The governor unveiled a new job training program in Wausau Wednesday. Governor Scott Walker launched the Wisconsin Workforce Partnership Grant – a three-year, $4 million program which he says will connect employers with technical colleges to train skilled workers. “This is a great opportunity for us to step up, create more partnerships, more collaborations, that ultimately put not only more people in the classroom, but make sure that the people we’re recruiting to put in the classroom are prepared and getting the skills that are needed to fill the jobs that we have open today in manufacturing,” Walker said.
Walker said the program was developed after he heard from employers last fall, who said they need skilled workers. “I also want to be people to be mindful that there are great careers, there are great family supporting jobs in manufacturing, and we need to do more to market that, and to promote that, and to be proud of that,” the governor said.
Schools and businesses may begin applying later this month for grants up to $750,000. The grants will be awarded based on how many degree holders will result and how many jobs will be created.
Matt Lehman, WSAU
