The Fox Valley Workforce Development Board, Master Fleet, LLC, and Fox Valley Technical College celebrated the first cohort of Trailer Technician trainees in a graduation ceremony April 30 at FVTC’s J.J. Keller Transportation Center.
Ben Weyenberg, Master Fleet president said, “Master Fleet was very excited to be part of this first-of-its-kind Trailer Technician Training program. Currently, we are not aware of any other formal training programs geared specifically towards commercial trailer technicians in eastern Wisconsin. The Trailer Technician Training partnership is more than just training—for Master Fleet, it’s an investment in our people, in safety, and in the future of our industry.”
Trainees received 80 hours of customized instruction spanning two levels of training from FVTC that increased service capacity to address industry needs and ensured employees have the skills needed to properly maintain semi-trailers. For trainees, this provided career advancement.
This training was made possible by a Wisconsin Fast Forward Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. FVWDB partnered with Master Fleet and FVTC to write and receive a $116,600 award to train 20 Master Fleet employees. Like many occupations, companies in this industry have been seeing stiff competition for recruiting workers and are projected to see retirements continue due to an aging workforce. In addition, the skill set needed for this occupation is complex requiring a mix of skills in fabrication, construction, welding, electrical and brake systems.
The Wisconsin DWD makes Fast Forward Grants available to state employers that partner with local workforce boards and training partners to upskill their current workforce. Applications for the awards open and close at different times throughout the year.
Since 2013, the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board has worked with local employers in its six-county area of Calumet, Green Lake, Fond du Lac, Waupaca, Waushara and= Winnebago, to bring in more than $1.8 million in Fast Forward Grant dollars.
