STUFF Southeastern Wisconsin 2020

A GUI DE TO

A SUP P L EMEN T OF

DESIGNED, MADE AND BUILT IN SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN 2020

COOL STUFF page 20 made with pride in southeastern Wisconsin

what

is it?

who mak es it?

STUFF BLOWN UP page 14 Featuring the new Komatsu Mining headquarters

COST OF LIVING page 38 Personal budgets and finding a salary that works for you

S P O N S O R E D BY:

could I make a career out of it?

CHECK OUT JOB PROFILES - PGS 41-73 TO LEARN ABOUT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES!

P3 PU B L ISH ER ’ S L E T T ER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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A note from Dan Meyer, publisher.

BUILD YOUR

FUTURE AT

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CO O L S C H O O L S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exciting happenings in job exploration at area schools.

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MSOE

CO O L S T U FF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Discover key products produced in this region, along with job openings at these employers.

4-year

S T U FF B LO W N U P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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What is Two Creeks Solar Park? Who works there?

COS T O F L I V I N G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

graduation guarantee

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Making a basic budget for life on your own, including local fun and flavor.

13:1

C A R EER SP OT L I GH T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Area students working in manufacturing, trades, information technology, and more.

msoe.edu

BRE AK IT DOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

H OT J O BS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

R EG I O N A L CO M PA N I E S A N D E M PLOY E E PR O F I L E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Actuarial Science P26 Architectural Engineering Biomedical Engineering BioMolecular Engineering Business Administration Civil Engineering Computer Engineering Computer Science Construction Management Electrical Engineering Industrial Engineering Mechanical Engineering Nursing Software Engineering User Experience

student-to-faculty ratio

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Supply chain

Top 10 Best University in the Midwest and

Local businesses share a look inside their Best Value School in the Midwest.* day-to-day and current in-demand positions.

R E S O U R C E S & C A R EER FA I R . . . . . . . . .

$65,428

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Featuring career fair information and other services for students, employers and educators.

average starting salary

96%

graduate outcomes rate *

U.S. News & World Report (2021)

CONTENTS A G U I D E TO

DESIGNED, MADE AND BUILT IN SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN 2020

PU B L ISH ER ’ S L E T T ER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P4

A note from Dan Meyer, publisher.

A SUPPLEMENT OF

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A GUIDE TO STUFF DESIGNED, MADE AND BUILT IN SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN - 2020 126 N. Jefferson St., Suite 403, Milwaukee, WI 53202-6120 PHONE: 414-277-8181 FAX: 414-277-8191 WEBSITE: www.biztimes.com/stuffse ADVERTISING EMAIL: advertise@biztimes.com EDITORIAL EMAIL: andrew.weiland@biztimes.com REPRINTS: reprints@biztimes.com ADDITIONAL COPIES: linda.crawford@biztimes.com Additional copies $15 each

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SU PPLY C H A I N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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CO O L S T U FF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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C A R EER SP OT L I GH T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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B U I L D I N G A C A R EER

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Discover products designed and made by southeastern Wisconsin companies and learn about jobs they are hiring for.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Mary Ernst .................................................mary.ernst@biztimes.com

EDITORIAL

S T U FF B LO W N U P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A breakdown of how raw materials become finished products.

Dan Meyer ................................................ dan.meyer@biztimes.com

Kate Meyer ...............................................kate.meyer@biztimes.com

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Explore programs to take your skills to the next level in manufacturing, construction, health care and technology.

Get a closer look at the jobs and companies in construction.

PUBLISHER / OWNER

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT / OWNER

CO O L S C H O O L S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P20

EDITOR

Andrew Weiland ................................. andrew.weiland@biztimes.com

Learn about the journey area employees have taken to their current roles.

STUFF - PROJECT EDITOR

Arthur Thomas ......................................arthur.thomas@biztimes.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Lauren Anderson ............................... lauren.anderson@biztimes.com REPORTERS

Brandon Anderegg .........................brandon.anderegg@biztimes.com Maredithe Meyer .............................. maredithe.meyer@biztimes.com Alex Zank .................................................... alex.zank@biztimes.com

................

Explore the steps in finding your next step.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

T EC H N O LO GY IS E V ER Y W H ER E . . . . . .

Kristine Hansen and Nan Bialek

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Tech isn’t just an industry, it is part of every company.

ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

Sue Herzog ...............................................sue.herzog@biztimes.com

COS T O F L I V I N G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SALES & MARKETING Linda Crawford..................................... linda.crawford@biztimes.com

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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Dylan Dobson ....................................... dylan.dobson@biztimes.com Paddy Kieckhefer ............................. paddy.kieckhefer@biztimes.com Maggie Pinnt .......................................... maggie.pinnt@biztimes.com Christie Ubl ............................................... christie.ubl@biztimes.com

PRODUCTION & DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Alex Schneider .....................................alex.schneider@biztimes.com ART DIRECTOR

Shelly Tabor ............................................. shelly.tabor@biztimes.com FREELANCE ART DIRECTOR

Meredith Jensen ................................. meredith.m.jensen@gmail.com

H OT J O BS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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See the jobs projected to grow in manufacturing, construction, health care and technology.

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R EG I O N A L CO M PA N I E S A N D E M PLOY E E PR O F I L E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Area businesses share a look inside their day-to-day and current positions in demand.

RESOURCES INDEPENDENT & LOCALLY OWNED • Founded 1995 •

P 38

Tackle the ins and outs of building a budget.

DIRECTOR OF SALES

........................

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Featuring career information sources and tools for students, employers, educators and job seekers.

biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE WELCOME TO

DESIGNED, MADE AND BUILT IN SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN - 2020 EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES OF STUFF DESIGNED, MADE AND BUILT IN SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN Welcome to the latest edition of STUFF Designed, Made and Built in Southeastern Wisconsin. Even in the midst of a pandemic and economic uncertainty, employers in Wisconsin are still looking for their workforce of the future. This magazine is your opportunity to explore careers in industries like manufacturing, construction, health care and technology, all sectors where employers are looking to attract people to the industry.

This year, we’re especially grateful to our distribution sponsor, Gruber Law Offices, and longtime partners GPS Education Partners and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. We appreciate their support.

It’s not uncommon for adults to ask young

people what they plan to do after high school or what they want to do when they grow up.

Some on the receiving end of these questions have always known their answer while others may not be sure how to answer. For some, the default may be going to a four-year university, even if they are not sure what to study, because that’s what they think they are supposed to do. Others may not be thinking of any additional schooling because no one else in their family has received more than a high school diploma.

The reality is around 70% of jobs by 2027 will require more than a high school degree, with a little more than half of those requiring a four-year degree or more, according to a

Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce estimate. While the four-year options are widely known, the opportunities at technical schools are not.

That’s why we primarily highlight those twoyear (or less) options in our “Cool Schools” feature.

We’ve put a special emphasis this year on technology in this edition because while tech is an industry, technology is also present in every other area of the economy. There are thousands of businesses in southeastern Wisconsin and they all rely on technology to stay in business. They need someone to manage their IT system, many use technology to understand data and develop new

Skills

ARE IN

HIGH DEMAND

Technology is changing faster than ever, and the job market needs graduates who can keep up.

Visit WCTC.EDU 4

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800 Main Street, Pewaukee, Wisconsin 53072 Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer/Educator A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

products, and others are developing software and programs that will reshape our economy.

Of course, southeastern Wisconsin is a manufacturing region and so we highlight “Cool Stuff” designed and made locally while also giving a nod to some of the tech companies making things here too.

We also explore some of the basics of budgeting and highlight one of the metro Milwaukee’s advantages over other areas: A lower cost of living.

Above all else, we hope that STUFF helps you understand and explore the career options available to you as a student or current job seeker. Read about some of the paths area employees have taken in “Career

Spotlight” and consider the advice professionals would give themselves in “Building a Career.” Finally, take a look at the “Hot Jobs” that are projected to grow in coming years before diving into company profiles in the second half of the issue

Dan Meyer, founder and publisher BizTimes Media

AHEAD OF THE

EARNING CURVE.

EDUCATION THAT PAYS. Apprenticeships combine jobsite training and classroom learning so you can start a career, earn college credits, and bring in a wage at the same time. Get started.

BECOME AN APPRENTICE. WisconsinApprenticeship.org Advanced Manufacturing | Agriculture | Biotechnology | Construction Trades Financial Occupations | Healthcare | Information Technology | Service Trades | Utility Trades This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, biztimes.com/stuffse | STUFF or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. This project is funded whole or in part by the Department of Labor, receiving Federal funding at $5 million which reflects 100% of the project’s total budget.

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A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS GRUBER LAW OFFICES IS A FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS, and has been so since founder, David Gruber, first started the law firm over 30 years ago. Alongside Attorney Gruber is his wife and fellow attorney, Nancy, who has been the managing attorney at the firm for over 20 years. Their son, Steven, joined the team immediately after graduating from Marquette University law school in 2013 to pursue his own love of the law and helping the people of Wisconsin.

“ONE CALL…THAT’S ALL” is not only the firm’s famous slogan - it is truly a way of life at their firm.

When calling Gruber Law Offices, you will almost immediately feel like part of the family while also being able to trust that you will have every aspect of your case handled expertly so that you and your loved ones can focus on healing.

The Gruber family and their award-winning team of 120+ team members, is hard at work passionately representing those wrongfully injured. Aside from work done in-office and safely remote, this team humbly stays committed to giving back to Wisconsin communities. As a long-time philanthropist, David Gruber, promotes a company culture that focuses on giving back to Wisconsin through hundreds of sponsorships, community events, and charity organizations. Throughout each year, the firm’s team members have joined him through community giving and volunteer programs in efforts to make a real change.

Gruber Law Offices confidently believes that although change can start with just one person, TOGETHER we can truly make a difference!

Today, the one-on-one ways have shifted but the “ONE CALL…THAT’S ALL” philosophy prevails. With the health and safety of their staff, clients, and community being the top priority, Gruber Law Offices remains dedicated to helping the people of Wisconsin, but in a safe and remote fashion. As a firm, they are proud to support BizTimes Media for STUFF magazine and its mission in advancing our community through the Youth Apprenticeship Program.

GPS EDUCATION PARTNERS (GPSED) IS A NONPROFIT that operates a statewide Department of Workforce Development Youth Apprenticeship consortium in manufacturing throughout Wisconsin. For 20 years GPSEd has served as an intermediary partner to schools, businesses, and communities to provide scalable, quality work-based learning solutions that impact educational systems, talent pipeline needs, and help sustain communities.

By facilitating employer-school partnerships, we are able to deliver custom talent solutions that provide training, industry and educational certifications, apprenticeships, and career services that create better pathways for students while delivering measurable business outcomes that drive both personal and economic success.

GPSEd’s work-based learning programs also include the development of vital soft skills necessary for students to gain and retain employment. Essential soft skills employers are looking for include reliability, leadership, cultural awareness, interpersonal skills, professionalism, conflict management, and work ethic, to name a few. These skills serve employers well but remain with the individual for a lifetime.

We encourage employers to get involved and learn how work-based learning programs can help address their workforce challenges, create access and provide equal opportunity for all students to find, experience, and define their pathway to success.

GPSEd supports local communities by keeping Wisconsin talent in Wisconsin businesses. If you’d like more information on work-based learning visit us at www.gpsed.org or email info@gpsed.org

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AT THE WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (DWD), we recognize the unique challenges faced by those looking to enter the workforce as we continue to rebuild and recover in the wake of COVID-19. With tens of millions of American workers displaced almost overnight, and the unprecedented changes to our economic landscape that followed, uncertainty remains about the long-term impact of the pandemic on Wisconsin’s industries and workforce.

ROBERT CHERRY

Deputy Secretary Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

As we look to the future and how we can best move Wisconsin forward, a top priority for Governor Evers and DWD is continuing to connect employers with the workers they need to meet their business needs. While many things have changed this year, our commitment to investing in Youth Apprenticeship (YA) and Registered Apprenticeship (RA) opportunities has not – these programs allow individuals to learn in-demand, transferable skills from an employer while earning family sustaining wages, qualities that are especially important during this time of economic recovery.

We are proud that despite this year’s challenges, we are continuing to enroll Youth Apprentices at record high numbers. For the 2020-21 school year, YA is on track to serve nearly 6,000 students, while RA saw an increase of more than 2,300 apprentices this year, with a total 13,765 active apprentices across the state. We have also seen increases in the use of our bridge program, guiding YA participants into RA. As we have started to develop apprenticeship opportunities in new industries, including IT, health care, and finance, we hope even more individuals will consider apprenticeship as a cost-effective approach to pursuing both their education and their careers in the years to come.

DWD remains committed to offering workforce programming that provides widespread opportunity and upward economic mobility, including programs such as RA and YA. Raising awareness of apprenticeship and its many benefits for students, parents, and employers is critical for strengthening our workforce, our businesses, and our economy, which is why we’re proud of our continued partnership with BizTimes Media for STUFF Magazine as we navigate these challenging times, together.

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

DO YOU ALREADY

HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

GPS Education Partners helps you start a career before you graduate high school. Why wait?

GET MORE INFO! gpsed.org/ihaveit

SPONSORED CONTENT

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COOL SCHOOL S

WHAT’S COO L AT ?

SCHOO L Work exploration at technical colleges and universities in southeastern Wisconsin

BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR LEADERSHIP IN

CONSTRUCTION

Construction Management Technology program, Waukesha County Technical College When they are ready to start building their careers, graduates of the new Construction Management Technology associate degree program at Waukesha County Technical College will begin with a solid foundation for success.

