Wisconsin Announces $100,000 Grow Grant To Train Wisconsin Workers In Advanced Manufacturing

In Racine, Labor Secretary awards one of 10 grants in $850,000 initiative

Racine, WI  (CompNewsNetwork) Wisconsin Governor Doyle’s announced grants in the Emerging Industries Skills Partnership Initiative.

 Secretary Roberta Gassman  announced the specifics of  a $100,000 grant to the Southeast Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, for "The Future is Now" project, to train at least 50 workers in computer numerical control (CNC) "boot camp" programs at Gateway Technical College.

 Governor Doyle made the Emerging Industries Skills Partnership part of his Grow Wisconsin – The Next Steps strategy for economic and workforce development. The grant that Secretary Gassman announced on his behalf will leverage more than $178,000 in additional funding from the Workforce Development Board and the Technical College.

"To propel the region of southeast Wisconsin forward, we must focus on training workers in advanced manufacturing to ensure that we meet workforce demands and stay competitive well into the future," Secretary Gassman said. "This workforce training initiative we are launching today will provide CNC operation and set-up training for at least 50 entry-level workers, dislocated workers and incumbent workers to help them boost their skills and step up the career ladder to meet the needs of area employers."

The grant is one of 10 being awarded under the Governor Doyle’s Emerging Industries Skills Partnership initiative, a total of $850,000 to provide new and incumbent workers with the necessary skills and meet workforce demands in advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and renewable energy.

Gateway Technical College President Bryan Albrecht added, "As a regional partner in providing workforce and job training we are pleased that the state has recognized the need to support training in advanced manufacturing and related high demand occupations."

Secretary Gassman announced the grant at the Haas CNC Production Technician Lab of the Gateway Racine Campus, which will be used to provide hands-on training to workers through its "boot camp" program. CNC modular and welding training will also occur at a number of area businesses in partnership with the program.

Under the project, entry-level and dislocated workers will be identified through One-Stop Job Centers and the Regional Workforce Alliance. In keeping with Governor Doyle’s focus on Manufacturing Skills Standards Certification, whenever possible, training will result in one or more certifications leading to the obtainment of a technician credential.

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