a NEW kind of Boot Camp

When you hear the words Boot Camp, you may be thinking..no thanks. I mean, after all, Boot Camp can be correctly described in either of the following two ways according to the internet:

Boot Camp

Noun:

A military training camp for new recruits. A prison for youthful offenders, run on military lines.

Not this Boot Camp though...






W.O.W Workforce Development's Boot Camps are specific to what the workforce demands. In this case, what we have here is a CNC Boot Camp. Time and time again, we here the following phrase from employers: "I can't find any qualified and skilled workers." If you happen to browse a job board for manufacturing careers, I can almost guarantee that wherever you look- you will see openings for a CNC machinist in SE Wisconsin.

How it worked:
11 unemployed individuals are currently enrolled in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program. Those 11 individuals are sent to school to receive FREE training in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining. This specific class will endure a very intense 6 week training that, upon completion, will certify them as entry-level CNC machinists. The training takes place both in the classroom as well as in the state-of-the-art machining lab on the Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) campus. These individuals will attend training on Monday-Thursdays from 12:00pm-9:00pm and Fridays from 8:00am-5:00pm.  In depth training includes: Blueprint Reading, Math, Manual Machining, CNC Turning and CNC Machining. Upon successful completion of the 6 week crash course in CNC; Workforce Development, Inc. is working to have a 100% placement rate upon graduation.

How do we do that? About half way through the training, the Employer Relations Unit of Workforce Development Inc. (WDI) works together to bring in employers that are hiring for exactly that: CNC Machinists. Invitations were sent out to a large number of Waukesha County Employers, and the 12 company maximum filled up literally overnight. The goal of this event is to give the individuals some one on one interviewing and facetime with a potential employer. As you can see in some of the pictures- applications can and will be filled out on the spot for future employment. Alongside the Employer Visit Day, we have also arranged for two guest speakers to come in and speak to the class about Manufacturing as a whole, career paths to pursue, what it takes to be successful and job security as a skilled worker. This has shown to stabilize our retention rates of the participants under such a demanding schedule. The picture(s) above and the ones that follow were taken on Employer Visit Day. This event was held at the Waukesha County Workforce Development Center on July 25th, 2012.

The program is designed to align our current trainings with what the employers are screaming for: skilled workers. Upon successful completion, it is our goal to have all the individuals start a job with On-the-Job (OJT) funding...compliments of the TIME grant from WDI!

A special thank you goes out to those employers that came out and interviewed our fellow Boot Camp participants:

1. A.S. Pindel Corp: New Berlin
2. GE Energy: Waukesha
3. Generac Corporation: Waukesha
4. Grede Holdings LLC: Menomonee Falls
5. In-Place Machining: Milwaukee
6. Premier Paper Converting Machinery: New Berlin
7. ValveWorks USA: New Berlin
8. V&L Tool: Waukesha
9. Versevo Inc: Harland
10. Waukesha Metal Products: Sussex
11. Waukesha Foundry: Waukesha
12. Wisconsin Metal Parts: Waukesha







TIME for Collaboration

From left to right: Dale P. Kooyenga, Wisconsin Legislator-14th Assembly District Representative; Reggie Newson, Secretary, State of Wisconsin - DWD; Carrie Hersh, Program Manager -WRTP/BIG STEP; Joe Nicosia, Industry Representative -WRTP/BIG STEP; Rebecca Kleefisch, Lieutenant Governor - State of Wisconsin; Rhandi Berth, Vice President - WRTP/BIG STEP; Francisco "Paco" Sanchez, President - WOW Workforce Development Inc.; Dr. Barbara Prindiville, President - Waukesha County Technical College; Bryan Obst, Corporate Recruiter for Trace-A-Matic Corporation; and Ed Graunke, Operations Manager for Trace-A-Matic Corporation.

____________________________________________________________________________

Today we celebrate new beginnings. New beginnings for businesses, new beginnings for people's lives and their families, new beginnings for collaboration and new beginnings for workforce, economic and business development. Those individuals shown above, along with many others, are a prime example of what can be accomplished by working together.

We come together today for the graduation of 11 customized training graduates. 11 graduates, whom before were unemployed. 11 graduates who stuck it out through the course of a grueling training period. 11 graduates (8 men and 3 women) who will be joining the manufacturing workforce! Congratulations to you and I wish you all the very best of luck.

A brief informative workshop to explain this collaborative success:

It all starts with the company; more specifically, a company that is hiring. A company that cannot find the skilled workers that they need. A company willing to work with others; and, a company that wants to grow. Yes, Trace-A-Matic (traceamatic.com), is the driving force behind this project. Recruitment efforts through the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership (WRTP) is where our students came from. WRTP performs an in-depth recruiting process- sometimes starting with as many as 300 potential candidates.

The company is established (Trace-A-Matic), the needs are identifed (CNC Machinists), and now we dip into the pots of two substantial forms of grant money available; TIME and WIA funding.  It is through the WIA funding that these individuals are sent to school, to be trained, absolutely free. While in the customized program, these individuals perform on the job shadowing at their soon-to-be employers; as well as training on machines and coursework, specific to what their job will entail.