WCTC went directly to employers for advice as they were developing the program, which was first offered in 2020. Insiders at Hunzinger Construction Co., Kelly Con-

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struction and Design, Paul Davis, Payne and Dolan, and Tim O’Brien Homes helped design a curriculum that would match their expectations for new hires.

The result, noted Michael Shiels, dean of applied technologies at WCTC, is a twoyear program that offers students “a base level of knowledge so they can walk into a job and have a basic understanding of almost everything that can be faced on a daily basis.”

The broad-based studies include managing people, accounting, computer-aided drafting (CAD) programs used in industry, hands-on knowledge of building materials, construction methods, safety, scheduling, estimating, negotiating contracts and more. Students will receive their 10-hour OSHA certification as part of the course.

The program “gets students ready to go into really every field of construction management,” said Shiels, from road building to residential and commercial construction. “Our instructors have great industry experience and that really helps students prepare for the job.”

Job prospects in construction management are excellent, he noted, with starting wages in the low $50,000s. As employees advance, average salaries in southeastern Wisconsin range from $57,000 to $95,000 per year. WCTC tuition for the two-year program is $9,800. Most careers in construction management start with an internship, and WCTC will help students secure one, Shiels noted.

After they have experience in the basics, construction managers can specialize in areas like estimating or scheduling. Shiels pointed out that many companies offer either tuition reimbursement or their own training programs to help managers move up the ladder.

Students who are interested in this career should be detail-oriented, logical thinkers as well as good communicators.

They will not just be learning in the classroom, which includes working with the latest construction software, but experiencing hands-on learning in the field as well.

“They are out with people, interacting,” said Shiels. “They have to know all aspects of construction. As schedules and budgets get tighter and tighter, this role becomes very important.” 

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

MAKING A CAREER WITH MACHINES Machine Tool Operations technical diploma, Milwaukee Area Technical College There is no reason why somebody who did not quite fit in a traditional school setting can’t find a career that leads to both personal and financial success.

For many students working toward a Machine Tool Operations technical diploma at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), “traditional school just wasn’t their path,” explained Chris Chomicki, department chairman and instructor in the program.

He pointed out that machine tool operators can expand their earning power as they gain experience in the field.

“A seasoned veteran in machine tools can make upwards of six figures a year,” Chomicki said.

The Machine Tool Operations technical diploma, a one-year course of study, can be the first step toward that goal. In the technical diploma program, there are two paths to choose from: Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine setup and operation or CNC Swiss turning center setup and operation.

The CNC machine setup and operation diploma course includes instruction in traditional machining methods, such as lathe work and millwork. Students begin on manual machines and move on to CNC machines.

In CNC Swiss turning setup and operation, students work on single- and multiscrew machines and progress to CNC Swiss turning centers, which are more complex and advanced.

“CNC Swiss turning (centers) are a lathe and mill combined, capable of doing both operations within the same process,” Chomicki explained. “They are typically going to be used in aerospace and medical device manufacturing.” Devices such as the bone screws used in dental implants are made by CNC Swiss turning centers.

“Both first-year diploma programs are very good pathways,” said Chomicki. “From there, you can move into CNC technician or tool and die making.”

Men and women with a mechanical aptitude, attention to detail and flair for math should do well in this field, but MATC will work with students at all levels. Students leave the program with the skills needed to be successful in an entry-level position.

Program graduates are in demand at companies like Master Lock, Snap-on, and Pindel Global Precision. Starting wages range from about $14 to $19 per hour, depending on the employer and type of position. Many companies offer tuition or paid training for employees who are good candidates to move into increasingly advanced positions.

Chomicki also tells his students not to rule out owning their own businesses at some point.

Tuition for the Machine Tool Operation diploma program is $8,146, including fees, books, materials, supplies, ID and health care.” 

LEARNING TO BE A REALWORLD HEALTH CARE HERO Respiratory Therapist program, Milwaukee Area Technical College Count respiratory therapists among the heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic, fighting for patients’ lives on the front lines of hospital ICUs. “We’re working with the most critical patients, so we’re involved in code fours, code blues,” said Dwayne Schlund, MEd, RRT, program director of the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) Respiratory Therapist associate degree program. When students enroll in the program, he added, “it’s really important that they want to care for patients, and not just because it’s a good career path. It’s a lot of responsibility; it’s high action.”

There are two levels of credentialing – a Certified Respiratory Therapist and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Schlund explained. “Our program at MATC prepares students for both levels. Most of the hospitals in the area require the advanced RRT credential.”

Respiratory therapists should be highly organized, and have good assessment and time management skills, since they typically see many patients per shift.

“And you have to be able to stay calm under pressure,” Schlund said.

Registered respiratory therapists manage patients’ airways when tracheotomy tubes and endotracheal tubes are used and deliver devices (such as nebulizers) that are used to prevent pneumonia.

“The respiratory therapist manages ventilators that are breathing for people, and that’s almost exclusively a respiratory therapist’s responsibility,” Schlund said. “Only pulmonologists can also do that.”

To earn the degree, students complete classroom work as well as a clinical rotation at a hospital in the Ascension Wisconsin, ProHealth Care or Aurora Health Care systems.

Respiratory therapists are paid by the hour, but Schlund said an annual starting wage of between $45,000 and $50,000 would be an average. However, that figure does not include shift differentials. Overtime hours are also usually available. Most hospitals offer full-time and part-time jobs, as well as pool positions, which provide occasional work.

That flexibility allows respiratory therapists to find a good fit for their particular lifestyle.

There is a high demand for respiratory therapists, Schlund said, “especially in this area, but even nationwide … Every year for the past 10 years almost all of our graduates have jobs lined up before they even graduate.”

MATC’s is the only associate degree respiratory therapist program in the region, but students can eventually go on to a 4-year college to expand their earning power, often with an employer assisting with tuition reimbursement.

“For high school students, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is for them to do something. They can get this degree in 2 to 3 years and start working,” Schlund said.

Tuition for the MATC program is $15,618, including fees, books, materials and supplies, student ID and health care. 

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LEARNING TO CODE AND KICKSTART A CAREER i.c. Stars tech training program There are really two parts to a two-year internship with i.c. Stars.

First, there is the 16-weeks of training that interns receive working 12-hour days, five days per week. Students work on a project developing an application or other web-based solution for a corporate sponsor. They develop presentations, learn foundational coding languages like Java Script, HTML and CSS, and attend other professional development workshops.

Second, there’s the next 20 months of continuing support services. After finishing the initial training, some graduates go into full-time work with the help of a talent placement manager, others go on for more schooling, having earned 24 credits toward an online college degree, and others looking to be entrepreneurs go into programs like The

Commons, Blueprint of gBeta.

“We encourage really all of those different pathways,” said Sarah Dollhausen-Clark, executive director of i.c. Stars Milwaukee.

The program, which has a no tardy, no absence policy, is for those over 18 with a high school diploma or equivalent. It requires six months of work experience and is income-based, so it primarily serves low-income adults. Interns do receive a small weekly stipend to help offset some costs.

Each of the three cohorts per year generates more than 100 applicants with 20 people selected for each from a multi-step application process.

“Part of that is looking for resilience and the adversity that a lot of our candidates have faced in their lives and how that translates to be really good problem solvers in tech,” Dollhausen-Clark said.

She acknowledged the program can sound intense.

“It definitely can be. It’s designed for transformation as well, so it’s not just about tech training, but really removing people from some of the negative influences that are going on or environments and really tap into who you are and how you learn,” Dollhausen-Clark said. i.c. Stars has existed for 20 years in Chicago and came to Milwaukee in 2018. Of the 80 interns it has graduated, 70-75% have been placed in the tech field earning salaries of $40,000 to $60,000, a substantial increase over their prior incomes.

The companies include the likes of Northwestern Mutual, which has grown its relationship with the program over the years.

“We probably don’t even know what the tech jobs will look like five years from now and so what’s important for us is we work with corporate partners to identify those trends, we make sure our curriculum is always being updated and relevant to the job market as well,” Dollhausen-Clark said. 

KEEPING IT NET WORKS SAFE FROM HACKERS IT Information Systems Security Specialist, Milwaukee Area Technical College If you’re a gamer, an IT Information Systems Security Specialist (ISS) associate degree from MATC might be your ticket to a fast-paced career.

The two-year, associate degree program teaches students to be defenders of their organization’s assets, information and business networks. A security specialist makes sure that networks are not being hacked and that personal information and financial data are protected in hardware and in the cloud.

A sought-after security specialist is “a free-thinker, somebody who can think dynamically and can make decisions on the fly,” explained Joseph Martinez, instructional chairman of the program.

“If you enjoy gaming, you will enjoy ISS.” As technology changes, the specialist learns something new almost every day to stay ahead of threats to the system. The specialist develops new processes, hardware devices and program code to defend the cyberspace.

Troubleshooting is a key part of the job. “We’re talking about the ability to sniff out a problem by reading logs or checking trouble tickets,” Martinez said, “and the person has to be a good communicator and educator to teach their fellow employees how to remain safe on the web or in cyberspace.”

Companies like Northwestern Mutual, GE Healthcare and nearly all of the Fortune 500 firms in southeastern Wisconsin need security specialists, he noted. Each field – such as banking, health care, or government – has its own set of rules.

“After you learn the basics, you have to choose your specialization, and there are too many out there to count,” said Martinez. “We’re the number-one-growing IT career in the world right now.”

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The two-year degree is the entry point into the field, and the final exam is a professional entrance level certification exam. Average entry-level salaries in southeastern Wisconsin for a candidate with just an associate’s degree range from $35,000 to $42,000 annually. With certification, average salaries jump to $55,000 to $60,000 per year.

Tuition for the program is $14,644, including fees, books, materials, supplies, ID and health care.

An information security career is achievable with no prior technical experience, according to Martinez: “We teach you everything you need to know about networks and computers, and you’ll have a full understanding of the skills you’ll need to develop.”

There’s one more thing that makes this career choice appealing: “Is this career fun?” said Martinez. “Yes, it is.” 

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

MIXING COMPUTER SCIENCE, DATA AND COLLABORATION MSOE computer science undergraduate program

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING Gateway Technical College advanced manufacturing program Learning to code and solve problems with computers is at the heart of any computer science program, but Milwaukee School of Engineering’s program goes further by helping students understand data analysis, artificial intelligence and the collaboration needed to solve big problems.

“We don’t necessarily teach them one language, we don’t teach them one technique,” said Derek Riley, associate professor and program director for computer science at MSOE. “In computer science, the field moves so fast that you really have to learn this foundational set of skills and then know that you’re going to be continually learning and applying new concepts.”

MSOE’s tuition is around $43,000 per year, but nearly all students receive financial aid and the average package is nearly $27,000.

The MSOE program starts with learning simple logic and building the skills of writing code. Riley said there is a strong emphasis on practicing and hands-on examples instead of just talking about theories.

He acknowledged students do need to have a strong grasp of math concepts to succeed and will need to go up to calculus 4.

“I’ve seen plenty of students who come in and don’t feel great about their math skills and put the effort and time in and develop it and are excellent computer scientists or software engineers,” Riley said Riley said adding data and AI classes to the program is a response to what companies in Milwaukee and around the world are looking for.

Some of the companies that students go on to work for include Northwestern Mutual, Direct Supply, Milwaukee Tool and Kohl’s. After their first year, 20-30% of students have internships and 80-90% have internships after their second year.

Some students have full-time job offers before the middle of their junior year.

Beyond technical skills, the MSOE program emphasizes collaboration, which Riley said might be outside the realm of what people imagine for computer science.

“You have to be able to work with other people,” he said. “All the hard problems out there are solved not by an individual person but by teams of people working together, so if you can’t collaborate and develop those skills to work with others, you’re less valuable to those organizations.” 

If you’ve never been in a manufacturing plant, or it has been a while, you may be under the impression that factories are dark, dirty and dangerous. The reality, however, is that many factory floors are so clean you could eat off of them.

One driver of the changing environment is the need to keep high-tech robots, automation and other equipment clean. Of course, all that technology requires someone to set it up, troubleshoot it and keep it running as efficiently as possible.

That’s where Gateway Technical College’s advanced manufacturing technology associate degree comes in.

“The system may be at 85% and you want to get it to 95%. What tweaks would you make in a total system to make that happen? We’re going to give you the skills to actually do that,” said Ray Koukari Jr., dean of the School of Manufacturing, Engineering and Information Technology at Gateway.

He said the program, which costs around $15,600 for tuition, books and supplies, attracts people who are analytical, enjoy gaming and love to use their hands.

Students in the program learn how to program robots, first in a simulation and then on the real thing in the college’s labs. They also learn how to operate programable logic controllers or PLCs to control various devices that turn on lights, change air or water flow or check pressures. Another part of the program is learning about fluid power.

The final classes in the program include a simulation lab for an entire production line where students learn how to fix problems.

“If it breaks down, a large system, how do you troubleshoot that? That’s one of the key things they learn in the final semester that really makes them prepared for a job in Industry 4.0 or advanced manufacturing,” Koukari said.

Many manufacturing companies are looking to hire people with skills to set up and program modern technology. Koukari said some students are asked by their employers to implement technology they learn about after completing a couple of classes. Other companies pay Gateway to create specific training programs for their employees on the same concepts students learn.

