Dept. of Workforce Development: Kicks off Wisconsin Manufacturing Month at Sun Prairie manufacturer on National Manufacturing Day

Contact: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722

Madison – Today, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Ray Allen kicked-off Wisconsin Manufacturing Month by joining over 100 high school students for a manufacturing event at Madison-Kipp Corporation’s recently expanded facility in Sun Prairie, WI.

“With 9,500 Wisconsin manufacturing employers employing more than 465,000 workers, the importance of the manufacturing industry to Wisconsin’s economy cannot be overstated,” Secretary Allen said. “Wisconsin Manufacturing Month offers a chance for students to see first-hand how diverse and technologically advanced the manufacturing industry is in Wisconsin. Under Governor Walker, investments made in workforce development ensure that Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry will remain one of the most vibrant in the nation.”

Governor Walker proclaimed October as Manufacturing Month to highlight the high-quality, family-supporting jobs available in the manufacturing industry. Across the state, manufacturers are opening their doors to students, parents, teachers and others to send the message that today’s manufacturing industry is clean, high-tech, and full of rewarding careers. Today’s visit was in conjunction with National Manufacturing Day.

Today’s event offered students the opportunity to experience different aspects of work at a manufacturing facility. In addition to the hands-on activities, students heard from DWD and other public and private partners including Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC) and the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity (WCMP) about the benefits that a career in the manufacturing industry can provide.

Students learned that Wisconsin manufacturing workers earn an average of $55,500 per year, 22% more than the average of $45,389 per year for all private-sector workers. Also, based on long term projections, there will be significant opportunities for employment in Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry for years to come.

They also heard from current and former employees, including former Apprentices, about how they were introduced to the manufacturing industry and how there are many pathways to finding a successful career. Madison-Kipp has been a strong Registered Apprenticeship partner since 1980.

Under Governor Walker’s leadership, the DWD is coordinating the planning and promotion of many of the month’s events in partnership with the Department of Revenue, Department of Public Instruction, Wisconsin Technical College System, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, WMC, WCMP, the University of Wisconsin-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center and other stakeholders.

A copy of Governor Walker’s Manufacturing Month proclamation is attached. To learn more about Manufacturing Month or to register to host or attend an event, visit www.wimanufacturingmonth.org.