive wages… The insurance packages offered are a huge bonus as well as the camaraderie and family values that go into a small to mid-sized business,” said Tony Robinson, vice president of manufacturing for Jay Manufacturing Oshkosh Inc. “Every employee at Jay Manufacturing is offered formal or on-the-job training experiences.”

Some employers are also beginning to hire people with associate’s degrees into management positions that previously required a four-year degree.

Paul Werth, 36, was among the first three people to graduate from FVTC’s new construction management program in 2011. Within nine months he was hired by Neenah-based Miron Construction Co. as a project manager, and he is now overseeing some of the construction related to FVTC’s expansion in Appleton.

“We’ve broke into this very traditional market where pretty much all the time it required a bachelor’s degree. Now, talking with students here (at FVTC), I know some have had job offers a month ago already,” Werth said.

The Georgetown center estimates 29 million jobs paying middle class wages today require no more than an associate’s degree. Similarly, the center estimates associate’s degree holders earn, on average, about $500,000 more over their careers than people with only high school diplomas, but $500,000 less than people with bachelor’s degrees. Those figures vary widely by profession.

A survey of graduates from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh indicates that most local bachelor’s degree holders still find a better starting wage than associate’s degree recipients. A UWO survey of 2011 graduates, which is the most recent available, shows 85 percent found jobs related to their majors within nine months of graduation. They earned starting salaries averaging $45,300.

The UWO survey had a 53 percent response rate, and the FVTC survey had a 78 percent response rate.

UWO Chancellor Richard Wells said a four-year education remains relevant and valuable to employers.

“A general education and the ability of a person to think critically, analytically and communicate effectively” — skills traditionally associated with a baccalaureate education — “is more important than a particular major. In the end, that’s what employers are looking for because you hopefully have someone who is passionate about life long learning,” Wells said.

Human Resources program graduates first students

From matctimes.com: “A first wave of Human Resources students prepare to enter the workforce” — At the end of the spring 2013 semester, a pioneering group of students will graduate with an associate degree in Human Resources, a watermark for the human resources industry as well as for MATC and the state of Wisconsin.

It may be surprising to hear that, until a couple of years ago, there was no human resources program in any college in Wisconsin. As the understanding of the role, as well as the importance, of a human resource practitioner within a business grew however, so did the need for education within the field; a realization Jacqueline Cook came to when she left WE Energies after more than 30 years of work and came to MATC.

Now the coordinator of the HR A.A.S. degree program, Cook looks back and says creating a department from scratch almost single handedly wasn’t easy, but she knew from the moment she arrived that it was necessary. Cook was hired at MATC for management development and business administration but, upon taking a closer look, she was surprised that there was no business ethics program or associate degree for business ethics. She’s happy to say that MATC now has both. Cook completed the process to create a degree program in 10 months, a process that typically takes 18 to 24 months to complete. Cook believes it was more than simply hard work that enabled this. “When something is designed appropriately and truly ordained and meant to be, I believe it happens,” she says.

In most fields, people are unsure of their future as they prepare to leave college and enter the workforce. But, because of Cook’s time in the field and relationships she’s made with important people, the soon-to-be graduates seem confident that they will be able to secure a job directly out of school. Justin Douglas, president of the Human Resources Student Organization, is in his second semester of the program. As he readies himself to enter the job market Douglas understands the value of the program, as well as what Cook has done to deliver success to her students. “Miss Cook has been working with a lot of leaders in the industry around Milwaukee to set up internships and develop students who have the skills, knowledge and ability to get a job.”

Thanks to Cook, Douglas is no stranger to the work of creating relationships with people in the field. He has worked closely with Cook to create an articulation agreement with Wisconsin Lutheran College so that Glynda Young, secretary of the Human Resources Student Organization, can apply 56 of her already earned credits to her next degree.

This is one agreement of several that have recently been made between other colleges. Thanks to agreements like this, students know they have options when they graduate from MATC. Cook says, “I’m always talking to my students about understanding that everything you’re doing is strategic, and your partnerships should be those that you can leverage to get a ‘win win’ not only for you but for that organization that you’re being involved in.”

