Workforce and Community Development Awarded $268,357 Workforce Advancement Training Grant
September 18, 2020
Today’s employers face many new challenges, one of which is ensuring their workforce is skilled and trained to meet the demands of an ever-evolving business landscape. Blackhawk Technical College (BTC) continues to be a driver in providing training solutions for employers to meet these needs. BTC is delighted to report that $268,357 in Workforce Advancement Training (WAT) grants have been secured for four individual companies and two consortium-based projects.
“BTC is proud to partner with our district employers to provide comprehensive training programs to an incumbent workforce,” said Mark Borowicz, BTC Director of Workforce and Community Development. “These grants allow companies to address employee development on many levels while keeping them competitive in a global economy.”
Area businesses that will benefit from a WAT grant this year include:
- IPM Foods
- Beloit Health System
- SSI Technologies LLC, an Amphenol Company
- NorthStar.
The Rock County consortium grants consist of:
- Stainless Tank & Equipment
- Corporate Contractors Inc.
- Humane Manufacturing
- Seneca Foods
The Green County Manufacturing Consortium consists of:
- Kuhn
- Orchid
- Industrial Combustion
- Monroe Truck
- Klondike Cheese
- Wisconsin Cheese Group
- Family Fresh Pack
These grants will be used during the 2020-2021 academic year for customized employee training designed to improve productivity and competitiveness, augment the state’s economic base, and expand technical college training services to business and industry.
(Leadership Cohort Group pictured prior to COVID-19)
According to Jill Leitzen, Director of Human Resources at Kuhn North America, “The funding has allowed many of our employees to strengthen their skillset and transition to leadership positions within the organization.”
Established in 2005, WAT grants are funded by the State of Wisconsin and administered by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). Each year, the WTCS awards WAT grants to the state’s 16 technical colleges in conjunction with Wisconsin businesses.
WAT grants range from $2,500 to $200,000 per company for general businesses and from $2,500 to $50,000 for small businesses. Occupational skills are the main focus of the grants, but “soft skills” also may be included in the training. Grants are awarded to a technical college in conjunction with an individual business or a consortium of employers who require the same training.
"Current applicants do not have the skill sets we need to fill vacant positions. With the WAT grant, we can bridge that gap with customized training in partnership with Blackhawk Technical College,” said Shannon Latham, manager of Human Resources and Safety, Stainless Tank and Equipment. “As STE continues to grow, grant opportunities and partnerships with BTC and the Department of Workforce Development will be crucial to ensure we have the skilled workforce we require to be successful."
An estimated 1,600 employees will experience training in areas of; Leadership & Supervision, Computer Software, Safety, and Occupational Specific Technical Skills.
Employers who wish to partner on a WAT or Fast Forward grant for the 2021-22 academic year should contact the Blackhawk Workforce and Community Development team.
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