Gateway is also partnering with Rockwell Automation on an accelerated program that trains people to start an advanced manufacturing career in just 12 weeks. 

biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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S TUFF BLOWN UP

STUFF NEW KOMATSU MINING HEADQUARTERS

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It takes a lot of companies to build a massive complex like this.

Here are some of the businesses working to build Komatsu’s new headquarters: Hunzinger Construction Co., Brookfield | general contractor Michels Corp., Brownsville, and Construction Services of Milwaukee LLC | onsite pile work Duwe Metal Products, Menomonee Falls | reinforcing steel Pieper Electric, New Berlin, and Hurt Electric, Menomonee Falls | temporary site electric Cornerstone One, Brookfield | footings and foundations JCP Construction, Milwaukee | foundation concrete KMI Construction, New Berlin | office masonry SPE Inc., Little Chute | steel erecting Straightline Grading & Excavating, Caledonia, and AW Oakes & Son, Racine | mass grading Szada Trucking, 30th State LLC, MJM Truckin’ LLC, David Bartel Trucking Inc., Delgado Trucking, Edra Trucking, Ivan’s Trucking, LDE Trucking, JLS Truckin’ LLC, Moras Trucking Uno LLC, S. Sanchez Trucking | trucking and hauling Toki & Associates, Milwaukee | survey and layout EUA, Milwaukee, and GRAEF, Milwaukee | lead architectural and engineering services Gestra Engineering, Milwaukee | geotechnical testing and environmental drilling Avantti Design Group, Milwaukee | pre-engineered metal building design Prism Technical Management & Marketing, Milwaukee | inclusion & compliance reporting

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The Milwaukee area has a long history with companies making equipment for mining, and that tradition will continue with Komatsu Mining building a new $285 million headquarters in the city’s Harbor District. The new campus will be located on what previously was an environmentally contaminated property used to store coal. By 2022, it will be home to a more than 400,000-squarefoot manufacturing facility, a 176,000-square-foot office building and hundreds of jobs.

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THE KOMATSU PROJECT is expected to generate more than 2,000 construction jobs. Here are some of the positions involved in the project, including a description of their work and median wage in the Milwaukee area according to O*Net: BRICKLAYER: Lay and bind building materials like brick, structural tile, and concrete, cinder, glass and terra-cotta block with mortar and other substances | $57,950.

CARPENTER: Construct and repair structures from wood, including concrete forms, partitions, joints, studding, rafters, window and door frames and wood stairways | $55,010.

CEMENT FINISHER: Smooth and finish poured concrete, including floors, walks, sidewalks, roads or curbs using hand and power tools | $63,480.

ELECTRICIAN: Install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures in accordance with relevant building codes | $72,040.

EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: Operate equipment, including graders, bulldozers, scrapers, shovels and more to excavate and move earth, erect structures or pour concrete | $75,970.

STRUCTURAL IRON AND STEEL WORKERS: Raise, place and unite iron and steel girders, columns and other structural members to complete structures and frameworks | $68,510.

TRUCK DRIVERS: Transport materials to and from job site, check vehicle for safety, inspect loads to ensure it is secure | $48,080.

LABORERS: Perform physical labor on construction sites, including operating power tools, digging trenches, setting braces, erecting scaffolding and cleaning up rubble and debris | $45,560.

$72,04

PILEDRIVER: Operate pile drivers mounted on skids, barges, or crawler treads to drive pilings for retaining walls, bulkheads and foundations | $62,600.

0 $73,140

CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS: Plan, direct and coordinate, often through other supervisory personnel, construction and maintenance activities for structures, facilities and systems | $113,880.

CIVIL ENGINEERS: Plan, design and oversee construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, including roads, railroads, bridges, pipelines and water and sewage system | $74,100.

ARCHITECTS: Plan and design structures, including private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories and other structures | $73,140.

biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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DROP IN at Mount Mary MOVE YOUR FUTURE FORWARD Get the tools you need to succeed at Mount Mary University. Our breadth of programs — from scientific and health care professions to creative degrees like fashion design — are taught by experts who make students a top priority.

You’ll access hands-on equipment, get personalized attention, create strong friendships and have access to both academic and financial resources (including emergency funds) if the need arises.

Mount Mary is the most diverse school in the Midwest (according to U.S. News and World Report). And, we are one of only two colleges in Wisconsin to be given federal status as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

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You’ll love it here:

Students at Mount Mary are 20% more likely to stay enrolled than at the average Wisconsin institution.

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2900 N. Menomonee River Parkway Milwaukee, WI 53222

SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT TODAY

mtmary.edu/visit

Look Inside

GET TO KNOW ALL THAT MOUNT MARY HAS TO OFFER 1

Do you love science … and food?

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Healing in every environment:

The food and beverage industry is important to our region, and over the past five years, 100 percent of our food science graduates have found jobs in this field.

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Mount Mary occupational therapists learn what it takes to work in hospitals, nursing facilities, home health care, schools, outpatient clinics, mental health clinics and more.

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Nurses of tomorrow: Mount Mary has multiple pathways for nursing students to develop the skills and confidence to become a nurse who can provide the very best care – and advocate for health care equity for all.

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Shaping the future of fashion:

Through our fashion design and merchandise management programs, students learn the many facets of the industry. “Given the diverse and inclusive perspectives of our students, coupled with their ability to apply technology, I truly believe our students are the change-makers of tomorrow,” said Ashley Brooks, chair of the fashion department.

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Grants in action: Mount Mary’s Jewel Scholars program for STEM students is funded by the National Science Foundation. Mount Mary has been awarded $12.8 million from federal agencies and national organizations to support scholarships and programs.

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Undecided to unstoppable: Unsure about a major? No problem! Mount Mary’s Compass Year program enables first-year students to explore career paths and learn about themselves and be part of a vibrant community of seekers. In 2020,the program has grown over 56 percent!

7 Open up to virtual reality:

VR learning technology is used across campus, including classes in communications, counseling, sciences, health care and interior design.

SUPPLY CHAIN

SUPPLY CHAIN Have you ever wondered how the products we use every day make it to our homes? Dozens of companies can contribute to making sure something is available for us to buy at a store or order for delivery online. These companies employ people in supply chain management jobs to make sure they have the right materials available at the right time to make the products that consumers want. They also need employees to figure out the best and most efficient way to ship those products to stores and consumers.

RAW MATERIALS

The products we use every day start as raw materials like metal, plastic resins, food commodities or fabrics.

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TRANSPORTATION PHASE

MANUFACTURING

TRANSPORTATION

Raw materials are transported to factories by a variety of methods, including boat, train, airplane and truck.

Most manufacturers don’t actually make the final product we see. Instead, many companies specialize in making components or parts that go into a final product.

Each method of transportation has benefits and drawbacks. An airplane may be faster, but cost more.

A train may be cheaper, but a truck can take the product to a specific destination.

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

The need for people working in supply chain management is growing as companies look to save money moving products as efficiently as possible. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates jobs in this area will grow 8% by 2028 in Wisconsin with median salaries around $59,400. Four-year and two-year schools including Marquette University and Waukesha County Technical College have programs in supply chain management.

ASSEMBLY & DISTRIBUTION All of the parts and components made by factories eventually come together for final assembly and distribution.

TRANSPORTATION

Many companies employ people to coordinate shipping and receiving products and materials. These people don’t work directly on products but are critical to keeping a business moving.

RETAIL & E-COMMERCE

CONSUMERS

Once products are finished, they are shipped to retailers or warehouses for distribution.

When consumers finally buy products, it is the end of a complex process that benefits from companies knowing what to make and how to ship it.

biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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COOL S TUFF

COOL STUFF made and designed in southeastern Wisconsin

It may not always be obvious driving by an industrial park or a factory, but there are thousands of companies in southeastern Wisconsin making products we use every day. The region is home to major brands like Milwaukee Tool and InSinkErator, but also smaller companies that are hiring too.

Southeastern Wisconsin is also growing as a place for jobs at technology companies that design and build a variety of software products, from tools to help students learn, to new ways of shopping.

Browse the descriptions below for a glimpse of some recent job postings at area companies.

ONLINE CLOTHING RETAILER WANTABLE | Milwaukee-based Wantable is a try-beforeyou-buy online retailer. Customers take an online quiz to highlight their style preferences and are then sent clothes to try at home. The company then bills customers for what they keep and takes the other items back.

JOBS AT WANTABLE IT HELPDESK SPECIALIST: Job duties include troubleshooting of hardware and software issues; performing account setup, security maintenance and systems monitoring; and providing assistance at every level of network and systems management from running cable to repairing workstations, printers and servers.

SITE EXPERIENCE MARKETING MANAGER: Responsible for the on-site customer journey, including product management, user experience, site analytics, content planning and site merchandising.

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COOKIE DOUGH AND BROWNIES FOR ICE CREAM Denali Ingredients | Denali Ingredients in New Berlin is a manufacturer of ingredients used in the ice cream, novelty, fluid dairy, bakery and food service markets. The company’s products include baked inclusions, variegates, extruded inclusions, flavors, bases, fruits and purees, flakes and barks, and stabilizers and texture systems. It is a sister company of Denali Flavors, which markets the Moose Tracks brand.

JOBS AT DENALI INGREDIENTS MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN: Duties include installing and repairing equipment used in production; filing and aligning bearings and shafts; adjusting feed and limit mechanisms; help determine nature and scope of upcoming projects.

INVENTORY SPECIALIST: Job includes pulling and staging of batches; interpreting batch and inventory tickets to consume materials and report on yields of finished goods; investigating discrepancies and reporting on root cause of problems; and taking ownership of new requests and exploring opportunities to add value.

SAUSAGES Johnsonville | Johnsonville is the number one national sausage brand, making fresh and fully-cooked varieties of bratwurst, Italian, snack and breakfast sausages.

In Wisconsin, the company has facilities in Sheboygan Falls and in Watertown.

JOBS AT JOHNSONVILLE HIGH-SPEED PACKAGING OPERATOR: This position is responsible for the performance and productivity of equipment on the packaging line; maintaining inventory system for plant and utility equipment; and improving uptime of equipment through machine modification, layout adjustments and general machine maintenance.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT MANAGER: Duties include being the deployment champion for problem solving methods and lead efforts to formalize their use in the facility; analyze opportunities for improvement in safety, quality, people and productivity; be an expert on lean manufacturing and other continuous improvement concepts.

INDUSTRIAL PAINTS PPG | The Oak Creek Coatings Plant of Pittsburgh-based PPG Industries is part of the company’s automotive OEM, industrial, and packaging coatings business units. Those units make coatings, adhesives, sealants and metal pre-treatments for the automotive, appliance, agriculture, construction, and consumer electronic markets. The Oak Creek facility is involved in both manufacturing and research and development.

JOBS AT PPG COATINGS TECHNICIAN: Conduct experimental work with minimal supervision, including formulation, application and testing of coatings; helping with the analysis of results; working toward technical milestones on multiple projects.

DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN: Responsibilities include preparing laboratory quantities of painting, maintaining batch logs and lab notes; testing for wet chemistry properties, including pH, viscosity, density and acid/base titration; and troubleshooting batch issues.

biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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COOL S TUFF CORDLESS POWER TOOLS Milwaukee Tool | Milwaukee Tool, a maker of cordless power tools and other products has added hundreds of jobs in southeastern Wisconsin in recent years. Its headquarters are in Brookfield, where in addition to corporate jobs the company designs new, innovative products that have fueled the company’s growth. The company’s Mukwonago facility is home to the Empire Level brand and some Milwaukee Tool products. A new facility is also currently being built in West Bend to make hand tools.

JOBS AT MILWAUKEE TOOL PLASTIC INJECTION MOLDING TECHNICIAN: Duties include setup and start molding machines; maintain cleanliness and organization of hardware, including waterlines, fittings, clamps, bolts, washers and spacers; troubleshoot machine stoppages like stuck parts and blocked cavities; perform color and insert changes; and communicate product and quality-related information.

DESIGN RESEARCHER: Responsibilities include executing multi-faceted research plans to learn about all aspects of the construction trade; establish network of relationships with end users to get honest feedback; synthesize research findings into insights that inform new products and features; and communicate findings to other parts of the business.

ONLINE LEARNING PL ATFORM Fiveable | Fiveable is a Milwaukee-based education technology startup that has built a platform to connect teachers and students for virtual after-school help sessions via live-streaming.

JOBS AT FIVE ABLE GROWTH MARKETER LEAD: Responsibilities include designing and executing a strategy to increase student engagement and revenue; creating inbound and outbound marketing strategies; work with product and support teams to identify new opportunities to improve content; and build relationships with partners, schools and teachers to get content to more students.

PRODUCT MANAGER, GROWTH: Responsibilities include building and optimize the product experience to activate more students; work with engineers, designers and support staff to improve conversions and onboarding; track and analyze data to inform future products; and find ways to keep students engaged.

MEDICAL FLUID BAGS, SURGICAL GOWNS Vonco Products | Vonco Products in Trevor is a contract manufacturer of medical fluid bags and device covers for infection prevention. The company also makes stand-up pouches with spouts and moved quick to make surgical gowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

JOBS AT VONCO PRODUC TS SETUP MECHANIC: Job includes installing tooling and converting machine equipment; loading and unloading material; making simple adjustments or repairs, and adjusting machines and components to improve quality.