Cook thinks not only about jobs when teaching her students, she also tries to teach students that the skills they learn here will go anywhere. “When we look at an organization, we understand that it should have a mission, a vision, a philosophy, values, culture, and develop strategic goals. As individuals, we should do likewise.”

Cook believes that in an industry where relationships are so integral to the success of the individual and the company they are involved with, it is very important to let her students go as better people with a set of values; values that they maybe didn’t have when they first stepped into her classroom. It’s for this reason some students have nicknamed her “The Beast” as a term of endearment. She tries to teach that, regardless of the job you’re in, you leave there having left a mark and that mark should work to create a reputation for your own success. Cook says, “I believe accountability is very important.”

Cook added, “I personally couldn’t have survived in the industry if I did not understand process, protocol, and the need for accountability.”

“I try to make sure that I’m not too rigid, that I’m respectful, that I have integrity, and I’m honest. Being that I teach HR, validity, consistency, reliability, all of those things are very important. I think sometimes students underestimate that.”

For Cook, it’s been a challenge that’s been bittersweet.

In the end, however, she knows that being able to teach something she is still so passionate about has a value you can’t put a dollar sign on.

For anyone already in the HR program or any business student interested in joining the Human Resources Student Organization, contact Jacqueline Cook at cooka@matc.edu.

More students transfer to UWGB

From fourthestatenewspaper.com: “UWGB attracts more transfer students” — The number of students to transfer to UW-Green Bay is increasing, likely due to the capability for credits to transfer from many area colleges to UWGB.

A provision in Gov. Scott Walker’s budget would require a strong partnership between technical colleges and the UW system to make it easier for students to transfer. UWGB has been making sure the transfer process is successful for some time.

In fact, transfer students are a major contributor to enrollment numbers at UWGB. The university has historically seen significant enrollment of transfer students.

“It always surprises people when I tell them that more of the students that cross our stage at graduation come to us as transfer students than came to us as new freshmen,” said Michael Stearney, dean of enrollment services at UWGB, in an interview with Fox 11 News.

Student Services and the Registrar’s office provide prospective transfer students with a quick review of student’s transcripts to give them an approximation of what credits will transfer and how they will transfer. The review is non-binding, pending a full transfer credit review upon application.

“For many transfer students, transferability of credit is a primary consideration. UWGB actively participates in the Transfer Information System and is working to become a full participant in the U-select consortium,” Stearney said. “These two systems allow students to quickly and easily see how their coursework at one institution transfers to another institution.”

The Transfer Information System, which is available via UWGB’s transfer student website, uwgb.edu/admissions/apply/transfer, allows prospective students to see how their credits will transfer from a UW college or Wisconsin technical college.

U-select is an online database that allows students to see how their credits would transfer to universities in Wisconsin and 16 other states.

Josh Martell, junior communication major, transferred to UWGB from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Martell said the transfer student orientation was very helpful in assisting him in the transfer process.

“I transferred here for the communication program as well as it being in Green Bay, which is where I am from and currently live,” Martell said. “I am glad that I did.”

Stearney said transfer-student orientation programs are offered several times each year to welcome new transfer students.

“We are working on connections programs with selected UW Colleges to meet with new freshmen at the two-year schools to help plan their associate degree coursework with eventual transfer of credits,” Stearney said.

Jennifer Prusow, junior communication major, transferred to UWGB from UW-Sheboygan after completing two years there. She said it was important for her to choose a school that offered her major and her sister’s major. Prusow said other contributing factors in her decision to transfer to UWGB were the cost of tuition and the proximity of the campus to her home in Sheboygan, allowing her to go home on the weekends.

“My transfer experience was fairly easy,” Prusow said. “All my credits transferred, and I was able to register for classes. They were accommodating with any concerns that I had with my credits.”

Assisting potential transfer students with any questions they have is a service UWGB advisers offer on campus, but also remotely.

“UWGB advisers and recruiters have a regular presence at our primary transfer-sending institutions,” Stearney said. “We visit the local UW Colleges on a regularly scheduled basis, and we also hold regular office hours at NWTC one day a month to talk to prospective transfer students.”

Senior human development major, Renee Kehl, also transferred to UWGB from NWTC. Not knowing what she would major in right out of high school, Kehl said going to NWTC for two years first allowed her to focus on her general education requirements while saving money.

