Gov. Walker: Wisconsin Workforce Partnership Grant graduation

Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303

Madison–Today, Moraine Park Technical College will hold its first graduation ceremony for graduates of the Wisconsin Workforce Partnership Grant program boot camp. There are 12 graduates earning a Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator (CNC) certificate. These individuals completed a 15-week program qualifying them for an entry-level CNC position. Governor Walker kicked off this grant program by visiting Moraine Park Technical College on July 17th, 2012.

“Congratulations to the graduates of this first boot camp. Our hope is this program will continue to connect employers with skilled workers,” said Governor Walker. “These graduates successfully completed their certification and are now connected with employers through their internships. The goal is to close the gap between jobs and available workers, and I would like to thank the Wisconsin Covenant Foundation and the Wisconsin Technical College System for partnering with us on this important program.”

“Under Governor Walker’s leadership, Wisconsin has made tremendous strides forward in supporting private-sector job creators,” added Secretary Reggie Newson. “Employer-led training initiatives, like the Wisconsin Workforce Partnership grants, prepare workers with the necessary skills to find a permanent, family-supporting job. The Department of Workforce Development will help businesses find workers with the skills for the high-wage, high-growth industries needed in Wisconsin.”

Governor Walker announced the Wisconsin Workforce Partnership Grant in March 2012. The three-year, $3.8 million pilot program is focused on skills training for jobs available now. The Wisconsin Workforce Partnership Grant is designed to foster partnerships between the Wisconsin Technical College System and businesses with advanced manufacturing employment needs.

The grants will strengthen the pipeline between technical colleges and employers, as well as support the rapid development of degree or certificate programs producing graduates who can meet specific employer needs. According to the Center on Education and the Workforce, nearly two-thirds of all new job openings in Wisconsin between now and 2018 will require some form of education beyond high school.

Funding for the grants comes from the Wisconsin Covenant Foundation. Currently, Moraine Park has 19 employer partners for the next boot camp scheduled to begin in February and is continuing to expand the employer internship pool. The Moraine Park grant funds Manufacturing Skill Academies, where machine operation and welding training are taught.