Initiatives

History and Mission

History

The recent state of Wisconsin's economy and manufacturing's vital role as an economic engine has prompted the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) to take a fresh look at how we provide services to manufacturers.

As part of the process of on-going dialogue, feedback from manufacturers indicated that action was necessary to address emerging challenges. As a result, a statewide conference was held in January 2003 entitled: Peak Performance for Wisconsin Manufacturers. This important dialogue launched the Advanced Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) Initiative.

Responsiveness to the needs of business and industry has been a hallmark of the WTCS. Recently, Wisconsin's technical colleges were cited as having the most positive contribution to the State's economy of all state institutions. With regards to economic development, the technical colleges received the highest positive grade (77%) of all institutions according to respondents.

By joining with our manufacturing community partners, we are moving forward in preparing the workforce of the present and future. This commitment involves workforce development strategies for the retention and expansion of existing manufacturing through innovation as well as incubation and development of new high technology businesses.

Mission

AMS is a statewide initiative designed to stimulate the attraction, growth and development of 21st century manufacturing in Wisconsin. The WTCS will do this by joining with our manufacturing community partners to:

• pursue workforce development strategies for the retention and expansion of existing manufacturing through innovation
• foster the incubation and development of new high technology businesses

For more information contact:  Jim Mackey - james.mackey@wtcsystem.edu or (608) 266-0790