“My transfer experience went well overall,” Kehl said. “I only lost one class in transferring.”

Stearney said historically business, social work, nursing and education are some of the most commonly chosen majors by a large number of transfer students

 

Tech colleges will help displaced workers

From beloitdailynews.com: “Bottle-maker set to begin layoff process” — For those entering into training, workforce development would pay the tuition and books for the employee, Borremans said.

In February the company sent letters to the more than 50 employees at the plant that it planned to shut the facility down sometime in May.

SEC President Doug Wehrkamp said in a Feb. 28 statement due to technological advances SEC’s customers are able to meet their demand with on-site production.

The company said employees not transferring to one of the other two plants will get two weeks pay for every year the employee worked for SEC with a minimum of eight weeks.

The letter given to employees said voluntary early layoff could occur depending on how quickly operations switch over to Effingham and Bowling Green.

Those relocating will receive $5,000 in moving expenses, an additional $2,500 after employees complete one year at the new plant and another $2,500 after the second year.

Yanik declined to say if employees were offered an early layoff option.

SEC, headquartered in Enka, N.C. opened the Beloit plant in 2007. The plant made Coca-Cola bottles of various sizes and shipped to six different states in the Midwest.

MATC adds food manufacturing, food science programs

From fabmilwaukee.com: “MATC adds food science and manufacturing programs” — Milwaukee Area Technical College will introduce 12 new associate degree and technical diploma programs in 2013-2014 to address growing demand in a number of industries.

The new programs in the School of Business are eBusiness fundamentals technical diploma, financial services technical diploma, food manufacturing and processing technical diploma and food science technology associate degree.

In the School of Health Sciences there is a new health information technician associate degree.

The School of Media and Creative Arts has a new audio production associate degree, creative advertising strategist associate degree, eProduction associate degree, mobile application developer technical diploma, and a mobile designer associate degree.

In the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences there is a new early childhood education technical diploma.

“The new programs exemplify MATC’s response to the needs of area businesses,” said MATC president Michael Burke, in a press release. “Students will have an opportunity to prepare for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries.”

NTC shows off Merrill Public Safety campus

From waow.com: “NTC ribbon cutting for Merrill Public Safety Campus” — A ribbon cutting took place in Merrill for the new Public Safety Campus. The project provides real-life experience for first responders.

It includes a village with storefronts and streets.

In a command center, there are monitors that keep track of remote control targets and play recorded sound effects, like a person screaming or a dog barking. NTC leaders say it aimed at making the training as realistic as possible.

Two years ago, the original campus was destroyed by a tornado that hit Merrill. At the time, North Central Technical College was in the process of revamping the campus. The tornado gave school leaders an opportunity to make the campus much larger.

The two million dollar project is the result of insurance payments on the original facility, as well as community donations and money from the NTC Foundation.

For more info check out www.ntc.edu

 

High school students can get taste of manufacturing at boot camp

From journaltimes.com: “Computer boot camp offered” — RACINE — A Youth Computer Numerical Control Boot Camp will be held from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning July 15 to Aug. 30 at the SC Johnson iMET Center.

This is the first time this program is being offered in Racine County. The program connecting youth and local employers prepares Racine County youth for a career in manufacturing. Working with local employers and educators, the Racine County Workforce Development Center and Gateway Technical College are implementing the program this summer for the upcoming school year.

The Youth CNC Boot Camp will have the same curriculum as the adult boot camp, but the boot camp for youth will extend over longer periods of time. When the school year begins, students will attend their high school in the morning and boot camp classes at the iMET Center during the afternoon.

Students wishing to participate need to be at least 17 years old and entering their senior year of high school. Students will earn a high school diploma and college credit from Gateway Technical College upon completion of their senior year. The value of the training is $4,000, however, as a result of a grant from SC Johnson, there will be no cost to the student.

Students applying to the program will be required to visit a local manufacturing facility which employs CNC operators. Tour dates and times are included with the application materials.

Employers participating in the program will provide work experience and mentoring to the student working at their host site, and will interview and select the student who will be placed at their facility.

Employers interested in being a host site should contact Valerie Hanson (262) 638-6603 or valerie.hanson@goracine.org at the Racine County Workforce Development Center.

