Technical colleges answer the call from employers

MADISON – Wisconsin’s Technical Colleges train more than 100,000 current employees each year who learn cutting-edge skills with customized training provided by their local technical colleges.

"As the primary education and training provider for workforce development, Wisconsin’s Technical Colleges are the partner of choice for many Wisconsin employers," said Dan Clancy, president of the Wisconsin Technical College System. "Businesses are relying more on the flexibility, responsiveness and agility of the technical colleges to prepare their employees and help them remain competitive in the world economy."

In addition to incumbent worker training, Clancy highlighted several more reasons why the technical colleges are the economic backbone of the state:

WTCS colleges are the only institution of higher learning whose doors are open to everyone, regardless of past educational success, economic status or employment history.
WTCS colleges are the primary providers of workforce development, as more than half of all adults in the state have accessed the technical colleges for education and training over the last decade.
Nearly all (92 percent) technical college graduates have jobs within six months of graduation, most of who stay in Wisconsin, creating a “brain gain” for the state.
Advisory committees, represented by “real-world” professionals, advise colleges on relevant and necessary education and skills for graduates of various career programs.
WTCS colleges produce double the number of occupational associate degree graduates than the national average and their graduates earn more than the national average.
WTCS colleges are responding to increasingly advanced workforce education needs, such as nanotechnology, microfabrication and biotechnology.

"Success in the global economy is going to depend on the availability of highly-skilled workers who overwhelmingly access the technical colleges for the most in-demand skills," Clancy said. "Increased skill attainment yields higher wages and improved career options for employees and stronger productivity and growth for the companies where they work," he added.

The Wisconsin Technical College System has 16 technical college districts throughout Wisconsin, which offer more than 300 programs awarding two-year associate degrees, one and two-year technical diplomas and short-term technical diplomas. In addition, the System is the major provider of customized training and technical assistance to Wisconsin’s business and industry community. More than half of all adults in Wisconsin have accessed the technical colleges for education and training. Find more about educational programs at www.witechcolleges.org.