CONVERTING MACHINE OPERATOR: Duties include running shape machines to make simple seal, cut out, or unprinted products; entry-level assembly and packaging; filling out daily paperwork; producing minimal scrap; and making machine adjustments as needed.

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C T IMAGING MACHINES GE Healthcare | GE Healthcare has around 6,000 employees in Wisconsin, including business leadership teams for CT, MR, X-ray, services, Life Care Solutions, engineering and supply chain.

The company has more than an $8 billion economic impact on the state annually. In southeastern Wisconsin, GE Healthcare currently has a significant presence in Waukesha, Pewaukee, Wauwatosa and West Milwaukee and is in the process of moving about 1,500 positions to the West Milwaukee and Wauwatosa facilities.

JOBS AT GE HE ALTHC ARE MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING SPECIALIST: This job includes working on a multi-disciplinary team to create the world’s fastest ceramic scintillators for CT detectors; leading efforts for process redesign, improved material utilization and early defect detection; testing production assemblies and sub-assemblies; and serves as a manufacturing expert on new product introductions by communicating with engineering and other manufacturing personnel.

biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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COOL S TUFF

GARBAGE DISPOSALS InSinkErator | There is a good chance the garbage disposal in your kitchen sink was made by InSinkErator, but the company also makes instant hot water dispensers and commercial equipment. The company recently built a new headquarters in Mount Pleasant and invested millions into its Racine manufacturing facility.

JOBS AT INSINKER ATOR TOOLROOM MACHINIST: Responsible for manufacturing and resurfacing welding bars; sharpening cutting tools; building, finishing and maintaining die components and fixtures; and assisting in manufacturing and tool room with part fabrication.

AUTOMATED SYSTEM TECHNICIAN: Job responsibilities include setup and operation of automated manufacturing system; adjusting equipment to meet and maintain tolerances; performing routine repair activities and preventive maintenance; and maintaining logs and records of work performed.

WATER METERS Badger Meter | Brown Deer-based Badger Meter Inc. is among the leading manufacturers of water meters in the world. These products are increasingly shifting from mechanical devices to high-tech pieces of equipment that use cellular data and a software suite to allow municipalities to track water usage for billing. Badger Meter also makes flow instrumentation products used in other sectors like the oil and gas industry.

JOBS AT BADGER METER CNC MACHINIST: Responsibilities include set up and operate CNC horizontal and vertical machining centers and lathes; performing secondary operations like deburring and part washing; monitoring and maintaining tooling to maintain quality; performing preventive maintenance; and using computer systems to obtain part drawings, setup information, and work procedures.

MECHANICAL ASSEMBLER: This position performs a variety of operations including machine loading, assembly leak and meter testing and packaging. Some fitting, alignment and adjustment may be required during assembly of mechanical and/or electrical units. In the large meter department, operates an overhead crane to move most pieces.

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C AREER SPOTLIGHT

CAREERSPOTLIGHT

By Kristine Hansen, for BizTimes

THOMAS TRAETTINO JUNIOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

BEFORE FINDING HIS CURRENT JOB IN IT in the spring of 2019, Traettino pursued a variety of careers, from enrolling in a police academy to serving as a nursing assistant.

Traettino was considered a non-traditional student (in his 40s) in 2017 when he enrolled at Gateway Technical College, completing a two-year program in just 18 months. The program’s length and that it was accredited by the state of Wisconsin attracted him. Three months after graduation, he received a job offer at a North American transportation company.

“I needed to make a big life change where I’d have much better income than the scrappy retail jobs I was qualified for,” says Traettino, who creates desktop applications to track and support drivers across North America. “There’s always a need for IT. I wanted to be constantly challenged.

I didn’t want to create the same widget for the next 30 years. Every day I find something new to be challenged by. There’s always something to correct in your work, always a learning opportunity.”

Networking with his classmates—both at Gateway and after graduation— proved to be fruitful. When an opening popped up at his current employer, a former classmate now employed there put in a good word for Traettino.

“You never know where networking is going to bring you,” says Traettino.

“Don’t expect job offers to fall from the sky.”

In the future, Traettino hopes to become a senior software developer and also teach classes in IT, circling back to a past job as a corporate trainer. 

biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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C AREER SPOTLIGHT

NATE THYSSEN BUYER AT DOUGL AS DYNAMIC S NATE THYSSEN HAS WORKED SINCE 2018 as a buyer at Milwaukee-based Douglas Dynamics after a LinkedIn connection alerted him to an internship at the company, which he began during his senior year at Concordia University Wisconsin, where he studied business.

Douglas Dynamics manufactures snow- and ice-control equipment, including brands like Blizzard, Fisher and Western. It’s the world’s largest manufacturer for these types of products.

“What I basically do is purchase tools and equipment to help the assembly of the final product,” Thyssen says. The fact that the day-to-day tasks are constantly changing excites him.

“When I come in, I never know what to expect in the day,” he says. “It keeps you on your toes and you have to be ready to jump in.” He also likes that his job requires keeping employees happy and satisfied.

Over time, he’d like to move up in the company to a senior buyer, then a commodity manager.

“I look forward to what the future brings at Douglas Dynamics,” he says, adding that the company encourages all of its employees to further their education and continue learning, taking advantage of both local colleges and universities and internal training opportunities.

A designated team at the company rolls out training opportunities for employees each quarter. “I was surprised by how involved Douglas Dynamics is in developing their employees,” he says. “They never stop trying to develop us.” 

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ISAAC SCHRAGE DEVELOPMENT TEAM MEMBER AT ACI INDUSTRIES “It’s more like a hobby to me than a job,” says Isaac Schrage, a CNC apprentice at ACI Industries in Saukville. “I get to work with my hands and I’m pretty involved with day-to-day operations.”

Working under someone who trains him daily, coaching him in programming parts and designing fixtures, along with keeping productivity up, he’s also building on his three-year technical diploma from Moraine Park Technical College where he studied CNC and tool and die. In 2021, he’ll evolve into a journeyman.

His path into this career began in high school with technical courses that granted him college credit. “My first year of college was really relaxed,” says Schrage. “It’s cool when the schools work with the college. All the guys who teach the (Moraine Park Technical College) courses are in the industry at least 10 years. I wasn’t a great student in high school. All through college, I had a 4.0.”

Schrage continues to marvel at the sophistication of the machines he works on and an adage his instructors taught over and over again— that there’s more than one way, always, to solve a problem. “A lot of people don’t understand what can be done on a machine,” he says.

“I would eventually like to own my own shop,” he says, or become an operations manager, “maybe even work with outsourced jobs from ACI Industries. I would never want to quit there, burn bridges or sever ties.” 

ELIZABETH DETAMPEL SALES AND MARKETING COORDINATOR AT SUSSE X IM AS SALES AND MARKETING COORDINATOR at Sussex IM, Elizabeth Detampel writes social-media posts, blogs, sales collateral and website copy. She previously worked for the plastic injection molding company in Sussex from 2017 to 2019 in customer service.

In September, seven months after returning, she helped the company launch a rebranding effort.

To better understand the industry, she sits in on all sales meetings to learn about ideal customers and to make sure “we all speak the same language,” she says.

Detampel recently embarked on a mission to study up on everything the industry can teach her.

This includes joining the Manufacturers Association for Plastic Processors’ young professionals group and signing up for a female mentor who also works in sales and marketing within the industry but has more years of experience.

“We talk about the industry and questions I have. She has a lot of good pointers,” says Detampel.

“Injection molding is very technical. It is very complicated,” Detampel says. “You have to understand what’s going on.”

Her mentor advised Detampel to shadow departments within Sussex IM to better understand those day-to-day jobs. She’s also taking online training classes in injection molding. “I really want to understand the process,” she says. “You don’t learn about injection molding in school.”

Although Detampel’s family worked in manufacturing, she was surprised by how interesting and cool it can be.

“I thoroughly enjoy coming to work every day. I’m very much a people person. I get to go out on the plant floor a lot. Every day is something different. I hope to move into a manager role … work with our graphic designer to create a marketing strategy.” 

biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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C AREER SPOTLIGHT

THOMAS RENIER APPLICATIONS ENGINEER AT HERMLE USA BEFORE THOMAS RENIER JOINED FRANKLIN-BASED HERMLE USA in 2015, as an intern at the age of 20, he hadn’t traveled much outside of the Midwest. “I’d never been to Europe or anything like that,” he says.

Once he moved into his current role as applications manager in 2020, he hopped on a plane almost every week, to clients along the East Coast and even to Germany for six months. During the rare week he remains in the office, he’ll chat with customers on the hotline or create a product demo for them.

Renier’s 18-month apprenticeship program (Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training) is modeled after what’s done in Germany (students as young as 15 years of age apprentice at a local company while still in school) and in partnership with the German American Chamber of Commerce. Renier took classes at Waukesha County Technical College during his apprenticeship, which concluded with a written and practical exam.

What surprised Renier was the quality of Hermle USA’s machines. “(They) are a lot more sophisticated than the ones at school,” he says. “(Those) were just kind of general machines that everyone gets started on.”

“The biggest thing I enjoy are the variety of tasks,” he says. “I wouldn’t want to go to work and do the same thing every day.” Acknowledging that he’s spent the last five years learning—including two years at WCTC and his company’s apprenticeship program—“I’m just kind of focused on being the best application engineer I can be.” 

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WILL SANCHEZ CLIENT SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE AT PRECISION PLUS WILL SANCHEZ DIDN’T HAVE TO TRAVEL FAR for his training—and his first job. Both are right down the street from Elkhorn Area High School.

In the spring of 2016, during his junior year, he began working at Precision Plus as a youth apprentice, clocking in for a couple of hours before and after school; he also worked there during summers.

This exposed him to different departments within the company.

“I was doing really well in their eyes and they offered me an opportunity in another area of the company,” says Sanchez, now a client service representative who processes client purchase orders from start to finish, also handling customer calls and complaints. Right after graduating from high school he began working for Precision Plus. “When I came here in 2017, this was my first job,” he says.

Taking CNC courses in high school and working hands-on with machines helped prepare him. “I had some of the basic knowledge already, from being in the classroom,” says Sanchez. “You’re able to familiarize yourself with some of those key aspects a little earlier.”

Still, he was surprised about how modern factories are.

“When I always thought about manufacturing, like most people, I thought about machines, dirt and oil. Not a great place to work,” he says. “It’s way more advanced than I had anticipated. Manufacturing today is far more superior than it was 50 years ago.”

With changing day-to-day tasks and heavy customer contact, Sanchez enjoys his job.

“What I like is (that) we need to be pretty fast-paced when working with clients. That’s what I really enjoy, making things happen,” he says. Next, he’d like to assume “a more higher-up role in the beginning stages of the customer, like quoting sales.” 

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

PATRICK GREER ONSITE SUPPORT TECHNICIAN AT LEEWARD BUSINESS ADVISORS WORKING IN A KENOSHA MENSWEAR SHOP while studying IT at Gateway Technical College, Patrick Greer got to know quite a few prominent locals—including Michael Polzin, CEO of Kenosha-based Leeward Business Advisors, who he fit for a tuxedo.

“I started creating that rapport as soon as I saw him come in,” says Greer. This included, one day, sharing his career aspirations.

“A week later, I was sitting down to dinner with him and he offered me a position,” Greer said.

Since the start of 2020, he has been an on-site IT-support technician for a Wisconsin banking client since the start of 2020, a position created just for Greer.

“I support nine different branches and offices (around the state) for a bank. I have a weekly schedule where I’m on the road nearly every day.” The idea is that Greer is an immediate contact, not someone to email or call, and then wait for a response. Because he demonstrated quality customer service fitting Polzin into a tux at the menswear shop, “he knew I’d be good in this role,” says Greer.

But what Greer likes better than his previous jobs in retail are the daytime hours and that no two days are the same. “I basically get to come to work every day and solve problems,” he says. “Working with computers, you never have the same problem twice.”

Five years from now, Greer hopes to be in a similar, but more expanded, role at Leeward Business Advisors. He’d like to learn what he can offer outside of one client. For now, the company is a good fit for his aspirations.

REBECCA KLUEVER PROGRAM MANAGER AT KTM INDUSTRIES REBECCA KLUEVER IS PASSIONATE ABOUT ORGANIZING AND CLEANING. Shortly after being hired as a program manager at KTM Industries in Richfield, she created two product-development rooms where employees could—in lieu of a print-out— touch and hold the products.

“It’s just nice to have it all in one place so we can (view a past product and) say, ‘Yeah, that didn’t work.’ Now we hold our meetings there and you can physically grab a product,” she says. Just like in a museum, products are labeled.

Armed with a mechanical-design degree from Moraine Park Technical College, plus a mold-design certificate, in February 2021 she’ll complete an apprenticeship in tool and design.

“I manage a lot of projects and keep deadlines moving,” says Kluever. “I like the communication and that I can make a contact here and there. I really like organizing.”

She’s also helped KTM develop a plumbing line. “Since I used to be a mold designer, I can do the whole packaging of it.”

What Kluever did not feel prepared for was being one of only a few females in this industry.

“Being a female in a male-dominated career is something everybody coaches you about in school,” she says. “I didn’t have a single female in my classes.”

To combat any gender bias, her strategy is to—with employees who have 30 or more years of experience—nip it in the bud.

“I like to credit them with their experience,” she says, adding that she’s found tremendous value learning from those who embrace “the old-school” way, where cut-out cardboard pieces are used instead of digitizing files, for example.

