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For immediate release: October 1, 2012 |
WTCS website features October as Manufacturing MonthMADISON – The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) today unveiled a new web page that celebrates October as Manufacturing Month and offers a daily glimpse into high-tech manufacturing throughout Wisconsin. The site also includes a brief video highlighting manufacturing career opportunities. WTCS joins key state partners – including Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and others – in putting a spotlight on high-wage manufacturing careers available across the state. "Manufacturing and the extensive supply networks that support it remain foundational to Wisconsin’s economic and community development efforts," said WTCS vice-president Morna Foy. "Manufacturers create, sustain, and support thousands of high-wage, challenging careers throughout the state," Foy added. WTCS typically graduates more than 1,500 individuals with credentials each year in manufacturing programs like computer-based machining, automated manufacturing systems, and electromechanical technology. Graduate placement rates are routinely 90% or greater. Many others enter the workforce from a technical college throughout the year after only a few courses. Despite these efforts, demand for workers is simply overwhelming and manufacturers continue to project significant skill shortages in coming years. "Manufacturing has undergone huge changes since I got in the business in the mid-1980s," said Mark Tyler, WTCS Board president and a manufacturer in northwestern Wisconsin. "Our equipment and processes require high-skilled workers who receive some of the highest wages in the area. We still struggle to fill positions, though, because people have an outdated idea of what manufacturing looks like, and technical colleges just don’t have the capacity right now to produce the number of workers we need" Tyler said. New WTCS and WMC web pages highlight manufacturing events in October, best practices from around the state, and the critical role manufacturing plays in Wisconsin’s economy. "Wisconsin is the nation’s leader in manufacturing and manufacturing careers, and we need to ensure students are aware of these good-paying jobs," said WMC vice-president Jim Morgan. "Most people have never been in a manufacturing facility and have no idea of the innovation, creativity, and sense of satisfaction that goes into making world-class products." Technical colleges and manufacturers will be hosting "open houses" throughout October, which are intended to address lingering misperceptions about current-day manufacturing operations. To learn more, visit the www.wtcsystem.edu or www.wimanufacturingmonth.org web sites About the System: The Wisconsin Technical College System offers more than 300 programs awarding two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas and short-term technical diplomas. In addition, the System is the major provider of customized training and technical assistance to Wisconsin’s business and industry community. More than half of all adults in Wisconsin have accessed the technical colleges for education and training. Learn more about educational programs at www.witechcolleges.org. |