BTC, SWTC reciprocity agreements celebrated

From wifr.com: “HCC hosts ceremonial signing of reciprocity agreements with Wisconsin schools” — Highland Community College held a ceremonial signing of joint educational agreements between HCC and both Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (SWTC) and Blackhawk Technical College (BTC) on Monday, April 22.

Previously approved by the each college’s board of trustees, the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), and the Higher Educational Aids Board, the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau recently gave the final approval for the agreement. The tuition reciprocity agreements took effect March 1.

The ceremony included officials from HCC, SWTC and BTC with opening remarks from Highland’s Dr. Joe Kanosky and Board Chair David Shockey. After signing the agreement, HCC officials led a tour of the Wind Turbine Technician Training Center.

Similar to agreements with Rock Valley College and Sauk Valley College, these reciprocal agreements now allow HCC students to access programs offered at SWTC or BTC that are not available at Highland. Students at the participating colleges in turn can also access programs at HCC not available in their home district. Students participating in these programs will not be required to pay out-of-district tuition and will receive the same priority for admission as in-district students.

“We at HCC are excited at the possibilities of these reciprocal agreements,” said HCC President Dr. Joe Kanosky. “As educational institutions, especially community and technical colleges, look to efficiently equip their campuses to meet the needs of the evolving student, sharing our strongest resources with each other will offer real solutions for students seeking an education in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.”

Southwest Tech President Duane Ford said the SWTC programs selected for the agreement, approximately half of their offerings, not only have room for additional students but are in demand by employers. The 21 programs that Southwest Tech incorporated in the agreement include health care support occupations, construction trades and fire safety, while Highland’s programs include paramedic, tax preparation and wind turbine technician

“Southwest Tech has the capacity to serve additional students in programs that Highland does not offer and vice-versa,” said Ford. “By offering this agreement, we will provide residents on both sides of the border additional post-secondary education options. This agreement will also increase the pool of trained workers in support of regional employers.”

Alternately, Blackhawk Technical College students will now have the option to complete an associate’s degree in arts, science, engineering science, general studies or teaching through Highland in addition to nine occupational programs. Highland students will also now have access to 10 of BTC’s programs, including culinary arts, medical laboratory technician, human resource management and diesel/heavy equipment technician.

Blackhawk Technical College President Thomas Eckert stated, “This is a very positive outcome for the region in terms of workforce development. But equally important, by sharing educational program opportunities we offer students a much greater range of options, individually, to find the right career. We are extremely pleased to be a part of this agreement.”

To be eligible for a reciprocal agreement, there must be a current reciprocal letter on file at each student’s residential school that is updated on an annual basis. Students interested in exploring a program outside their home district should meet with an Admissions representative at their home school to begin the process.

NWTC students donate chemo ducks to hospital

From wbay.com: “Chemo Ducks teach young cancer patients about treatment” — Green Bay – Students from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College make a special delivery to St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay.

They’re called chemo ducks.

The stuffed animal is more than just a toy, though. These ducks may look like ordinary stuffed animals, but they’re dressed in hospital scrubs and have a tube connected to them.

They help children newly diagnosed with cancer understand their treatment.

“They have such a rough start to life anyway and then to have this put on them and they’re scared and frightened,” said Jennifer Ross, a supply chain management student.

It was part of the supply chain management students’ service learning project.

They sold the ducks for a month on campus for $25, then donated more than one hundred ducks to the hospital.

“We were really overjoyed because we don’t always have the funds to do it. So, when other people help out, it means we can continue to give it to other kids,” explained Colleen Ducke, the child life coordinator at St. Vincent Hospital.

The ducks are designed to make children feel more comfortable.

St. Vincent Hospital also hands out booklets which walk them through the steps of their treatment, like chemotherapy, and show them how the ports (which the ducks also have) will be put in their bodies to get that treatment.

“All the materials that the nurses will use on them, we have in their kit. So, they can do it beforehand and can practice it, so they’re actually very empowered,” added Ducke.

The students say they wanted to donate these ducks, because they all know someone who has fought cancer.

“When I was growing up, my best friend’s sister actually had leukemia and back then, they didn’t have anything like this,” explained Ross.

