Technical Training and Grants Fuel Manufacturing Success in Wisconsin

Workforce development is essential to strengthening the West Central Wisconsin economy. 

And when businesses need more skilled talent, education and training are vital lifelines manufacturers need to stay competitive.

The West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board is committed to advancing initiatives that connect regional job seekers with employers. 

The following opportunities are just a few examples of the potential to build a strong, resilient workforce that drives economic success across our communities.

Northwood Tech has hands-on training

Northwood Technical College (NTC) is a critical asset in building West Central Wisconsin’s manufacturing workforce, offering programs that combine hands-on skills, industry credentials, and career pathways. 
Their online courses are also designed to accommodate your schedule. Click here to explore NTC’s full catalogue of programs, which include: 

Leadership & Management

Leadership Essentials (Technical Diploma): This completely online short-term program is explicitly designed to train current and future managers in conflict resolution, strategic planning, and supervisory skills.

Human Resource Management (Associate Degree): This fully online degree focuses directly on workforce planning, developing training programs, and employment law. It’s highly impactful for any business scaling their HR infrastructure.

Digital Literacy & AI Readiness

Business Tech & Intro to AI: This cutting-edge, 1-credit online course explores the active impact of digital technology, file management, and critical thinking with a workforce-ready mindset.

Business Administration Specialist (Technical Certificate): A short-term, 18-credit program that provides local professionals with fast-tracked foundational credentials in business software and communication.

Customized training at CVTC

Chippewa Valley Technical College has workforce solutions and continuing education programs either at its location or at your company’s site in the areas of:  

• Agriculture
• Automation
• Architecture and Construction
• Mechatronics
• Plumbing
• Quality
• Tooling & Design
• Utility
• Welding

CVTC also offers many individual courses that can be applied toward various degree and certificate programs, including:

Automation & PLC Programming 

PLC Concepts, Programming, and Troubleshooting: Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are the backbone of modern industrial automation. This online-accessible course framework is critical for local manufacturers looking to transition traditional technicians into advanced automation roles.

Machine Troubleshooting & Digital Fluid Power 

Mechatronics E-Learning Systems: This workforce training path allows employees to study pneumatics, hydraulics, and mechanical drives online. It pairs with

CVTC's portable simulators so local factory workers can learn to diagnose complex automated machinery without leaving their employer's facility.

Precision Measurement & Blueprints 

CVTC Quality Control and Blueprint Reading: Machine shops and tool-and-die operations can search for courses on strict geometric dimensioning using the interactive CVTC Course Search portal. Each course trains workers remotely in precise quality control methods, helping protect the integrity of local supply chains. 

Contact CVTC to build a customized training plan for your business!

What grants support training? WAT Grants!

One impactful workforce solution available to employers in West Central Wisconsin is the Workforce Advancement Training (WAT) Grant, administered by the Wisconsin Technical College System. 

WAT Grants help businesses offset the cost of training incumbent workers by partnering with local technical colleges to deliver customized, employer-driven instruction.

Application Deadline: 

Employers can use WAT Grants to support training in technical skills, safety certifications, leadership development, and productivity improvements. 

The training enables companies to adapt to evolving technologies, improving employee retention and fostering the region's long-term economic vitality.

Because approved training projects are generally required to launch within 90 days of local confirmation, contact the CVTC Workforce Solutions Team or the Northwood Tech Business Resources Team 3 to 6 months in advance to align your timeline with the next active funding window.

Training talent sets manufacturing on course for success

A talented, motivated workforce is necessary for the current and future industry needs of West Central Wisconsin. 

Connect with other employers, educators, and workforce partners to advance the region today and contact the West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board for any assistance you need!