Once the individuals graduate (8-12 weeks: in this case, 8 weeks), they start their new job with (TIME) on-the-job training dollars. The employer will be reimbursed a portion of each new hires training salary during a clearly defined training period  

To make it short and sweet; Employers are getting freshly trained workers, trained specific to that companies unique skillsets, as well as receiving between $4-5,000 in training reimbursement (per each new hire). None of this is costing the Employer a dime; in fact, if you read that correctly- they are making money while gaining fresh talent.

Sound familiar? This is our second successful project that has put people to work:  http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/barrett-to-unveil-customtailored-job-training-plan-v545b5t-139166399.html

There is training currently in session and several more in the works. If you would like to know more about how it works, just ask. For now-  It's TIME to celebrate some success. Have a great weekend!

The Employment TIMEs

The following term and phrase used together can signify an assortment of things.

1. Wisconsin  
2. Best in the Nation 

Let's start with the Green Bay Packers - the best Football team in the nation. Next up, Summerfest - the Nation's/World's Largest Music Festival. Following that, Bob Uecker, Mr. Baseball - the most prolific sports commentator in the nation. Friday Night Fish Fry's - the best in the Nation and the backbone of Wisconsin food...speaking of which, today is Friday, mmmm- is 10 am too early for a fish fry? Ok, one more...The famous Milwaukee Brewer Racing Sausages - the best team mascots in the Nation.

You see, there are just so many great things about Wisconsin that it's difficult to pinpoint what it is that the media would report about. How about this little topic;

Employment outlook in southeast Wisconsin “best in the nation”

Ah yes, that sounds good. Sure, Wisconsin has hundreds of great things that make us unique; but, this topic is by far the most important. If people aren't working, how can they enjoy all of the great things this state has to offer? Packer Games, Summerfest, Fish Fry's and Brewer games, to name just a few, wouldn't be as historic and popular as they have become- without Wisconsin natives spending their hard-earned money supporting the events.

As you will see when you read the article below; here is a tidbit of what will be mentioned...

MILWAUKEE — A new Manpower survey shows the employment outlook in southeast Wisconsin is the “best in the nation;” and companies are more likely to hire in Milwaukee than anywhere else in the country.

http://fox6now.com/2012/06/12/employment-outlook-in-southeast-wisconsin-best-in-the-nation/


Now doesn't that put a smile on your face on this beautiful summer day in Wisconsin? 75 degress and sunny, a few passing clouds and a growing job market. Slowly but surely, we are eliminating the unemployment in Wisconsin. Employers are hiring, we (Workforce Develoment) are reimbursing, and all along the way- we are paving a foundation for the future, our children.

What a way to enter into the weekend.

Hey, what about that TIME grant...is anything happening?

You betcha!

Updated TIME Grant Statistics: January 2012-June 2012

Total # of OJT Contracts: 159

Average wage of new hires: $16.45

Total Reimbursement $: $505,506

Total # of Companies benefitting: 50+

Did you know?

No. 10: Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, Wisc.

The center for manufacturing of machine tools and other precision equipment boosted its industrial employment 3.6% last year to 118,000 jobs.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/joelkotkin/2012/05/24/seattle-is-leading-an-american-manufacturing-revival/

As I read through the Forbes article listed above, I was thinking to myself...whoa whoa whoa; where is Wisconsin on this list? It turns out I was not disappointed as here we are- right in the mix at #10!

I can't help but celebrate that, once again, Wisconsin is recognized for its Manufacturing. We have had a visit from our country's President, national recognition from various news outlets, our Governor regularly visiting the manufacturing facilities and now most recently...the awarding of the TIME grant.

I also can't help but wonder what those numbers will look like if we continue moving forward like we have been. The interest in the grant continues to pick up, the employers are continuing to hire, the reimbursements are continuing to grow, and more and more people are getting back to work. I would like to see Wisconsin leading the way; and, if the team running this grant have anything to say about it, we will be.

I thought about providing you viewers (all the thousands of you that there are) with some updated numbers, but I think I will hold off until the next post and let the anticipation sit in a little bit.

Wisconsin is not just a bunch of cheese head Packer fans. Wisconsin is not just about Farming, Dairy and State Fairs. Wisconsin is not just about Hunting, Fishing, and the Northwood's. Wisconsin is not just about people driving at least 5 below the speed limit. Wisconsin is not just about Noah's Ark and the Wiscnsin Dells.

Wisconsin is about working together and putting people to work. Wisconsin is about creating a skilled workforce that will set the standard for the way economic and workforce development is created. Wisconsin is about making BIG things happen- some of which you don't know about yet and some of which you will hear about soon!

Forbes, take note:

Wisconsin is going to be #1 in Manufacturing --- it's only a matter of TIME...

It's only a matter of TIME.....

...... until we see a whole lot more of what you are about to read below

Hiring at home -- and even 're-shoring'

As the presidential election campaign heats up, you're almost certain to hear one line repeatedly: "The U.S. doesn't make things anymore."
It's a canard that's been kicking around since the 1980s.
Yes, there have been lean years for some types of manufacturing -- and ensuing job losses -- that have devastated some local economies.
But U.S. manufacturing didn't die; on the contrary, it's bouncing back ferociously. "The manufacturing sector is leading the recovery," says James Paulsen, an economist and market strategist with Wells Capital Management.