Young patients can even use the ducks to show siblings and friends how chemo works, so it’s less scary for everyone.

To learn more about the Chemo Ducks, you can call the Child Life Department at St. Vincent Hospital. The phone number is (920) 433-8915.

Western Technical College holds annual dumpster dive

From wxow.com: “Western Technical College holds annual dumpster dive” — Four years ago staff and students from Western Technical College started dumpster diving to see just how effective their recycling program was.

The idea was to find out how much recyclable material is being thrown in the regular trash.  They found a lot of recyclables that first year but they have found less each year since then.

The schools says every year they find new ways to improve the recycling program which allows them to save money on hauling away garbage, money that could be used in the classroom.

“The things that I’ve noticed over the last few years is that the majority of the garbage is turning into hand towels.  So that’s one of the things we’re working on right now is how we can reduce the amount of hand towels we use,” says Mike Pieper, VP Finance and Operations at Western.

Mike said this is not only the right things to do environmentally but socially and financially as well.

 

BTC grad wins Tools for Tomorrow Competition

From blackhawk.edu: “BTC grad wins Tools for Tomorrow Competition” — It seems like another lifetime ago when Cory Bloomer was sitting on the couch of his Milton home watching television with little incentive to move when he heard the words of the then little known junior senator from Illinois.

“I’m sitting there just feeling sorry for myself,” Bloomer said recently.

He recalled how he had lost a good job of 10 years as a carpenter helping restore historical buildings and was facing eviction in the economic slump that hit the United States late in President George Bush’s second term.

“I’m watching the news and this guy named Senator Obama comes on and says one way to turn it around is to go back to school and get an education. So I said, ‘OK, Senator Obama, I’ll try it.’ ‘’

Six years later, that little known senator is Barack Obama, the second term president of the United States.

Six years later, that former carpenter from Milton holds an associate’s degree in Individual Technical Studies from Blackhawk Technical College and works as a BTC computer lab advisor helping students weave their way through the school’s computer system.

And that’s just the start of one BTC success story. If Bloomer has his way, the last chapter has yet to be written.

“It was great that I came here instead of going to a bigger school,’’ Bloomer said of his BTC experience. “It empowers you. If a student wants to invest the time here, all the extras you can get here are incredible.’’

Bloomer is an expert on those extras. He was a winner of the Tools for Tomorrow competition at BTC, a $2,000 award that led to his being rewarded with the Industry Innovators Award, one of five students from around the country to nab that $2,000 honor.

Both awards are sponsored by W.W. Grainger, Inc., the distributor of maintenance, repair and operations supplies with its corporate base in Lake Forest, Ill., and with offices in Janesville and Rockford.  The company was founded in 1927.

“Jobs in the skilled trades are vital to the economic health of local communities,’’  Jim Ryan, the chairman, president and chief executive officer, said about the company’s outreach education programs. “These jobs and the people who do them are the lifeblood of American industry.’’

Bloomer’s educational journey serves as a roadmap for those looking to reinvest themselves in the educational opportunities offered at Blackhawk. After receiving his GED at Madison College’s Fort Atkinson campus, he enrolled at BTC and dived into business management, engineering and HVAC courses with the goal of getting into facilities management. He earned academic honors and was president of the Phi Theta Kappa branch at BTC.

“The one thing you learn is how to adapt to change,’’ Bloomer said. “People can be so afraid of change. But people have to learn how to change.’’

Bloomer, 35, is just beginning to experience his taste of the American dream. It is not just for his benefit, either. Bloomer is the father of a 10-year-old daughter and is engaged to Robin Aldrich, who has two children.

“I just decided to go for the scholarship,’’ Bloomer said of the Grainger awards, “and I approached the Grainger rep one day when he was here for a presentation.’’

As part of the Tools for Tomorrow award, Bloomer also will receive a new tool kit from Grainger valued at $2,000. He knows exactly where he will put it.

“I can’t wait to get that tool kit,’’ he said. “I just bought a 2013 Jeep, my first new car ever. The tools are going to ride in the back.’’

The Industry Innovators honor earned Bloomer an all-expenses paid trip to Grainger’s national trade show in Orlando, Fla., in March, when he met Grainger customers and represented the Innovator’s program at a tradeshow booth.

