For more information, contact:
Jessica Erickson, AT&T Wisconsin
608-282-7870 (work)
608-692-5340 (cell)
jessica.erickson@att.com
AT&T Donation Will Support Program Designed to Educate, Encourage
High School Students to Consider Jobs in the Manufacturing Field
PEWAUKEE — AT&T Wisconsin announced today that the Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) Foundation has received a $5,000 AT&T Innovation & Investment Award to support the “Schools2Skills™” program.
The “Schools2Skills™” program takes Waukesha County high school students, parents and educators on tours of three manufacturing facilities and the WCTC Engineering and Manufacturing Center. The goal is to inspire participants to learn about manufacturing careers available in Waukesha County, including career paths, salaries and the education required to succeed in today’s manufacturing environment.
“We know many of our manufacturers are looking for workers to fill highly skilled, technologically advanced jobs,” said Ellen S. Phillips, President of WCTC Foundation. “Part of our mission is to educate our young people that manufacturing has changed and evolved over time. Today’s manufacturing is much more advanced and focused on technology, and this AT&T contribution will help us further our efforts to educate and encourage students to consider exciting careers in manufacturing.”
A partnership with the WCTC Foundation and the Waukesha County Business Alliance, the “Schools2Skills™” program was created to address the manufacturing talent shortage in Waukesha County. The program provides high school students from 12 different school districts in Waukesha County with an introduction to the careers that exist in manufacturing. About 500 students are expected to participate this coming school year.
“The WCTC Foundation and Waukesha County Business Alliance are doing important work to connect our manufacturers with the skilled workers they need to continue to compete in today’s high-tech, global economy,” said State Senator Paul Farrow (R-Pewaukee). “This program is a great way to get young people excited about and engaged in the manufacturing profession.”
The AT&T Wisconsin Innovation & Investment Award program provides funding to organizations and programs that improve the community by: advancing education, enhancing the environment, promoting economic development, or delivering other community services. This is the second year of the new program that supports local organizations that enhance and give back to their communities.
“We are very proud to support the efforts of Waukesha County business and education leaders to engage students in the exciting, promising careers available in advanced manufacturing,” said AT&T Wisconsin Director of External Affairs Tricia Conway. “As a company, AT&T is committed to investing in education and helping prepare our young people for future success.”
