FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2015
Media Contact: Danica Nilsestuen; gro.wcsbdwnull@neutseslind or 608.249.9001 x227 or Jackie Hall; gro.wcsbdwnull@llahj or 608.249.9001 x232
WorkSmart Network Offers New Training to Support Skill Needs of Area Manufacturers
Baraboo—Supplying a steady crop of skilled workers to one of Sauk County’s leading industries was a key goal of the new WorkSmart Network Manufacturing Skills Boot Camp hosted at Sysco Foods in Baraboo last month.
The three-week training yielded seven graduates in its first run–all of whom earned technical college credits and exclusive job interviews with participating local manufacturers, including Teel Plastics, Sysco Foods Baraboo, Flambeau Inc, Nuk-USA and Synergy Metal Works, along with several other local manufacturers, as part of the Boot Camp’s employment-responsive design. And the new graduates were already receiving employment offers just one week after completing the training.
“This demand-driven training was meant to support the region’s strong manufacturing base and its need for talent,” says Danica Nilsestuen, Director of Business Services and Sector Strategies for the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin. “The WorkSmart Network is expanding its scope of training offerings to support the region’s more diversified manufacturing environment and its continuous infusion of technology. We’re excited to partner with our technical college and business partners to provide such offerings that help companies in Sauk County and the rest of the region find skilled workers more effectively and economically.”
The training was designed with input from area manufacturers and delivered by Madison College in partnership with the WorkSmart Network. Participants were afforded the opportunity to earn credentials in safety and industry, including an OSHA 10 certification, and core manufacturing skills including applied mathematics, drawing, geometric relationships, manufacturing related communications, problem solving and teamwork. The course was offered to eligible participants at no cost with funding from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The WorkSmart Network plans to run similar training offerings this fall across South Central Wisconsin. More information on upcoming trainings and other services can be found at www.worksmartnetwork.org.
About the WorkSmart Network
The Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin is the administrative entity for the WorkSmart Network. The WorkSmart Network has an office located within the Sauk County Job Center in Baraboo and provides employment and training services to adults, dislocated workers and youth in six counties in South Central Wisconsin to meet the skill needs of businesses in the region. Funding sources include the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
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