Contact: Amy Hasenberg, (608) 266-2839
APPLETON – Governor Scott Walker today participated in the unveiling of Werner Electric Supply’s new manufacturing worker training initiative, the Multifunction Instrumentation Asset (MIA). Werner Electric Supply created MIA as a mobile training simulator that will allow employees and students to learn how to safely and effectively operate automated manufacturing equipment.
“We are working to develop Wisconsin’s workforce for the 21st century,” said Governor Walker. “Werner Electric Supply is investing in our state’s workforce and our students through their new manufacturing worker training initiative. We need to keep working together to make sure Wisconsinites have the skills to work in our ever-changing global economy.”
MIA was created to bridge the “generation gap” in manufacturing trades. It works by replicating processes found in manufacturing plans which results in real-time training without the risk of altering or damaging current production processes. Werner Electric Supply plans to use MIA for single day classes, deep dive sessions, process training, and Alarm Management training. The company partnered with the International Society of Automation to create MIA.
“We are so excited to bring this advanced training technology to Wisconsin. MIA serves as a way to transfer process control knowledge from the older retiring generation to the incoming workforce,” Scott Teerlinck, president of Werner Electric Supply, said. “We want to help businesses that are struggling to find skilled workers and we are proud of the efforts our team has made so far.”
Werner Electric Supply is one of Wisconsin’s largest electrical supply distributers and they employ more than 400 people in Wisconsin. The company provides automation, electrical, networking and communication products and services.
Governor Walker’s workforce initiatives include:
- Fabrication Labs (Fab Labs): Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is helping outfit public schools with equipment that helps students gain skills to work in high-demand careers. Fab Labs are high-technology workshops equipped with computer-controlled manufacturing components, such as 3D printers, laser engravers, computer numerical control routers, and/or plasma cutters.
- Education: Governor Walker invested a historic amount into K-12 education. This historic investment resulted in an extra $200 per student to every school last year, and an additional $204 per student for this coming school year.
- Youth Apprenticeships: Governor Walker has more than doubled Wisconsin’s Youth Apprenticeship program since taking office from $1.6 million in 2010 to $3.2 million in 2016. The program is designed for junior and seniors in high schools to gain hands-on experience at a worksite with classroom instruction. In June 2017, the Department of Workforce Development announced a record $3.9 million in Youth Apprenticeship state grants which will serve 4,300 students.
- Wisconsin Fast Forward: Wisconsin Department of Workforce and Development (DWD) provides grants to Wisconsin businesses who provide customized skills training for high-demand jobs. The program was created by Governor Walker in 2013 with bipartisan support. The goal is to train and retain highly skilled Wisconsin workers.
- Wisconsin Career Creator: DWD created the Wisconsin Career Creator Program to improve educational and training opportunities. It is a $20 million initiative that has the support of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), University of Wisconsin System (UW-System), and the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU).
- Talent Attraction: WEDC created a talent attraction campaign that strives to bring veterans, alumni of Wisconsin’s colleges and universities, and millennials to live and work in our state. This will help grow Wisconsin’s workforce and economy.