While Kluever is content to stay where she is now, eventually she’d like to open an artsy shop producing custom car parts or converting metal into yard art. 

“It just seems like a family with this business,” says Greer. Especially during a pandemic and when his position keeps him away from the office. “I may not see them face -to -face, but I know I can reach out to my team members.” 

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SPONSORED CONTENT

LAND A GREAT-PAYING CAREER WITHOUT ALL THE COLLEGE DEBT

By Rebecca Kleefisch

For the last eight years, I was Wisconsin’s lieutenant governor. That’s like Wisconsin’s version of a vice president. In politics, you get called many things, but a favorite of mine was being dubbed Wisconsin’s “Jobs Ambassador.” As we helped grow Wisconsin’s businesses, those companies needed more workers, which created more chances for more people to earn great livings. Those newly created jobs included many of the careers highlighted in this magazine!

Today, I am proud to partner with Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin on the “Building Wisconsin Jobs Project,” a new push to invigorate and strengthen the effort to recruit and train a wellpaid Wisconsin construction workforce. Construction jobs are outstanding because they pay a lot, people rarely accumulate debt, and you get paid to go to school! (You can see why I like to tell people about these opportunities!)

As part of this effort, I’ve been documenting the lives of people who have chosen construction as a career and how that has changed their lives.

These amazing stories are highlighted in a new micro-series called Money Jobs. If you watch the series, you’ll realize why we called it Money Jobs.

In one episode, a young woman apprentice shares her emotional story about how her construction career will allow her to buy her mom a home. In other episodes, the owner of a heating and air conditioning company explains how his skills allowed him to work everywhere from a tropical vacation destination to his home state of Wisconsin. In another episode you can watch how construction apprentices are buying nice cars and trucks even before graduating!

Unfortunately, too many high school graduates won’t have these opportunities right away because they will opt to attend a four-year university instead, believing it’s their “best” option for financial security. This may be best for some, but costly for many others. According to a study by LendEDU, the average student loan debt per borrower in Wisconsin

is almost $30,000, which results in years of debt payments, especially for many college graduates who are underemployed relative to the investment in their careers.

Compare this to the apprenticeship model. Apprenticeship tuition with Associated Builders and Contractors is only $2,000 per year (including books and administrative fees) and apprentices get paid while they learn in their three- to five-year programs. They learn on the job most days and in the classroom about one day every two weeks.

According to the Wisconsin Technical College System Apprenticeship Salary Report, new graduates completing their apprenticeships in construction crafts have a median salary of $77,000 in our state.

A lot of adults work a lifetime to reach that wage … and still never get there. Now imagine choosing this path out of high school and hitting that earning potential in just three or four years!

Apprentices graduate with essentially no education-related debt and many are able to buy their own houses and build cash reserves before they even graduate. They work with their hands and with new technology to build real things that provide a strong sense of accomplishment. They also already have jobs when they graduate because they continue working for the company that trained them. In addition, construction craftsmen and craftswomen have opportunities to climb into management positions and many become their own bosses after starting their own companies.

You may wonder: what’s the catch? Why would I make that much money that young? Why would I get paid to go to school? The answer: Wisconsin’s construction industry really needs and wants you.

There are 200,000 current construction job openings, so there has never been a better time to consider what construction has to offer!

Learn more about ABC’s micro-series and the stories of individuals who are succeeding in the construction industry at abcwi.org/moneyjobs.

BUILD YOUR CAREER

Earn while you learn.

$83,817 Annual median salary for all construction apprenticeship completers in 2017-18

* Wisconsin Technical College System – Employment and Salary Data for 2017-18 Apprentices.

Median salary is not an average – it is the mid-point of all reported salaries, with half of reported salaries below and half above.

Begin a great career in construction today and start earning money immediately through apprenticeship!

As a skilled construction worker, you’ll be in demand with lots of opportunities to move up the career ladder without college debt.

Get started at BuildYourCareerWI.org

BUILDING A C AREER

BUILDING a CAREER

SOME PEOPLE KNOW FROM AN EARLY AGE exactly what they want to do when they grow up. For others, it takes time to figure out what kind of career matches their interests and skills. Either approach can lead to a great job or career. Whether you know what you want to do or not, it is important to know how to go about building a career. Here are some important steps to consider:

WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS OR PASSIONS? Work is more fun when it is something you like doing, so it is good to pursue jobs in areas that match your interests. That doesn’t necessarily mean if you like sports or music you have to pursue jobs in those industries although you can certainly try those areas. Try thinking about where your interests might work well. If you like working with your hands, manufacturing or construction might be a good fit. If you’ve always liked science, maybe there is a career in health care for you.

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WHAT JOBS ARE AVAILABLE? Many students may have big dreams like becoming a professional athlete or musician, publishing a great novel or becoming a social media influencer. There’s nothing wrong with having or pursuing these dreams, but it is also important to think about the number of opportunities in those fields in comparison to other industries. Be realistic about the work it will take to achieve those dreams and consider if something else may be just as fulfilling. You should also think about the job prospects for your chosen industry in the area you want to live and whether you’re willing to move to pursue your career.

HOW CAN YOU DEVELOP SKILLS AND GAIN EXPERIENCE? Depending on the industry you want to go into, there’s a good chance you will need some kind of education beyond high school. In some cases, this means going to a four-year college or university and jobs like being a lawyer or doctor require even more schooling. That said, there are many careers when you can get started with a twoyear degree, a technical diploma or a certificate.

There are also opportunities for apprenticeships and internships where students get on-the-job training in their chosen field.

HOW CAN YOU BUILD YOUR NETWORK? No matter your industry, the relationships you form with people you work with can help you grow and take advantage of opportunities.

It is often said that it is not what you know but who you know that can help you land a job. This can be frustrating for someone just trying to break into an industry and it takes time to develop a network of people who can help you out.

One place to start is with your instructors or professors when you’re in school.

Ask them if they know of businesses looking for interns or entry-level employees.

Your family and friends might also be able to help. When you do get your foot in the door, do your best to build relationships with people and don’t burn bridges unnecessarily. You never know who might be able to put in a good word for you or make an introduction. It’s also a good idea to ask someone if it is OK to use them as a recommendation for a job.

Keep in mind that your career relationships shouldn’t just be a one-way street where you look for people to help you.

If you’re always asking for help and never offering it, people will stop making time for your requests.

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

“If I could do it over again, I would tell my high school self to be fearless and bold. Had I known it was OK to fail earlier, I would have experimented and achieved more, which would have resulted in delivering more impactful outcomes earlier in my career.”

“If you don’t know what you want to do in or after college, you’re not alone. Get uncomfortable! Take a variety of electives. Branch out into different areas that are foreign to you. You might hate it, but you might also discover your passion. Either way, you’ll gain knowledge.”

Merri Beckfield, data and analytics lead, MARS Solutions Group, Waukesha

Danielle Bartow, talent acquisition specialist, Concurrency, Brookfield

“Never stop learning. Don’t be afraid to learn from trying and failing at new things or different things. By trying new things, we learn more about who we are and where we want to go and how to get there. Be comfortable being uncomfortable and ask for what you want.”

“No matter who you are, if anyone tells you that you should not or cannot pursue a career in computer science, do not listen to them if that is what you want.”

Drew Kjell, software engineering manager, Northwestern Mutual, Milwaukee

HOW DO YOU LAND A JOB? Depending on the economy and your industry, it can be easier or harder to land a job at different times. However, it is rarely as simple as submitting an application and getting hired. You’ll likely need to interview at least once. You should prepare in advance by thinking about what questions you might be asked. Plan to ask questions about the company and position you are interviewing for. It shows your interest in the position and may also raise red flags that indicate you don’t want to work for the company. After the interview, you should follow up with an email or hand-written note to thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.

Ben C. Haos, computer scientist and engineer

CONTINUE TO GROW AND LEARN ONCE YOU LAND A JOB The process doesn’t stop once you’re hired by a company and you cannot expect to be promoted or given more responsibility just by showing up. As technologies and industries continue to evolve, you will need to learn new skills to be ready for the positions of the future. Many companies will offer opportunities for training and development.

It may also be a good idea to talk with your boss about what other skills would be helpful for you to learn.

“Have an open mind and focus on building skills (technical/ business) to succeed. Always approach problems with entrepreneurial mindset.”

Abhinay Pachhapur, director of software engineering, GE Healthcare

“No need to try to box yourself into a particular career path early.

Try your best at everything and take the time to discover what you love. If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Listen to your inner voice!”

Jim McNulty, software developer, JPM Consulting

“If I could give my high school self career advice, I would tell him to worry less about knowing all the answers to questions. The best quality of a coworker is the ability to admit they need help and to ask for it.”

Justin Russo, systems engineer, Northwestern Mutual

“Find a job or career that allows you to enjoy your job, but also is able to provide you a fair balance within your life. Make sure you make time for things away from work whether it’s a hobby or your family.”

Nicholas Dettmann, social/digital media marketing specialist, Milwaukee Center For Independence

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TECHNOLOGY IS E VERY WHERE

TECHNOLOGY is

CYBERSECURITY

EVERYWHERE

Just like the name suggests, these jobs are all about protecting computers and systems from threats and unauthorized access.

SAMPLE JOBS

WHEN YOU THINK OF TECHNOLOGY JOBS, there is a good chance your mind goes to one of two places. You might imagine people working at tech giants like Facebook, Google or Microsoft, or you might think about hackers or coders working away at a computer in their basement.

The truth is, technology and tech jobs are everywhere. Thousands of companies in our region need talented people who understand technology to set up and secure their IT, analyze their business data and develop new tech-enabled products.

These jobs also are not limited to those with a four-year degree. There are lots of options available for those with a technical diploma or associate degree.

While cybersecurity is incredibly important for companies, there are also tech jobs in business analysis and project management, data technology, network and systems infrastructure and software development.

BUSINESS ANALYSIS AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT Businesses increasingly use technology to make their operations more efficient and cost-effective. This includes using tech tools for project and risk management, quality assurance, financial analysis, leadership and team communication.

TECHNICAL DIPLOMA: Desktop/PC support | $50,740 ASSOCIATE DEGREE: Vulnerability tester | $88,790 BACHELOR’S DEGREE: IT auditor | $88,790

DATA TECHNOLOGY These jobs focus on using software and analytics for inputting, verifying, storing, transforming and extracting information from available data sources.

SAMPLE JOBS TECHNICAL DIPLOMA: Database entry | $32,880 ASSOCIATE DEGREE: Database entry | $32,880 BACHELOR’S DEGREE: Database Architect | $103,760

SAMPLE JOBS TECHNICAL DIPLOMA: Help desk | $50,740 ASSOCIATE DEGREE: IT project coordinator | $69,770 BACHELOR’S DEGREE: Business analyst | $79,900

TIFFANY DILLON

MARIE OLMSTED

BRADLEY ROYBAL

Director of cloud and compute GE Healthcare, Waukesha

Early programming and development manager Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee

Industrial engineer FedEx Ground

“GE Healthcare impacts lives and lifestyles daily with the diagnostic equipment and software we produce.

My team ensures that the software and data are available in the cloud environment. This translates into faster results for doctors and patients to make decisions.”

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“I am not an engineer by education or practice, but as an HR professional, one focused on early career talent, in order to do my job it’s critical that I’m aware of smart manufacturing technology and technology jobs that our organization needs to be successful now and in the future, so I can help find and develop that talent.”

“On a daily basis, I use technology at work to answer complex questions about FedEx’s network. These questions mostly involve ways in which Fedex can save money, and I do most of my analysis using a combination of both Excel, Python, and SQL.”

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

NETWORK AND SYSTEM INFRASTRUCTURE While cybersecurity focuses on protecting networks, these jobs focus on building and maintaining computer systems, including creating redundancy, migrating to new systems, upgrading, diagnosing and troubleshooting problems and managing system maintenance budgets.

SAMPLE JOBS TECHNICAL DIPLOMA: Network tech support | $67,220 ASSOCIATE DEGREE: Network administrator | $73,970 BACHELOR’S DEGREE: Hardware engineer | $98,490

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER AND PROGRAMMING These jobs focus on writing, testing and developing software programs and applications for computers and mobile devices.

SAMPLE JOBS TECHNICAL DIPLOMA: Junior web developer | $61,310 ASSOCIATE DEGREE: Software tester | $93,200 BACHELOR’S DEGREE: Software developer | $93,200

CHRISTIAN DENNIK President, Walden Production Resources Inc. “With the pandemic, web coding and multi-channel streaming of video have evolved and pushed our industry further into digital technology with virtual events. Clients come to us because they want to inspire their audience and innovate their event experience, including hybrid, virtual, and pre-recorded events.”

ANGELA ADAMS Vice president of community relations, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin “At Goodwill, we utilize video to feel connected on calls and to share information with employees across 23 counties. Everything doesn’t have to be a professional production. Our employees recently used their smartphones and basic editing software to create the video kicking off this year’s virtual Community Day event.”

LAURA KAISER Communications director, Wisconsin Technology Council “As a communications director for a statewide nonprofit, I use devices to access a gazillion news sites and social media platforms to get the variety of information I need about what’s happening now, understand how it impacts our organization, and how best to share it with our networks.”

