Mid-State celebrates Manufacturing Month with $5 Million investment in central Wisconsin workforce

Free training for incumbent manufacturing workers, employer engagement and student experiences highlight efforts to strengthen the region’s manufacturing talent pipeline
 
Mid-State Technical College is celebrating Manufacturing Month this October with new opportunities for regional manufacturers, their employees and students, led by a $5 million federal investment that will provide eligible manufacturers with free workforce training and technical assistance. 
 
Mid-State was recently awarded a $5 million grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through its Manufacturing in America Empower to Grow (E2G) initiative. One of just 11 organizations nationwide selected, Mid-State will use the 12-month grant to launch USA MADE: Upskilling and Strengthening America’s Manufacturing Advancement and Development Ecosystem, an initiative designed to strengthen central Wisconsin’s manufacturing workforce and improve small-business competitiveness. 
 
USA MADE is focused on helping participating manufacturers upskill their existing workforce. Through the initiative, Mid-State plans to support 20 manufacturing businesses and train at least 150 incumbent workers, with a goal of helping participants earn 75 industry-recognized credentials. Training will be offered tuition- and fee-free to eligible employees of participating manufacturers, with qualifying certification application or exam costs also covered. 
 
Training opportunities will be organized around five certificate areas designed to address needs across the manufacturing operation: Manufacturing Foundations & Workplace Readiness; Quality Systems, Compliance & Inspection; Manufacturing Engineering & Process Improvement; Digital Manufacturing & Supply Chain Excellence; and Workforce Leadership & Organizational Development. 
 
“Manufacturing has long been essential to the strength of central Wisconsin, and this $5 million investment gives Mid-State an important opportunity to support the people and businesses driving that industry today,” said Dr. Shelly Mondeik, president of Mid-State Technical College. “By helping manufacturers invest in their incumbent workforce, we can expand access to industry-relevant training, strengthen the skills of current employees and help regional employers remain competitive in a rapidly changing manufacturing environment.” 
 
“Under President Trump and Administrator Loeffler’s leadership, the SBA is rebuilding America's industrial base one community at a time, and Mid-State Technical College is leading that charge in central Wisconsin,” said Lisa Shimkat, SBA Associate Administrator for Field Operations. “This Manufacturing in America Empower to Grow initiative will help local manufacturers develop the skilled workforce they need to grow their operations and meet the demands of a rapidly expanding manufacturing industry.” 
 
An important first step will be listening directly to employers. Regional manufacturers will be invited to an employer listening session Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Mid-State’s Wayne H. Bushman Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, and Apprenticeship (AMETA®) Center in Stevens Point. Employer feedback will help inform training and technical assistance offered through USA MADE. Additional details and invitations will be shared directly with regional manufacturers. 
 
“The most important thing we can do is start by listening to our manufacturers,” said Ryan Kawski, dean of Mid-State’s School of Applied Technology. “We want employers to tell us where they are seeing skills gaps, operational challenges and opportunities for growth. The USA MADE grant gives us resources to respond with practical, customized training and technical assistance that can make a difference on the shop floor.” 
 
Beyond the workforce training supported through USA MADE, Mid-State is also using Manufacturing Month to introduce the next generation to manufacturing, engineering and technology careers. In partnership with Engineering Tomorrow, the College will host two hands-on experiences expected to serve approximately 120 students in grades 8–12. The Oct. 29 Bridges Lab will give students experience with engineering and bridge design, followed by a Nov. 2 Packaging Lab focused on packaging engineering and design. 
 
Community members and prospective students can also explore modern manufacturing firsthand through dedicated tours of Mid-State’s AMETA Center. The 48,000-square-foot Stevens Point facility features specialized labs and equipment supporting automation, robotics, welding, machining, manufacturing operations and mechanical design. 
 
Learn more about Manufacturing Month activities, AMETA tours and registration opportunities at mstc.edu/manufacturing-month.