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MADISON AREA
TECHNICAL COLLEGE WORKS WITH BUSINESS CONSORTIUM TO TRAIN AND EXPAND MANUFACTURING
WORKFORCE
The figures are familiar. In October of 2000, the state of Wisconsin reported
a 2.6% unemployment rate, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% in Dane County.
While many area businesses struggle to keep and attract a talented workforce,
a consortium of manufacturing companies has been working with Madison
Area Technical College (MATC) to expand the pool of qualified candidates
for manufacturing careers.
The Manufacturing
Advancement Pre-employment Skills (MAPS) Program is designed to create
and sustain the quantity and quality of employees in the manufacturing
industry. Curriculum is geared toward developing skills and attitudes
in potential employees and helping area businesses improve retention,
productivity and profitability. Eight area manufacturers are partners
in the program including Clack Corporation, Evco Plastics, Madison-Kipp
Corporation, Oscar Mayer, Placon Corporation, Research Products Corporation,
Stoughton Trailers and Webcrafters.
In November, the
first five graduates of the program were awarded certificates signifying
their completion of the program. After an interview and entrance exam,
these initial participants were chosen from a pool of 30. The graduates
committed to a tough regimen throughout the five-week program by maintaining
their existing job schedules while attending classes three and a half
hours per night, four nights a week.
Graduates in the
program include Madison resident Roy Hence, Verona resident Andrew Hesterly,
Lodi resident Michael O'Rell, Brodhead resident Jack Pillow and Edgerton
resident Ronald Range. Twenty-nine-year-old O'Rell, 29, currently is an
assistant manager at a Madison food store. Completing the program not
only helped him develop marketable manufacturing skills, but also infused
him with confidence and gave him a true sense of accomplishment. For Roy
Hence, a desire to support his three children was powerful motivation
to complete the program. "This program taught me how to set goals, create
a career vision and help me believe in a better future," he states.
The graduates
are enthusiastic about what they received in exchange for their hard work.
"We started this program as individuals with different backgrounds, different
ideas, and different worlds," said O'Rell. "But we finished as a team
whose mission is to improve our manufacturing skills and to set a standard
for future students."
Consortium members
developed the curriculum and also served as faculty. Classes in communications,
computer technology, business, math, quality, safety and teamwork took
place at area businesses and at MATC. In addition, the students toured
each business partnerÕs facility.
The program is
mutually beneficial for both the partnering companies and participants.
Underemployed individuals with limited earning power who work in retail
and other service industries are attracted to this program because it
gives them skills to help them move into high-paying careers quickly.
"The idea is to teach skills that allow people to quickly succeed and
springboard to advancement," explains MATCÕs Todd Stebbins, program coordinator
for MAPS. "MAPS assists people who would not otherwise consider post-secondary
education as an option for them," he added. The program introduces businesses
to potential employees who have received valuable training.
"Many people
donÕt consider work in manufacturing as an option and are unaware of the
pay and benefits available to them in the field," states Jackie Wetzel,
research and development administrative assistant for Clack. "Clack Corporation
is very interested in attracting and retaining employees who are looking
for career opportunities in manufacturing. We believe this training and
introduction to the field is very beneficial to all parties involved."
The next session of the MAPS Program will begin on January 30. Classes
will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:30 pm. Persons
interested in participating in this program should contact Mary Merkes
at (608) 258-2335.
MATC is one of
the largest of the Wisconsin Technical College System's 16 colleges. It
provides a comprehensive curriculum of technical, liberal arts and science,
adult basic education and life enrichment studies and activities, as well
as customized employee training. The college serves all or parts of 12
counties located in southcentral Wisconsin and offers instruction through
five campuses and various other locations throughout the district.
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Last
Modified: February 1, 2001
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