Tools for Tomorrow winners are eligible to compete for the Innovators scholarship. Contestants write an essay and submit a photo, which are reviewed by five Grainger representatives. The selected applications from around the nation then are put to a Facebook vote.

Bloomer thought he had a “leg up” in the Facebook competition because of his computer lab connection at Blackhawk. But then he learned he’d get just one vote a day in the voting system.

“That’s what makes this so neat,’’ Bloomer said. “America had to vote.’’

Bloomer is not finished. In addition to his work in the BTC computer lab, he works 20 hours a week at Patty’s Plants in Milton.

He is continuing his education through an online program from the University of Wisconsin – Superior in a self-designed major he calls Natural Science Survey. He is working toward his undergraduate degree, carrying 12 credits this semester in a program that includes a minor in communication arts. His long-range goal is to find a position as an agronomist in the coffee industry.

“When you see the door open,’’ Bloomer said, “you have to be willing to jump through it.’’

And get off the couch, too.

 

LTC students receive awards at national conference

From htrnews.com: “LTC students receive awards at national conference” — Seven Lakeshore Technical College students qualified to participate in the National Postsecondary Agriculture Student Conference in Louisville, Ky., and two other LTC students attended. More than 700 students from agriculture colleges and universities from 16 states were in attendance. Participants from LTC placed at both the national and state levels, according to a news release from the college.

In the national team competitions, LTC placed fourth out of 21 teams in Dairy Specialist and was the highest-placing school with a one-year program. The Dairy Specialist team included Sam Nigon, Nick Miles and Jenny Nash. Nash placed ninth overall, Miles placed 12th, and Nigon placed 15th out of 64 competing individuals.

In national individual employment interview competitions, Kyle Holtz took second place in Forestry and Natural Resources, Nigon placed fourth in Dairy Production, and Dianne Philipsen took fourth in Agriculture Education.

At the state level, LTC had two teams in the Dairy Specialist category with one team taking first place and the other taking third place. In the state individual employment interview competitions, five students placed highly in their respective categories: Philipsen was first in Agriculture Education, Nigon was first in Dairy Production, Holtz was first in Forestry and Natural resources, Wouter Star was second in Dairy Production and Calvin Abts was third in Dairy Production.

“We are very proud of the accomplishments these students attained at the conference,” said Sheryl Nehls, LTC Dairy Herd Management instructor. “LTC is one of very few one-year programs at nationals, and we always competed well with the two-year schools.”

PAS is one of 10 career and technical student organizations approved by the United States Department of Education as an integral part of career and technical education. Its motto is “uniting education and industry in agriculture.”

Waupun students offered new dual credit courses

From wiscnews.com: “Waupun students offered new science options” — WAUPUN — Students at Waupun Area Junior/Senior High School are enrolling in several new, advanced courses for next year.

Two courses build on the engineering curriculum introduced at the junior high this year, and another introduces students to biomedical sciences. One course provides another opportunity for students to earn Moraine Park Technical College credit and two others develop skills that can help students get a job right out of high school.

In the art department, students can earn both high school credit and technical college credit by taking Introduction to Photoshop.

Students who are interested in working in the restaurant, food, and beverage career pathway can sign up for Culinary Arts and Advanced Culinary Arts to learn the basic trade of the culinary arts industry and prepare them for a potential career in this field.

In the business department, students can sign up for a new course called Computer Hardware and IT Essentials.

The high school is offering three Project Lead the Way courses. The courses are a project and problem-based comprehensive curriculum that is developed and updated by subject matter experts – including teachers, university educators, engineering and biomedical professionals, and school administrators. The hands-on learning engages students on multiple levels, exposes them to areas of study that they may not otherwise pursue, and provides them with a foundation and proven path to post-secondary training and career success in science, technology, engineering and math fields.

The science department is offering Principles of Biomedical Sciences, the foundational course in the biomedical sequence. Eighty-five students have signed up for this course.

In the technology education department, Introduction to Engineering Design and Principles of Engineering are being offered for the first time. In the IED class, students will use industry standard 3D modeling software. POE students will encounter major engineering concepts such as mechanisms, energy, statics, materials, and kinematics. The classes build on the skills introduced to all seventh and eighth graders at the junior high this past year.