Regional manufacturing employers report a critical need to build a pipeline for advanced manufacturing technicians. The NorthEast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance (NEWMA) 2024 Vitality Index study shows over 90% of respondents indicated difficulty locating and acquiring talent. Lakeshore’s mobile lab helps address those concerns.
The mobile lab makes advanced manufacturing skills training more accessible throughout our community. It can be equipped with:
- Programmable logic controller (PLC) machines
- Fanuc robot trainers
- Hydraulic systems
- AC/DC electrical trainers
Learners can master 15 different industry-relevant skills in welding, quality assurance, computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tooling, and electro-mechanical systems. These and other in-demand manufacturing skills can earn workers good wages right from the start. Lakeshore area manufacturing workers in 2023 saw an entry wage of $17.75 per hour with a median salary of $49,154 per year.
The mobile lab is available to any organization – high schools, manufacturers, community groups – interested in providing or demonstrating hands-on manufacturing skills.
Funding for the lab was provided through a $1.64 million Workforce Innovation Grant program, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and Department of Workforce Development.
Employers, employees, schools & students all benefit
“This mobile lab allows manufacturers to offer accessible education and training to their employees,” says Rachel Kroeplien, Dean of Applied Technology and Economic Development. Employers can host the lab to make upskilling workers more convenient, leading current workers to advance their careers and earnings. Employers save money and time by not sending workers off-site for training.
“We’re also excited about having schools host the lab and attracting students who are interested in high-paying, stable career options,” says Lucas Dulmes, Associate Dean of Economic Development. “Most of the skills we can teach in the lab are hands-on and in-demand, meaning there are good jobs available."
These jobs are available today with nearly 3,000 annual openings, and demand is projected to continue.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, demand will grow more over the next 10 years in Sheboygan and Manitowoc counties.
