CONTACT: Marla Gamoran * 608/243-4480 or Bill Graf * 608/243-4210
Four Madison-area businesses have been awarded $64,304 in Workforce Advancement Training Grants to fund customized training provided by Madison Area Technical College (MATC) for hundreds of area workers. The grants to Techline USA of Waunakee, Royle Printing of Sun Prairie, Kraft-Oscar Mayer Madison Plant and Webcrafters, Inc. of Madison, were announced today by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS).
“These grants will help local businesses take advantage of the cutting edge, customized training MATC provides in addition to our degree and certificate programs,” said MATC President Bettsey Barhorst. “To compete in global markets, businesses need to constantly upgrade their workers’ skills. MATC works with local employers to create specialized training programs when and where it’s convenient for them.”
Roughly 5,500 workers across the state will receive training through the $1 million in Workforce Advancement Training Grants being awarded this month. Grant applications by local technical college districts are judged on how well they meet the needs of businesses and their importance to the local or regional economy. Grants must result in measurable outcomes, focusing on improved productivity and competitiveness, and increased wages and career opportunities.
The Madison-area Workforce Advancement Training Grants were awarded to:
Techline USA, Waunakee ($13,013) The Techline architectural woodworking knowledge advancement project will deliver online and hands-on architectural woodworking programming to train employees, document skills using standardized and customized tests, teach basic computer skills, and deliver train-the-trainer instruction to ensure greater consistency in cross-training of Techline co-workers.
Royle Printing, Sun Prairie ($17,281) This math and printing skills advancement project will help make Royle Printing employees more productive, knowledgeable and better qualified for promotion. It includes assessments and classes to upgrade workers’ math abilities, and development and delivery of a highly customized printing curriculum addressing the specific needs of company employees.
Kraft-Oscar Mayer Madison Plant ($24,723) MATC will partner with Kraft-Oscar Mayer Madison Plant on targeted skill development and productivity-focused training. Employees will increase plant productivity to enhance competitiveness within Oscar Mayer and the food industry. Training will be provided related to equipment reliability, quality improvement, safety and cost containment.
Webcrafters, Inc., Madison ($9,287) This grant will promote lean manufacturing strategies, delivering quality production process training in lean concepts, improving set-up and reducing spoilage. Training courses will also be provided to improve employee communication and motivation.
MATC is part of the 16-college Wisconsin Technical College System, the leading provider of customized training and technical assistance to Wisconsin’s business and industry community. It provides “real world smart” education through a comprehensive curriculum of technical, liberal arts and science, adult basic education and life enrichment studies and activities, as well as customized employee training. MATC offers associate degrees, vocational diplomas and certificates, and non-degree courses in more than 140 programs of study. The college serves parts of 12 counties located in southcentral Wisconsin and offers instruction through five campuses and numerous community locations throughout the district.
