WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Mid-State Technical College (MSTC) will host a manufacturing academy for high school juniors and seniors, July 30 through August 2. The academy is free of charge and will be held at MSTC’s Wisconsin Rapids campus, 500 32nd Street N, Wisconsin Rapids. MSTC, in partnership with Nicolet and Northcentral Technical Colleges and the North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, received a grant from the Department of Workforce Development to fund the academy. The goal is to retain and grow manufacturing businesses by equipping area youth with valuable skills and onsite experiences as they consider careers in manufacturing. The total amount of the grant is $150,000; of that amount, MSTC received $42,201.

The three technical colleges will hold manufacturing academies at their respective campuses. Academy participants will explore manufacturing programs, see cutting-edge technology and tour various manufacturing facilities. Industry and education partners, curricula and expertise will be shared across the region through this coordinated approach. According to Doris McAllister, MSTC's Director of Workforce & Economic Development, success of the manufacturing academy depends on student involvement and the willingness of local manufacturing industries to open their doors to career opportunities for area youth. “The benefits of the grant are twofold: to show young persons a path to becoming a self-sustaining member of the community while providing local business and industry with a competent workforce,” said McAllister.

McAllister said the manufacturing academies will introduce the students to manufacturing-related fields by integrating coursework with on-the-job experience. “Components of the academy will include one to two credits of technical college coursework, tours of local manufacturing facilities, a six-hour Career Exploration course, assessment for career readiness and a career plan outlining the path to their success.” She added that the three academies will also coordinate with existing programs such as Youth Apprenticeship, thereby maximizing the academies' effectiveness and ensuring that their benefit to area schools and businesses will continue to be felt after the grant ends in 2008.

McAllister said details about MSTC’ upcoming Manufacturing Academy will be provided to high schools by mid-May. Businesses interested in providing tours or sharing their career needs are encouraged to contact McAllister at (715) 422-5430 or via e-mail at doris.mcallister@mstc.edu.