More than a third of the 3% growth in the gross domestic product in the fourth quarter of 2011 came from manufacturing, though the sector makes up just 11% of the economy. And during the past four months, U.S. factories have contributed 17% of the new jobs. Key indicators such as industrial production and rail freight volumes are also showing solid strength.
In fact, "manufacturing has been a true bright spot in the economy over the last few years," says Chad Moutray, an economist with the National Association of Manufacturers
.
Expect this to continue for three reasons.

First, the U.S. economy is growing, and as demand rises, producers will add capacity, says Todd Lowenstein of the HighMark Value Fiduciary Fund (HMVMX). They'll be creating jobs and buying tools, machine parts, cranes, trucks and other equipment.

Second, a middle class has emerged in the developing world because we have bought so much stuff made there. "Over the last couple decades, we were building a brand-new world to sell to," says Paulsen. To wit: Exports of manufactured goods exports jumped 15% in February, and they accounted for three-fourths of a $16 billion gain in exports, says NAM's Moutray.

Third, the idea that China will take all our manufacturing jobs is proving false. In fact, jobs are coming back home, a trend christened "re-shoring." U.S. companies are fed up with low-quality production, counterfeiting and logistical headaches, says Michael Zinser, a manufacturing-sector expert with the Boston Consulting Group, and wages in China are rising rapidly.

Please note: The source of the above information and a whole lot more can be found here: http://money.msn.com/investing/10-companies-making-more-in-the-usa-brush-2#scpti2

On another note: how about some more TIME Grant #'s?

Total # of contracts: 94

Average wage: $16.45

Total amount of reimbursements: $305,953
Total # of companies receiving benefits: 35+

In not even ONE month, we have nearly doubled our numbers!

  

     

It's TIME to think Outside the Box

               THEN                                                                NOW

 
Young Americans are shunning factory jobs because they think they are uncool. But they need to do some homework, because some positions are paying close to six figures.That's right- 6 figures! Now this may not be everywhere; but the point is, the Manufacturing industry isn't the dirty and low paying career that today's youth believe it is. Even if you don't want to take notice- Manufacturing Is and Has Been the backbone of the great state of Wisconsin for many years.

I heard a troubling statistic the other day while I was attending a dinner at the Hilton with some members of the TDMAW (Tool & Die Machining Association of Wisconsin). Our guest speaker Timothy W. Sullivan, the former CEO of Bucyrus International and currently serving as a Special Consultant to Governor Walker, presented some interesting facts during his speech. The one fact that I seem to remember vividly is this: there was a survey amongst Wisconsin residents asking them if they felt that Manufacturing could alone be the key to the economic recovery in Wisconsin.

 Do you want to know what the results were?

A staggering 70% believed this was true. Yes, 70% of those surveyed believed that Manufacturing could very well be the answer!

Of that 70% that believed in Manufacturing:

only 17% admitted that they would be willing to work in Manufacturing or would want their children working in Manufacturing.

It is time to open up the eyes of our youth. An industry that was once believed to be back-breaking and low-paying, has become high-tech and high salaried.

Please take the time to read the article below and see for yourself. We need to pass this information on to our youth- after all- the future of this country is in their hands. A skilled workforce is the foundation of a thriving economy in today's age.

http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/27/smallbusiness/youth_manufacturing_jobs/?source=linkedin&goback=%2Egmp_97260%2Egde_97260_member_100827196

TIME for an update!!!

Hey, Guess What??

On-the-job training works!!!

Well folks, as the month of March winds down and 80+ degree weather has already made it's appearance- I thought it may be TIME to give those who take a glance at this blog, an update.

The TIME grant, brought to you by the Department of Labor and managed by WOW Workforce Development, has taken off in the very few months since it has been active. By the numbers, it is easy to see that employers are interested and job seekers are benefitting.

Since our very first TIME On-The-Job training contract was developed on 01/19/2012- a total of 52 more have followed in it's path. For those of you that are not to keen with numbers- we put 53 people to work in a matter of approximately 60 days. Of those 53 on-the-job training contracts, the average starting wage for all 44 contracts equals out to $15.95/hr. When you calculate these numbers, a total of $187,172 is due to be reimbursed to area employers. Yes, it is that simple. In a matter of maybe two more weeks- $200,000 in free money is set to be sent directly to those employers that chose to take advantage of this magnificent job-creating program.

To make it a little easier on the eyes:

Total OJT's: 53
Average TIME wage: $15.95
Total TIME amount: $187,172
Total number of companies receiving benefits: 26

And don't forget- this is in a time span of maybe 60 days- Can you imagine what the next 3, 6, 9 month numbers will look like?

The companies are talking to one another, "Wow, that was easy." The unemployed are finding CAREERS, not just jobs. Companies are hiring! If you or somebody you know would like to get involved with this monumental grant- call our Employer Relations Unit today @ 262.695.7894