FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, October 6, 2017
CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/news.htm
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DWD Officials Participate in Manufacturing Day Events Across Wisconsin
MADISON – Today, Department of Workforce Development (DWD) leadership participated in Manufacturing Day events across the state to highlight the good-paying, rewarding careers available in Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector. Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector provides annual average wages above $55,000 per year, more than 20 percent higher than the average annual wage for private sector employment. Governor Walker also proclaimed October as Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin to highlight the industry’s impact on Wisconsin’s economy.
This morning, DWD Secretary Ray Allen visited Blackhawk Technical College’s manufacturing facilities in Milton, interacting with and exposing roughly 600 high school students from surrounding school districts to the benefits that working in Wisconsin’s largest employment sector has to offer.
“Events like the one hosted by Blackhawk Technical College are a wonderful way to build awareness of the family-supporting career opportunities available in manufacturing,” DWD Secretary Allen said. “With manufacturing employers expected to continue to lead Wisconsin’s economy, we must continue to raise the profile of the benefits of working in this sector, and build on our strong partnerships to retain our skilled workers and attract new talent.”
DWD Deputy Secretary Georgia Maxwell participated in the 4th Annual Innovation Café at the SC Johnson iMET Center in Sturtevant. Participating as part of a panel of workforce experts, Deputy Secretary Maxwell explained that Wisconsin’s strong history and connecting to its manufacturing sector have positioned it to meet the needs of employers.
“Wisconsin has a world-class educational system, and longstanding, proven workforce training programs that have prepared generations for in-demand occupations, including those in Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector,” Deputy Secretary Maxwell said. “The need for talent is a global challenge, and events like the ones held on Manufacturing Day demonstrate Wisconsin’s commitment to collaboration to attract, retain and place our skilled workforce, now and in the future.”
Assistant Deputy Secretary Dave Anderson was in Superior to participate in tours of three local manufacturers: Barko Hydraulics, Superior Lidgerwood Mundy and Lake Assault Boats and Fraser Shipyard. Assistant Deputy Secretary Anderson was joined on the tour by officials from the Superior Chamber of Commerce.
“With 461,000 workers employed at more approximately 9,400 manufacturing establishments statewide, manufacturing’s impact on Wisconsin’s economy is statewide,” Assistant Deputy Secretary Anderson said. “From Superior to Green Bay to La Crosse, manufacturers big and small are providing family supporting opportunities to Wisconsin workers.”
For more information on Manufacturing Day.
For more information on DWD training programs that support Manufacturing.
