Wisconsin's technical colleges are the backbone of many of Wisconsin’s thriving industries. They are critical in keeping hospitals and clinics staffed, manufacturing at the cutting edge, commerce moving efficiently, and police, fire, and emergency responders prepared for action. These colleges also support farmers in maintaining productivity, ensuring power and electricity flow, and keeping IT systems online.
Simply put, our technical colleges deliver Wisconsin’s essential, front-line workforce.
Wisconsin’s technical colleges are open doors to a world of opportunity.
A broad mission means there is room for everyone.
Employers looking for talent, or to advance talent.
High school students eager to earn college credit at no cost, or high school grads interested in efficient, affordable, transferable postsecondary education.
Veterans with an interest in re-skilling or earning a credential.
Adults who need to work while they plan and pursue their next career, or who need to improve their academic or English Language skills to progress.
Workers who want to take advantage of an “earn while you learn” apprenticeship.
Incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals ready to start a new life of prosperity and promise.
Employment
81%
of graduates are employed in a job related to their education
Wisconsin's technical colleges deliver thousands of skilled graduates each year.
Thousands of technical college graduates and apprentices start prosperous careers each year that keep Wisconsin employers competing and communities thriving, with thousands more continuing their education in pursuit of a four-year degree.
Graduates
92%
of graduates were satisfied or very satisfied with their technical college education
Over more than 100 years, Wisconsin’s technical colleges have become uniquely versatile, vital members of the communities they serve.
Our colleges have made themselves invaluable over time, to students and to the employers and communities they serve. Graduates, apprentices, learning in service of the community and so much more.
Close to Home
93%
of technical college graduates live and work in Wisconsin
Priorities
WTCS Ambassador Program
The WTCS Ambassador program annually recognizes one student from each tech college and engages those students in a leadership development program.
Career Pathways
Organizing technical college offerings and services within guided Career Pathways leads to learner success and creates a reliable talent pipeline for Wisconsin employers.
WTCS Student Success Center
Through the Student Success Center, Wisconsin’s technical colleges learn from – and build on – outstanding work at peer institutions, improving student outcomes.
Outcomes-Based Funding
State law requires WTCS to maintain a distinct formula for allocating a portion of general state aid to technical colleges, linking outcomes to investments.
2027-29 Budget Request
Wisconsin's technical colleges are Wisconsin's most trusted skilled workforce engine, delivering the education, training and employer partnerships that keep communities and economies strong across the state. Through locally governed, employer-driven colleges, we connect students to opportunity, help businesses find the talent they need and ensure Wisconsin remains competitive in a rapidly changing economy.
5-Year Graduate Follow-Up
Five years after graduation, Wisconsin technical college graduates are essential workers and leaders in the communities they serve.
The technical colleges surveyed nearly 26,000 2013-14 technical college graduates, with more than 6,300 responding.
Read the publication online here or download using the links below.
News
WTCS leaders looking ahead to Wisconsin’s workforce future
The morning after the Milwaukee Brewers punched their ticket to the World Series with a 6-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, leaders from Wisconsin's 16 technical colleges gathered for a different kind of high-stakes battle: keeping Wisconsin's workers and economy competitive in a rapidly changing world.
Wisconsin's Technical Colleges Are an Investment in Every Community's Future
Wisconsin's economic future starts with a skilled workforce. On September 2, the Wisconsin Technical College System Board approved its 2027-29 Biennial Budget Request, proposing a $168 million investment to prepare workers for in-demand careers and keep Wisconsin competitive. In this op-ed, WTCS Board Interim President Lindsay Blumer explains why investing in technical colleges is investing in Wisconsin.
WTCS Board Approves 2027-29 Budget Request
The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Board approved its 2027-29 budget request on September 2, seeking a $168 million investment in Wisconsin's most popular higher education system and most trusted skilled workforce engine.