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TECH HUB CAREER OPPORTUNITIES GROW WHEN “EVERY BUSINESS IS A TECH BUSINESS”

By Laura Schmidt, chief talent development officer, MKE Tech Hub Coalition TECHNOLOGY IS RAPIDLY TRANSFORMING traditional, essential industries through the embedding of technology into products and processes. This trend of “every business as a tech business” has accelerated the need for tech talent in the greater Milwaukee region. Students who are in middle/high school today are going to be part of a pretty cool generation of challenge seekers, problem solvers, designers and builders of technical solutions that will change the way society interacts across industries and with each other.

These solutions will need a diverse set of perspectives to have the greatest impact.

Before investing in post-secondary education/training, it will be important to understand how your stated area of interest for a career might interact with technology and/or be transformed by it. It will also be important to seek out opportunities to develop competencies that are uniquely human (empathy, communication,

creativity, critical thinking, etc.) as our industries continue to embrace automation and augmented intelligence.

Consider how your coursework and learning experiences are preparing you to work alongside of technical systems and/or support the development of innovative technical solutions to remain competitive in a digital economy. Talk to an advisor about how to fit additional electives into your schedule or seek out student groups that might expose you to new diverse perspectives and opportunities. Consult with a career advisor and/or mentor about how tech is being used by, or is being projected to transform, your desired occupation.

Even if you aren’t interested in pursuing a traditional ‘tech degree’ (i.e. computer science, engineering, cyber-security, etc.) but have a passion for the way technology shapes the world around you, consider acquiring in demand tech skills to help differentiate yourself (i.e. digital learning technologies, data/business analytics, informatics, user experience design, etc.). You might also consider pursuing a registered tech

apprenticeship to learn desired skills on the job.

The Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition has listed a number of ways for students to get involved in tech on our K-20 web page and has developed a ‘Reskilling Opportunities’ page to help adult learners seekLaura Schmidt ing opportunities to re/ upskill into tech careers. We partner with organizations like The Commons in Milwaukee to help community members build digital innovation skills and we sponsor an “idea stage” incubator called FOR-M for those who would like support to get their startup ideas off the ground.

There are new things happening every month. Stay connected to all things tech by subscribing to our newsletter via www.mketech.org and/or following us on social media. Whatever you decide to study or train for, just know that the #mketech ecosystem has a place for you! 

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS The Alliance would like to recognize the partners that make our manufacturing and construction employer collaboratives possible. The dedication and support from these businesses allows us to provide a platform for our trade industry members to share ideas, encourage innovation and target new talent. Thank you for your continued investment and support.

www.waukesha.org

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A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

who mak es it?

DESIGNED, MADE AND BUILT IN SOUTHEA

DESIGNED, MADE AND BUILT IN WISCONSIN 2021

Interested in more STUFF? A GU I DE TO

A PRODU CT OF

South Central Edition: Publishes in February 2021

DESIGNED, MADE AND BUILT IN SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN 2020

COOL STUFF page 20 made with pride in southeastern Wisconsin

what

is it?

who mak es it?

STUFF BLOWN UP page 14

Northeast Edition: Publishes in March 2021

Southeast Edition:

Featuring the new Komatsu Mining headquarters

Publishes in September 2021

COST OF LIVING page 38 Personal budgets and finding a salary that works for you

SP ONSORED BY:

could I make a career out of it?

CHECK OUT JOB PROFILES - PGS 41-73 TO LEARN ABOUT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES!

TO PARTICIPATE

A PRODUCT OF

? t i s i what

A P RODUC

A G UI D E TO

TO REQUEST A COPY

Contact: Linda Crawford (414) 336-7112 | linda.crawford@biztimes.com

Call: (414) 336-7100

COS T OF LIVING

the

Co$t of Living Basic Budgeting: How much do I need to make to live like I want?

LIKE GOVERNMENTS AND BUSINESSES, IT IS IMPORTANT FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES TO HAVE A BUDGET SO THEY UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH MONEY THEY MAKE AND SPEND EACH MONTH. FORTUNATELY, APPS LIKE MINT CAN HELP YOU TRACK YOUR BUDGET, BUT IT IS ALSO GOOD TO KNOW WHERE YOUR MONEY IS GOING WITHOUT THE HELP OF TECHNOLOGY.

MILWAUKEE

CHICAGO

MINNEAPOLISST. PAUL

NEW YORK

SAN FRANCISCO

AUSTIN

DENVER

CHARLOTTE

Housing

$611

$879

$711

$1,514

$2,014

$860

$938

$777

Food

$245

$256

$275

$314

$346

$255

$276

$264

Transportation

$733

$720

$808

$435

$786

$841

$803

$818

Health Care

$394

$344

$373

$425

$387

$318

$319

$522

Other Necessities

$346

$458

$398

$738

$952

$450

$491

$420

Taxes

$466

$560

$515

$851

$1,277

$474

$604

$627

Monthly

$2,795

$3,217

$3,080

$4,277

$5,762

$3,198

$3,431

$3,428

Annual

$33,540

$38,604

$36,960

$51,324

$69,144

$38,376

$41,172

$41,136

15.10%

10.20%

53.02%

106.15%

14.42%

22.75%

22.65%

Increase compared to Milwaukee

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STUFF SE

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What makes up your budget?

At its heart, a budget is about how much you make and how much you spend. Every month, there are certain costs you can plan for like rent, utilities, groceries and food, and transportation costs like gas for your car. There are also unexpected costs like medical bills if you get hurt or car repairs if you’re in an accident. You should plan some extra cushion in your budget to account for these, to save for bigger purchases in the future or to pay for things you want to do like going to a Brewers game or attending a concert.

It may seem like it is a long way off, but you should also plan to set some money aside for your retirement.

What changes my budget?

The amount of money you spend each month on some things, like rent, may not change very much. Other costs may go up and down depending on your activities.

For example, utilities charge you based on how much natural gas or electricity you use, so if you have to heat or cool your house a lot, your costs may go up if those items are not included in your rent. The amount you spend on food may also change if you eat at restaurants a lot since they are generally more expensive than cooking at home.

How do I save money?

If you want to save money for bigger purchases like a house, a new car or a nice vacation you will need to spend less than you make each month. There are lots of ways to save money on regular costs including splitting housing with roommates, buying generic products instead of name brands, buying in bulk, not using credit cards or at least making sure you pay off your balance every month to avoid interest costs.

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

What d o you do for f un?

EXTR A CASH SAVE UP FOR THESE SPECIAL TIMES AND TREATS. As you put together your budget, here are some other things to consider: » What are your long-term financial goals? Do you want to buy a house? A new car?

» How could you increase the amount you make each month? » How could you cut costs or find cheaper alternatives?

» What do you need to have versus what do just want to have?

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biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

39

HOTjobsNOW SOME JOBS ARE MORE IN DEMAND than others.

To identify this group of hot jobs across Wisconsin in manufacturing, construction, technology and health care, we looked at the occupations with the most employees and the strongest projected job gains. Do you see a career that would be exciting to you?

EDUCATION TYPICALLY REQUIRED

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING NEEDED

No formal educational credential

None



Short-term



—

High school diploma or equivalent



Postsecondary non-degree award or some college, no degree



Moderate



Associate's degree



Long-term



Bachelor's degree



Apprenticeship



PROJECTED PERCENT CHANGE (2018-2028)

EDUCATION TYPICALLY REQUIRED

POST-HIRE TRAINING NEEDED FOR COMPETENCY

25TH PERCENTILE WAGE

75TH PERCENTILE WAGE ($)

OCCUPATION TITLE

EMPLOYMENT 2018

Helpers--Production Workers

9,562

9.1





33,760

46,520

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

5,768

8.3





29,360

43,400

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders

23,367

6.4





19,010

25,640

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

15,181

6.2





31,520

39,400

Machinists

14,834

6.1





23,330

31,100

Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

5,345

5.9





32,810

45,690

Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers

12,113

5.6





*

*

Food Batchmakers

11,735

5.2





35,980

51,820

PRODUCTION JOBS

Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

5,727

5.2





34,480

48,810

First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers

24,935

4.0





27,260

33,120 76,920

CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE JOBS Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

8,117

13.3





47,150

Construction Laborers

18,321

12.8

—



32,800

54,540

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

8,509

12.1





51,440

87,650

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

10,091

11.2





55,750

85,150

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

5,633

11.0





40,180

62,360

Carpenters

21,381

10.6





37,140

63,290

Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers

4,770

8.5

—



39,890

63,030

Electricians

12,265

8.2





46,210

74,270

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

10,480

8.0





43,510

61,800

Maintenance and Repair Workers, General

35,304

5.5





31,990

51,160

Software Developers, Applications

16,563

26.2





67,950

103,320

Information Security Analysts

1,286

24.0





56,070

103,030

Software Developers, Systems Software

4,165

11.0





71,680

105,920

Computer Occupations, all other

3,965

10.1





56,680

89,590

Web Developers

3,626

9.3





37,820

66,220

Computer User Support Specialists

12,270

8.8





39,080

62,300

Computer Systems Analysts

15,281

8.4





62,190

96,820

Computer Network Architects

2,147

8.1





76,840

119,250

COMPUTER JOBS

Computer Network Support Specialists

4,177

6.5





53,750

80,730

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

7,274

2.4





55,560

92,230

Respiratory Therapists

1,970

18.6





54,880

70,210

Occupational Therapy Assistants

1,845

17.5





24,570

51,280

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

1,633

16.2





73,030

95,950

Medical Assistants

12,103

16.2





32,430

40,440

Phlebotomists

2,413

13.3





30,640

39,320

Home Health Aides

5,020

11.7





21,520

29,600

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

2,192

11.5





29,130

38,020

Massage Therapists

2,837

10.2





30,120

52,820

Registered Nurses

56,975

7.8





60,340

80,250

Dental Assistants

5,934

7.1





32,900

HEALTH CARE JOBS

* Information not available.

40

STUFF SE

| 2020

44,960 SOURCE: wisconomy.com

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

INTRO TO PROFILESCONTENTS SEC TION

A G U I D E TO

DESIGNED, MADE AND BUILT IN SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN

2020

JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND CAREER INFORMATION FOR AREA BUSINESSES

SEE THE AREA COMPANIES WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU! C A R L S O N TO O L & M A N U FAC T U R I N G CO R P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CARMEX

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CL&D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CO U N T Y M AT ER I A L S CO R P O R AT I O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DAV I D J FR A N K L A N DS C A PE CO N T R AC T I N G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FI N D O R FF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  GUS TAV E A . L A R S O N CO M PA N Y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

H EL L ER M A N N T Y TO N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

H US CO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I N PR O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

K A P CO M E TA L S TA M PI N G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

K APUR

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 M EN A SH A CO R P O R AT I O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

M I C H EL S CO R P O R AT I O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Q P S EM PLOY M EN T GR O U P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SPX T R A NSFER S O LU T I O NS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Denotes participation in the Wisconsin Registered Apprenticeship program



42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72

Denotes GPS Ed business partners biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

41

Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account Life Insurance

COOL CUSTOMERS

Disability Insurance 401(k) Bonuses Vacation (paid time off) Tuition Reimbursement Apprenticeships/Internships Fitness Center/Ice Skating

INFO

WHO WE ARE Imagine trying to get through a single day without relying on anything that was manufactured; no cars, trains, planes, bicycles… no electronic communication, no modern medicine, no means to plant, process or distribute the food we eat and so on. The capacity to produce all our modern conveniences requires special tooling, molds, dies, fixtures, and precision machined components. This is what we do.

This is the beginning of the value-added supply chain for manufactured goods, and it starts here at Carlson Tool & Manufacturing. We hire the best people, provide career growth paths and equip them with advanced technology, while serving many customers in diversified industries.

W57 N14386 Doerr Way Cedarburg, WI 53012

STUFF WE MAKE

(262) 377-2020

Industries We Support:

carlsontool.com

» » » » » » » » »

facebook.com/carlsontool linkedin.com/company/ 282939/admin @Carlsontool Employees: 160

Military Construction Mining Energy Transportation Food Healthcare Packaging Automotive

» » » » » » »

John Deere Caterpillar Halliburton US Military 3M Bemis Bell Helicopter

FUN STUFF We understand the balance between work, recreation and celebration. Our culture strives to celebrate accomplishments, employees’ hard work and support our historic community. » » » » » » » »

Lunch time celebrations Softball tournaments Community supporter Anniversary recognitions Family picnics Holiday parties Packer parties Turkey giveaways

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES/ BENEFITS We offer a wide range of career options in CNC Machining, Tool & Die, Engineering and other supporting roles. Carlson offers a competitive compensation structure to attract and retain our best in class workforce. Benefits include: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, Short and Long Term Benefit plans, Paid Vacations, Paid Holidays, Tuition Reimbursement and a Matching 401K plan.

Year founded: 1958 President: Jerry Edquist

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A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

$30,000 starter

JESSE ARNDT

THE JOB:

AGE: 37

REQUIREMENTS 5+ years of machining in a high precision metal manufacturing environment. Customer service work related experience. Self-starter with a positive attitude.

TECHNICAL SALES YEARS AT COMPANY: 17

WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? Provides technical sales service and project management for our customers.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING AT THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? The ability to grow and have a company value me on a personal level is very rewarding. I started on 2nd shift as a production machine operator and am now working directly with our customers in sales and project management. I find great reward in helping our customers find solutions to their problems. The company culture is very family oriented. From company picnics and cookouts to celebrations, everyone here at Carlson is treated like part of the family.

JED STEIER

CNC GROUP LEADER: HMC MILLING AGE: 39 YEARS AT COMPANY: 11 WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? Supervise horizontal milling department in the tool making division at Carlson.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING AT THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? Working as a Tool & Die Maker and a CNC Machinist has given me the best of both worlds. I like problem solving and enjoy a good challenge.

