Stateline Manufacturing Alliance Hosts 2nd Annual Manufacturing Signing Day

A group of 21 students confirmed their pathway Thursday in the manufacturing sector through employment and training opportunities with 10 employers at the Stateline Manufacturing Alliance’s 2^nd Annual Manufacturing Signing Day.

The event, which was sponsored by JP Cullen, Corporate Contractors, Inc. and Blackhawk Technical College, celebrated the students who were selected for employment opportunities, including apprenticeships, internships and full-time employment.

Many of the individuals recognized came through the Youth Apprenticeship model, which allows high school students to explore their chosen career path while helping employers develop their workforce.

David Polk, Wisconsin’s Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards Director, addressed the students, their families, employers and K-12 partners at the event, applauding them for their commitment to manufacturing and the “earn and learn” model. Polk also is a licensed plumber who started his apprenticeship right after high school.

“I know it’s cliché to tell you that this is the first day of the rest of your life, but it absolutely is,” Polk said. “You are going to have skills and the opportunities to keep growing your career.”

The students honored and their employers are:

Baker Manufacturing: Sam Haak, Matthew Miller and Justin Nimtz

Edgerton Gear: Chris Ramirez

Frito Lay: Manny Aviles-Vargas, Mason Lopez and Ian Skilling

Jakes Electric: Giovanni Aceves

Jones Dairy Farm: George Alsteen and Adam Knox

The Morse Group: Blake Greenwell

Scot Forge: Christian Fera, Nicolas Villarello, Noah McLaughlin and Aidan Cain

Spacesaver: Kameron Martin

Stoughton Trailers: Jared Batz, Brandon Kempa and Elliott Poole

United Alloy: Tryton Northrup and David Utterberg

Each student was individually recognized at the event and signed a certificate along with their new employer. Others in attendance at the event included Rob Hendrickson, SMA Co-Chair, Frito-Lay, Technical Director and Blackhawk Technical College Board Member, Kelly Crosby, SMA Co-Chair and Scot Forge HR Business Partner, Dr. Tracy Pierner, President of Blackhawk, James Otterstein, Rock County’s Economic Development Manager, Rhonda Suda, Chief Executive Officer for the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, and Rachel Andres, Vice President of Operations at Prent and Blackhawk Technical College Board Member.

The Manufacturing Signing Day event is part of the Stateline Manufacturing Alliance’s strategy to match the skills and career interests of students with the growing need for a qualified workforce to drive economic growth in the local economy.

Established in February 2021, the SMA is the result of regional manufacturers, economic/workforce development organizations, and K-12 education providers coming together to address common challenges and opportunities.

SMA members include ADS Tigre, ANGI Energy Systems, Baker Manufacturing, Ball Beverage Packaging, BlueScope Buildings, Campbell’s Snacks/Kettle Foods, Charter Next Generation, DeLong Company, DSB, Edgerton Gear, Evonik Corporation, Fairbanks Morse Defense, Frito-Lay, GEA, GOEX Corporation, Green-Tek/CPT, Fisher Barton, Hormel, Husco, IKI Manufacturing, Ingersoll, Jones Dairy Farm, Lyons Magnus, Mid-States Concrete, Morgan Corporation, Novares, Nestle Purina, NorthStar Medical, Novares, Panoramic, Pratt Industries, Prent, Provisur, Sabrosura Foods, Scot Forge, Seneca Foods, Serta Simmons Bedding, Spacesaver, Spray-Tek, SSI Technologies, Stainless Tank and Equipment, Stoughton Trailers, The Morse Group, United Alloy, Versa Tool and Die, Western Container and Westlake Pipe & Fittings.