Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College has been awarded $579,181 from the Department of Navy and will use the funds to create a “Welding Rodeo.”
The U.S, Navy’s Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Education and Workforce Program aims to attract and grow a new talent pool to bridge the workforce gap in Northeast Wisconsin’s shipbuilding sector. Home to six of the Great Lakes’ eight shipbuilders, Northeast Wisconsin’s shipbuilding industry is grappling with a shortage of qualified workers to meet the rising demand.
The U.S. Navy’s 30-year plan proposes up to 404 manned and 204 large, unmanned vessels in the naval fleet.
“As the maritime sector continues to grow, NWTC remains at the forefront of this expansion. Yet, to navigate the industry’s evolving landscape, we need to anticipate and embrace the challenges ahead,” said Meridith Jaeger, NWTC Vice President of College Advancement.
NWTC will launch the Welding Rodeo: Experiences in STEM Education program that will include STEM career fairs, hands-on welding workshops, welding competitions for every skill level, and a metal sculpture contest with proceeds funding scholarships.
“The Welding Rodeo not only addresses the immediate demands of our growing maritime industry, but also serves as a blueprint for other skilled trades to thrive, across our region and beyond. This initiative will not only bridge the gap between talent and opportunity; it forges new connections between communities and the maritime sector,” said Jaeger.
The Welding Rodeo is projected to begin in fall with annual events taking place in both Marinette and Sturgeon Bay, home to Fincantieri Marine Group shipyards.
NWTC has collaborated closely with the maritime sector since World War II by offering tailored training to shipbuilders and working with workforce development to grow the industry. NWTC has trained nearly 15,000 new hires and incumbent workers through its North Coast Marine Manufacturing Training Center. The college has a longstanding partnership with Fincantieri Marinette Marine and has recently expanded to also provide specialized training through NWTC’s Sturgeon Bay campus for Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding.
“We are very grateful to NWTC for continuing to explore and implement innovative training programs across our region. This particular initiative will support welding careers for our concentrated shipbuilding industry. Hands-on learning, supported by friendly competition will help to attract new talent to the industry, says Barb LaMue, President & CEO of the New North, Inc.