Yet, I also like working with my hands and know that at the end of the day my work has accomplished something, and I have done something that is making my community and America productive and strong. Being able to use both my mind and my hands in a comfortable, controlled climate means a lot to me, and that is what this trade provides. The most important thing to me is that I am able to support the needs of my family.

SKILLS Understanding of metal removal processes and concepts. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proven time/customer management skills.

$60,000

experienced

$105,000 expert

Career Ladder

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS Vocational training for apprenticeship or state-indentured apprenticeship. 10+ years working in the advanced manufacturing industry. Skilled in MS Office software, PowerPoint, Excel, Word. Able to deal with a wide range of people and personalities in a manner that continuously reflects a positive company image.

SKILLS Indepth knowledge of machining processes and concepts. Knowledeable in all processes necessary to complete a manufacturing project using machine tools. Able to thrive in a fast paced environment. Ability to use commonly available Cad viewers. Effective communication skills. Tenacity to own and implement assigned objectives.

4 3D PROGRAMMER/ PROJECT MANAGER $

3 $

75,000-$110,000

LEAD TOOL MAKER/ CNC LEADER

55,000-$95,000

2 CNC OPERATOR/ TOOL MAKER

1 $

$

45,000-$85,000

MACHINE/TOOL MAKING ASSISTANT

30,000-$45,000

CONTACT Fred Nicora | HR Manager (262) 377-2020 | fnicora@carlsontool.com biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

43

Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account Life Insurance Disability Insurance 401(k) Vacation (paid time off) Sick (paid time) Flexible Workplace Tuition Reimbursement

INFO

FUN STUFF

Alfred Woelbing embarked on an entrepreneurial journey when he developed Carmex lip balm in 1937. Since then, Carmex has grown to be a formidable challenger brand, selling its products in over 40 countries and becoming a top three category brand in the U.S. market. Alfred’s grandsons, Paul and Eric Woelbing, now oversee Carma Laboratories, Inc., the family-owned business which makes Carmex and has been headquartered near Milwaukee, Wisconsin for over 80 years.

We are continuously looking to provide opportunities for employees to be happy and engaged at work and in the community. Carma employees enjoy a fun and rewarding company culture where they are able to participate in:

STUFF WE MAKE

9750 South Franklin Drive Franklin, WI 53132 (414) 421-7707 mycarmex.com facebook.com/carmexlipbalm linkedin.com/company/ carma-laboratories-inc.

» » » » » »

Carmex Classic medicated lip balms Carmex Daily Care moisturizing flavored lip balms Carmex Comfort Care natural lip balms Carmex SuperCran moisturizing lip butter Carmex Cold Sore Treatment Carmex Moisture Plus (international only)

COOL CUSTOMERS Our top U.S. retail customers include:

Employees: 250+

» » » » »

Year founded: 1937

We also ship internationally to 40+ countries!

@Carmex

President: Paul Woelbing

44

WHO WE ARE

STUFF SE

| 2020

Walmart Walgreens Target CVS Dollar Stores

» » » » » » » » » » »

Company-wide Summer Event Fall Festival for Employees and Families Holiday Party Half-day Fridays (all year!)

Team Building Activities Complimentary Summerfest Tickets Giveaways to Local Events and Prizes Throughout the Year Options to Participate in Corporate Philanthropy Employee Recognition Tuition Reimbursement Employee Wellness Initiatives

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES/ BENEFITS We hire for many areas of business such as Finance, Marketing, Quality, Production, Operations, Warehouse, IT, Sales and Customer Service. mycarmex.com/careers/

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

BETH MALONEY

PRODUCTION MANAGER AGE: 46 | YEARS AT COMPANY: 7 WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? Ensure that we can safely execute the annual production plan ensuring the highest level of quality, despite any challenges that may arise.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? This job means that people have trusted me to help ensure that we can continue making a quality product that people love. To do that, we must constantly look for better ways of doing what we have done for years. Working at this company means an opportunity to make a lasting impression on how we do things, and on people’s lives, for many years to come while at the same time learning as much as I can.

Career Ladder

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Business, Logistics or equivalent experience. Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or other related field strongly preferred.

Minimum of ten (10) years experience in a manufacturing environment - operations, purchasing, materials, and/or engineering SKILLS » Experience with lean or six sigma processes. » Negotiation, analytical, and technical problem solving skills. » Leadership & interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence others, deliver results, and make an immediate impact. » Ability to identify the root cause of complex problems and implement & maintain effective solutions. » Experience with new product development processes and integrating new products in a production environment.

WHAT YOU’LL DO Lead the manufacturing team (including production, maintenance, and scheduling), oversee implementation of manufacturing planning and reporting systems, and the continuous improvement of Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.

Charged with monitoring and cGMP compliance of the roles and activities of all assigned manufacturing personnel in order to ensure the successful, cost effective, timely and safe processing of customer orders.

5 CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

4 DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

3 PRODUCTION MANAGER

2 PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

1 PRODUCTION LINE LEAD

CONTACT Beth Maloney | HR Manager (414) 421-7707 | HR@carmalabs.com | linkedin.com/company/carma-laboratories-inc. biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

45

Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account Life Insurance

FUN STUFF

Disability Insurance 401(k) Bonuses Vacation (paid time off) Monthly Profit Sharing Referral/Retention Bonus

INFO

WHO WE ARE CL&D is a customer focused, full-service flexographic and digital printer providing customized packaging and promotional samples for companies across North America — quick response packaging, fast and on-time. For over 40 years, we have created a wide range of capabilities to meet the unique packaging needs of our customers. CL&D has been awarded a silver recognition level for Corporate Social Responsibility by EcoVadis; CL&D is among the top 30% performers evaluated by EcoVadis.

STUFF WE MAKE

1101 West Second Street Oconomowoc, WI 53066 535 Norton Dr Hartland, WI 53029 1-800-777-1114 cldgraphics.com linkedin.com/company/ cl&d-graphics CL&D Building Brands Through Packaging

Brand owners can bring packaging to market with CL&D’s many sustainable and recyclable packaging options. CL&D’s product lines include shrink sleeves, gusseted pouches, 3-sided seal pouches, drink sticks, cold seal bar wraps, heat seal bar wraps, vertical form fill seal, lidding, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labels and back film.

CL&D is solutions driven! Our fun factor is the successful collaboration of CL&D and our customers by creating incredibly attractive and functional packaging. In addition, our associates participate in The Ed Flaherty Memorial Charity Drive, named in honor of one of our founders. CL&D’s fundraising collaboration raises money for worthy local causes and our fundraising efforts are achieved through a variety of avenues including raffles and bazaars throughout the year. The generosity and support of our suppliers, community partners and CL&D associates has enabled us to present sizable donations to many local charitable causes each and every year.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES/ BENEFITS CL&D carries a special characteristic with us everywhere we go. We call it “sparkletudeneurosis” and it’s something specific to CL&D - a dedicated group that is passionate about exceeding expectations. CL&D has many career opportunities from press operations, rewind/slitter operations, art set up and quality control. When we ask our associates what is the best thing about working at CL&D, the most common answers are “the people I work with” and “the work schedule”. If you “Get It”, “Want It”, “Have the Capacity to Do It” and demonstrate our Core Values, we want to hear from you!

COOL CUSTOMERS Our cool customers’ packaging is in any grocery store or home improvement center, beaming with award-winning graphics and specialty enhancements.

Employees: 294 Year founded: 1978 President: Mike Hokanson

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A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

Ink Tech

$15/hr starter

BRITTANY REVELES INK TECH AGE: 28 YEARS AT COMPANY: 4 WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? Mix toning inks to create specialty colors for customers and their product lines while also assisting our Press Operators and graphics team with anything color related.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? Working for CL&D means a lot to me. I have great bosses that push me to strive for my best and great teammates to help me accomplish that along the way. The people here feel more like a family rather than just coworkers. As for the ink tech position itself, it can be challenging with all its intricacies and obstacles that I face daily. It forces me to think outside the box and become solutions driven. As a consequence, I have become quite the problem solver in my personal life outside of work.

JESSE WESENBERG

PRINT PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR AGE: 30 YEARS AT COMPANY: 13 WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? I dabble in a little bit of everything, like most supervisors should.

Besides general supervision, I do a lot of training and troubleshooting.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? When I was first hired at CL&D, the exchange was very one sided. I got a job and a skillset, while the company received a trouble making, unfocused teenager with no direction in his life. Working here has helped give me direction, and a career as I would find out years later. I’ve been challenged and pushed to grow, and even discovered a passion for teaching others in a position I once swore up and down I would never apply for. I’ve worked with and for some great people, made close friends, bought a house, and married my wife all in some way or another due to this career and company. I love my job and thoroughly enjoy working for this company. Thirteen years later and I still think I got the better deal.

$18/hr

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS As an ink technician you would match color by eye and spectrophotometer (computer aided color match software). You would also manage ink inventory using previously used ink and fresh ink to reduce costs.

There are also physical requirements of the position such as lifting or moving buckets and barrels.

SKILLS » Communication skills » Math skills » Ability to work in a team environment » Attention to detail » Ability to differentiate color » Ability to use computer software » Ability to lift at least 50lbs

experienced

$21+/hr expert

Career Ladder 5

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS As a print production supervisor, you would oversee your team, ensuring they complete jobs to company standards while following policies and procedures. You would assist them in day to day tasks as needed and help determine solutions to difficult problems.

SKILLS » Knowledge of print process » Group leadership ability » Problem-solving skills » Communication skills » Motivational skills » Ability to multi-task

$

PRINT PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

60,000 - $80,000

4 PRESS OPERATOR MULTI $

23 - $25/HR

3 PRESS OPERATOR $

21 - $23/HR

2 SEAMER/LAMINATOR OPERATOR $

18 - $20/HR

1 PRESS ASSISTANT $

15 - $17/HR

CONTACT Brittany Sobush | Human Resources (262) 569-4060 | bsobush@cldgraphics.com | linkedin.com/in/brittany-sobush-056034117/ biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

47

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account Life Insurance Disability Insurance 401(k) Competitive Wages & Benefits Vacation (paid time off) Product Discounts Uniform Program & Safety Shoe Reimbursement Scholarships for Dependents Training & Leadership Development Employee Assistance Program

INFO

WHO WE ARE

FUN STUFF & BENEFITS

County Materials Corporation is a third generation familyowned manufacturer and trusted industry resource for concrete construction and landscaping products. Since 1946 our products have been helping to build the communities where Americans live, work and play. Our company vision is Success, Stability and Support, which defines our culture and inspires our team. We are committed to supporting our team members with training and development opportunities. County Materials is known and respected for employing a team of dedicated exceptional people who produce high quality products in more than 40 locations across six states.

We value our team members, safety, quality and customer service. We are committed to offering great benefits and opportunities including:

STUFF WE MAKE

205 North Street Marathon, WI 54448 1-800-242-7733 countymaterials.com facebook.com/CountyMaterials linkedin.com/company/ county-materials-corp @countymaterials youtube.com/user/countymaterials

» » » » » »

Concrete Pipe & Precast products Prestress Bridge Girders Hollowcore Roof & Floor Systems Insulated Sandwich Walls Ready-mix Concrete and Aggregates Masonry and Landscape products

COOL CUSTOMERS Our products are utilized in infrastructure, transportation construction, commercial, agricultural, municipal, and residential building and landscaping projects of all sizes.

» » » » » » » » » » » » »

Team appreciation events & cookouts Anniversary Service Awards Vacation and Paid Time Off Leadership Development & Award Programs Company Branded Apparel & Uniforms Wellness Program & fitness challenges Driver Appreciation Week Community outreach and run/walk events Sport event experiences Plant tours and seminars Safety, First aid and CPR training Employee Assistance Program Referral Program and incentives

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES As a County Materials team member, you’ll work in a challenging, rewarding company with a strong sense of community. We are looking for motivated, talented individuals for a variety of opportunities throughout our organization. To view a complete list of career openings, visit our Careers page at workatcounty.com.

Employees: 1,500 Year founded: 1946 President: Tim Sonnentag

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A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

DRAFTER WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? Drafters are responsible for design and production drawings for concrete construction products like pipe and manholes, or special structures. This includes details, sketches and routine layouts to ensure adherence to established project specifications and industry standards. In this role, you will use computer-aided estimation programs to assist in preparing quotations and finalizing all drawing. Drafters also coordinate, review and approve shop drawings with customers and distribute final plans to our production teams.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? County Materials is the best place to work because people care about each other and take time to answer questions, plus I receive on the job training. Being part of the County Materials team means helping to build American communities; this makes work fulfilling. County Materials is proud to be an American-based and family-owned business that supports and gives back to local communities where it has locations.

PRODUCTION TEAM MEMBER WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? Production Team Members are responsible for performing a variety of activities related to the production of concrete construction products in a manufacturing facility, including concrete pipe and prestress products and more.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? Being a Production Team Member means I have stable employment and opportunities to learn and move up in the company! County Materials has grown to be a leader in the concrete manufacturing industry with more than 70 years of experience. I feel confident the company will continue to grow in the future. I began working here right after high school and make a good living with my wages and benefits package. I know with hard work, County Materials gives opportunities for additional training and advancement within the company and values my years of service. County Materials shows they appreciate me and my fellow team members.

