Gov. Doyle Recognizes Excellence

of MATC-Provided Training for Local Employees

Aug. 6, 2008

Milwaukee Area Technical College played a critical role in training of local employees who were recognized at the July 29 “Salute to Manufacturing Initiatives” ceremony in Cedarburg. At that event, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle presented Certified Production Technician certificates to four Federal Tool & Engineering employees who had recently completed Manufacturing Skills Standards Certification (MSSC) training. Three other employees received recognition for partial completion of the MSSC program and six additional employees received Welding Certificates.

MATC instructors provided the training through a Workforce Advancement Training (WAT) grant, a program created by Governor Doyle in the 2005-2007 budget. These grants improve employee skills, while creating a better working environment, cost savings and lower job turnover rates for Wisconsin businesses. In the 2008 fiscal year, MATC secured 14 WAT grants that totaled close to $350,000. As a result, more than 400 employees at over 20 companies received training to upgrade their skills and productivity. MATC received more WAT grants than any other technical college district in Wisconsin.

At the ceremony, Governor Doyle remarked, “MATC has worked with manufacturers to give employees a certified guarantee they have the skills to get the job done. This certification helps ensure that the highest-quality products are made by the best-trained workers.”

“You have heard of the saying that ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ Well, the same can be said about successful businesses and manufacturers,” said Michael Townsend, vice president of MATC’s Mequon campus. “Strong, solid and actionable partnerships between technical colleges and local businesses and manufacturers are working together to ensure that employees are well trained and successful. It does require a village of partners. The current and future success of our local companies will be determined by our continuous partnership efforts. MATC is proud to be a partner in this effort.”