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| WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Beginning this fall, Mid-State Technical College (MSTC) offers a Paper & Chemical Technology program to prepare students for entry-level positions as production employees in the paper and allied industries. According to Al Javoroski, Dean, Technical & Industrial Division, as the paper industry continues to streamline operations, the need for entry-level, technically skilled employees has become critical in staying competitive in today's global economy. “A high school diploma alone will not be enough to walk into a paper mill and run these machines.” He says the associate degree program includes many of the technical applications utilized by the paper and allied industries. “Safety, math, chemistry, physics, computer science, statistical process control, environmental science and paper science courses will be covered.” |
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“The goal of offering the Paper & Chemical Technology program is to provide industry with educated employees, current and future, who want to take advantage of high paying career opportunities.” said Javoroski. “MSTC is the only college in the state directly meeting the paper industry needs for entry-level operator training,” added Dr. John Clark, MSTC President.
The 68-credit program is based on the college’s Wisconsin Rapids campus. Technical courses complement practical, hands-on training in the areas of maintenance and manufacturing processes. Javoroski said students will get direct experience using the simulation labs on process control and paper making. “They will also learn to develop aptitude in teamwork, ethics and other interpersonal skills. Employers tell us these skills are critical for their employees to be successful in the workplace.”
According to Dr. Clark, the skill level required by employers changes for varied industries and MSTC adapts and responds to those changing needs. “We've built strong partnerships with businesses and industries throughout central Wisconsin to ensure that our graduates have the skills employers want. We work closely to help workers move past certification requirements, to associate degree level and beyond.”
Javoroski said the aging baby-boomer population will affect the entire manufacturing sector. “Employers will need to prepare for employee retirements and they will be looking for technically trained individuals to replace them. For example, more than 30 percent of the paper industry workforce is projected to retire over the next three years.” Dr. Clark said he anticipates that Paper & Chemical Technology graduates will be able to fill a wide variety of entry-level positions and quickly become highly valued employees with a solid foundation that allows them to grow in the expanding field of process manufacturing.
The website for MSTC’s new Paper & Chemical Technology program is located at http://www.mstc.edu/paperchem. Individuals interested in additional details may contact Javoroski at (715) 422-5402 or via email at al.javoroski@mstc.edu. |
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