SSI Technologies earns FutureMakers Award

The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and Blackhawk Technical College honored SSI Technologies, Inc. on Tuesday evening for the company's dedicated engagement with Blackhawk over many years in efforts to promote career awareness and lifelong learning. The WTCS Futuremaker Partner award recognizes the unique, dynamic partnerships between Wisconsin's technical colleges and their employer partners.

WTCS Board President S. Mark Tyler, founder and President of Woodville-based OEM Fabricators, said that "SSI is one of those companies that truly understands the value of education for its team and the communities in which it operates, and ultimately for its customers." "With rapid changes in technology and business, that learning has only become more important," Tyler said.

SSI team members routinely provide input for Blackhawk's program and curriculum development and serve on its Program Advisory Committees, including in the areas of Business, CNC Machining and Tool & Die. With the responsive programs that result, SSI also routinely hires Blackhawk graduates.

Blackhawk and SSI have also collaborated to provide hands-on career awareness and exploration for youth, including company tours during the college's 'Manufacturing Nuts and Bolts Camp,' as well as providing Youth Apprenticeship opportunities.

SSI offers a generous tuition reimbursement benefit, encouraging team members to pursue lifelong learning at Blackhawk. Perhaps more importantly, the company provides flexible scheduling to make room for that learning. SSI has also worked with Blackhawk through the WTCS Workforce Advancement Training (WAT) grant program, delivering a short-term CNC 'Boot camp' and a wide range of other training, including computer skills, soft skills, electrical schematics, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), Manufacturing Skills Standards Certification (MSSC), Measurement System Analysis (MSA) Capability Studies, and Six Sigma. Employees have received internal promotions upon successful completion.

"Blackhawk Technical College has been vital to SSI's growth over the last 35 years.  We recognize that our greatest responsibility and opportunity for prolonged success is the development, empowerment and fulfillment of our team members," said Kim Emerson, General Manager of SSI Technologies. "The partnership between SSI and BTC has provided a multitude of opportunities to continuously improve ourselves through education and experience," Emerson said.

"SSI has been a tremendous partner who has strengthened Blackhawk Technical College's relationship with the workforce and business community," said Blackhawk President Dr. Tracy Pierner. "Their efforts to support education and career opportunities that do not require a four-year degree have had lasting benefits for students, employers and the local economy."