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS A qualified candidate for this position will have a minimum of an Associate Degree in Architectural Technology and 0-3 years of experience with proficiency in AutoCAD and knowledge of developing and preparing design documentation in written and computer-aided design formats. Ideal candidates must be able to multi-task, demonstrate self-motivation and have a positive attitude. Physical requirements include frequent sitting, carrying 10-40 pounds on rare occasions, and some standing, walking, and climbing.

SKILLS Drafters must demonstrate self-motivation and be able to work independently in a professional and timely manner, while still being able to perform as part of a team.

Drafters have face-to-face interactions with our customers and other ream members, so exemplary interpersonal skills are important.

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS Being 18 or older and having a High School education or equivalent is required for employment at County Materials. Many of our key hiring positions are attainable with little to no education or experience, just a willingness to work hard and learn!

SKILLS All Team Members should be self-motivators and have the ability to perform well in a team environment. Being safety minded is a must, as well as a value in the quality of our product and the drive to provide superior customer service to our customers.

Career Ladder 5 OPERATIONS MANAGER

4 PLANT SUPERVISOR

3 PLANT FOREMAN

2 MACHINE OPERATOR

1 PRODUCTION TEAM MEMBER

CONTACT Central Processing Corporation | National HR Management Company (877) 492-5181 | humanresources@centralprocessingcorp.com biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

49

Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account Life Insurance

FUN STUFF

Disability Insurance

Our office can be anywhere from a backyard to a lakefront to working to maintain the lawn of a large campus. We work on cool projects that other companies don’t have the experience or the capabilities to tackle, all while using the latest and greatest equipment and technology. And we do it while making sustainability a priority.

401(k) Bonuses Vacation (paid time off)

WHO WE ARE We love to work outdoors, beautify communities, and improve the environment. Almost 300 strong, we are one of the largest landscape contractors in the nation. Nearly 100 crews are dispatched daily to residential and public job sites from our headquarters in Germantown and branches in Milwaukee, Madison, Kenosha, Brookfield, and the North Shore. A premier, award-winning company, David J. Frank Landscape Contracting has been recognized with hundreds of local, state, and national awards.

INFO

STUFF WE MAKE

N120 W21350 Freistadt Road Germantown 53022 (262) 255-4888

Beauty and art. Happy places and gathering spaces.

Gardens, gazebos, decks, patios, ponds, waterfalls, fountains, fireplaces, even beer gardens, and much more.

davidjfrank.com

COOL CUSTOMERS

facebook.com/davidjfrank.wi

Sports figures, company owners, movers and shakers, but best of all, regular folks from all walks of life.

linkedin.com/company/

We install holiday decorations and huge town-square Christmas trees. We plant flowers and trees and vegetable gardens on our company grounds. Our interactive company culture features picnics, parties, BBQs, outings, photo contests, and programs like “Breakfast with Dave” that allow team member to casually converse with the CEO.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES/ BENEFITS We offer a wide range of services for every season so we hire professionals in many disciplines. There are the obvious: landscape architects, horticulturalists, crew leaders, technicians, irrigation personnel, and nursery staff. And the not so obvious: mechanics, carpenters, schedulers, and accounting and administrative staff. Our paid, on-site training and education provides advancement opportunities for employees. Also, our in-house career fairs allow employees to explore working in other areas of the company.

@davidjfrank_wi youtube.com/channel/ UCmSJ5srgD4npTnP9YEDD59Q Employees: 280 Year founded: 1959 President/CEO: David R. Frank

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A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

$15-18/hr starter

$19-24/hr

FRANKIE RYAN III

experienced

LCD CREW LEADER

$25-28/hr

(LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT) WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? I manage and assist big and small crews on commercial and/or residential job sites. I make sure projects are done safely, on time, on budget and meet high-quality standards.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? I loved this job from the get-go. I started off in college at 19, playing baseball and hanging with friends. But after some time there and advice from my dad, I am so glad I looked into this path. My day-to-day tasks are never mundane or the same. I work on projects big and small, from building a huge amphitheater to paving a new driveway. There is such satisfaction from turning nothing into something beautiful. My favorite part is seeing the genuine smile on the homeowners’ faces when they see the finished project. I hope to become a Senior Crew Leader and eventually a Production Supervisor.

BRIAN ROMAGNOLI

LCD CREW LEADER WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? I run a crew of 2-4 technicians from start to finish on a project. I oversee and coordinate work, make sure it’s completed on time, and under or at budget.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? I see a good future in this career. I started off as a laborer and knew a guy who had worked here for 15 years; he taught me a lot about this role, I took on various tasks and things just grew from there. Honestly, I wish I would have started in this field right after high school; the detail of the projects and materials we use here are outstanding. I personally love seeing a space transform. We start out with a visual sketch-up and then bring the architect’s vision to life. I like dealing with clients and seeing their comments before and after. It’s engaging work. Everyone seems to just go to a 4-year college, but I was thrilled to see other options and I’d love to continue advancing to become a Production Supervisor.

expert

Career Ladder

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS » I started with a 2-year Landscape Horticulture associate program at Milwaukee Technical College. On the job, I have completed ICPI training and received a federal pesticide applicant certification.

This job involves training, managing, and directing a crew of technicians and laborers, and being on-call 24/7 in winter for snow removal.

SKILLS » Problem-solving and creativity are huge keys to this role. You have to have very strong communication skills with both clients and coworkers.

3 PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR $

45,000-$72,000

2 SENIOR CREW LEADER $

26-$30 HR

1 CREW LEADER $

15-$25 HR

CONTACT Donna Landon | Chief Human Resources Officer (262) 255-4888 | donnal@davidjfrank.com biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account Life Insurance

FUN STUFF

Disability Insurance 401(k) Vacation (paid time off) Wellness Program Apprenticeships/Internships Employee Assistance Program

WHO WE ARE Findorff is one of the Midwest’s leading builders, with offices in Madison, Milwaukee, and Wausau. Findorff currently employs an average of 900 construction professionals and tradespeople, and completes over $750 million in construction annually.

STUFF WE MAKE

INFO 300 South Bedford Street Madison, WI 53703 (608) 257-5321

For 130 years, Findorff has been dedicated to building environments that make differences in people’s lives.

Projects are only as good as the reasons for them and the people behind them. Findorff works hard to build highquality, finished products that keep our teams safe, clients happy, and communities better.

findorff.com

COOL CUSTOMERS

facebook.com/JHFindorff

Findorff serves a variety of clients in different market sectors. Our experience ranges from minor renovations to new construction for developers, financial institutions, educational facilities, healthcare environments, and science and technology spaces.

linkedin.com/company/ j-h--findorff-&-son-inc-/ @findorff

» 119 Apprentices currently work for Findorff » Findorff’s Apprentices work side-by-side Journeymen to gain real-world and hands-on experiences in their chosen trades » Since 2015, Findorff has employed 24 High School Juniors or Seniors through the State of Wisconsin’s Youth Apprenticeship Program » 3 Core Values: Character, Community & Craftsmanship » Findorff employs field personnel in the following six trades: Carpentry, Concrete, Demolition, Drywall, Masonry & Structural Steel » Average project size is $3.4 million » Voted Best Commercial Builder 19 Times by InBusiness magazine

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES/ BENEFITS A variety of professions are vital to a project and Findorff’s success. They include project managers, safety and field leaders, engineers, accountants, marketing, virtual construction specialists, and many more! By joining the construction industry, you will help shape communities across the region, and have a rewarding career that offers variety and growth opportunities.

youtube.com/channel/ UCQBv5psAQPQyBq1aVEt-K7w Employees: Office: 240; Field: 750 Year founded: 1890 President & CEO: Jim Yehle

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$30-$40K starter

CAMDEN GLASER YOUTH APPRENTICE AGE: 17 YEARS AT COMPANY: 6 months WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? As a youth apprentice, I typically support many tasks for the project team throughout the day. For instance, it’s common for me to measure, cut and prepare materials for installation.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? I’m really looking forward to working at Findorff to further my knowledge of the trades. I feel fortunate to see what each trade does at the jobsite and gain hands-on experience while in high school. Plus, I’m working at Butler Middle School, which is where I attended 6-8 grade!

TYLER GENZ

PROJECT ENGINEER AGE: 23 YEARS AT COMPANY: 2 WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? Working in construction means it’s a fast-paced environment and you really need to stay on your toes. Day-today, I get to look at building plans and drawings, communicate and plan with architects, engineering consultants, subcontractors, and material vendors.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? Working at Findorff as a Project Engineer gives me the opportunity to contribute to projects that both facilitate growth within communities, but also give back through community-service initiatives. Having worked at Findorff as a co-op, I’ve seen first-hand the type of investment Findorff makes in their employees. I am very grateful to begin my career learning from knowledgeable coworkers from within the company where my passion for construction began.

$60-$80K

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS Any junior or senior with a genuine interest in construction can apply to be a Youth Apprentice. To qualify, you must be on track for graduation, maintain acceptable grades, and have secure transportation to and from the job. Youth Apprentices are paid for their work and typically spend half of their day in school and the other half at a construction jobsite. On average, Youth Apprentices work about 15 hours a week (more in the summer) while they get a jump start on their training for a career in the trades.

SKILLS » Strong work ethic » Positive attitude » Good communication » Problem solving » Team player » Dependable

experienced

$80-$100K expert

Career Ladder *APPRENTICE

5

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS » A degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or other equivalent experience. » A passion for construction SKILLS » Excellent communication and relationship building skills » Math, critical thinking, analytical aptitude, and attention to detail WHAT YOU’LL DO » Manage the subcontractors, vendors, materials, schedule, and budget for a construction project » You’ll have a great sense of pride in knowing that you were part of building a structure that started only as concept or plan and is now showcased in the community

$

SUPERINTENDENT

85,000-$100,000

4 CARPENTER FOREMAN $

80,000

3 JOURNEYMAN CARPENTER $

72,000

2 CARPENTER APPRENTICE $

45,000

1 CARPENTER PRE-APPRENTICE $

36,000

CONTACT Renee Boyce | VP of Human Resources (608) 257-5321 | hr@findorff.com biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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Health, Dental & Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account Life Insurance Disability Insurance 401(k)

FUN STUFF

Bonuses

Flexible Workplace

We value giving back locally and to the HVACR industry in general with our HVACR Volunteer Program and by working with the United Way and foodbanks in the communities we serve.

Dependent Care Reimbursement

“We don’t sell anything – our customers do. As a result, our focus is on helping them maximize their success.”

Vacation (paid time off)

WHO WE ARE

Wellness Program Apprenticeships/Internships Holiday Pay Paid Volunteer Hours

The Gustave A. Larson Company is the Midwest, Plains and Mountain states leading distributor of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration products. For more than 80 years, Larson family values have driven us to put our customers first in everything we do.

STUFF WE DISTRIBUTE

INFO W233 N2869 Roundy Circle West Pewaukee, WI 53072 (262) 542-0200 galarson.com facebook.com/GALarsonCo

At Gustave A. Larson, we carry the highest quality products in the industry, providing reliable, valued solutions for our customers. Product lines include Trane, American Standard, Honeywell, Aprilaire, Weil McLain, Emerson, ADP, Mitsubishi, and many more. We also offer value-added solutions such as Larson Business Solutions and our training programs.

COOL CUSTOMERS » Residential and Commercial HVAC and Refrigeration Contractors » Schools and Universities » Multi-Family Communities

Andrew Larson - CEO, Chairman Our Mission: WE… » » » »

Contribute to our customer’s success Carry the best products in our industry Offer valued business solutions Provide all stakeholders an opportunity to succeed

… WIN TOGETHER

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES/ BENEFITS There are opportunities to start in the company with no experience: » GPS Youth Apprentice (High School) » Warehouse Attendant, Warehouse Attendant/Driver, and Counter Sales Representative (CSR) (College and beyond) With further growth opportunities with us and the industry moving forward.

linkedin.com/company/ gustave-a--larson-co@GALarsonCompany Employees: 430 Year founded: 1936 President: Scott K. Larson

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$9.50

starter

$10.50

TERRIANA HANDFORD

experienced

YOUTH APPRENTICE

$12.00

AGE: 18 | YEARS AT COMPANY: 0 WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? » Maintain the academic and attendance requirements » Observe company rules and other requirements » Participate in progress reviews » Complete program/company training requirements. » Demonstrate maturity and responsibility WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? My experience working as a youth apprentice has been such an amazing opportunity for me so far. It has been a wonderful experience being able to work well with others and learn so much about the Larson company. I have learned what it takes to complete daily operations within the branch, how to identify different parts on the shelves, and I’ve also have had meaningful conversations with some of the contractors that work in the field. I am very grateful I have been given an opportunity like this and to have some insight into this field. I would recommend the GPS program to anyone looking to work hands-on and learn about the different opportunities available within the HVACR field.

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS » Meet the requirements of the particular program and demonstrate competency as set forth in the program goals. » Meet academic requirements for the program including a passing grade/score in courses required for admission to the Youth Apprenticeship Program. » Attend all scheduled activities under the apprentice program SKILLS Student Apprentices can acquire and apply HVAC/R skills through various work-based learning environments and HVAC/R employers to include, but not limited to the following: » Employee Fundamentals » Safe work practices » HVACR Tools and Equipment » Customer Service » Electrical Concepts » HVAC Fundamentals » HVAC Installation and Repair » Refrigeration Fundamentals

expert

Career Opportunities HVACR TECHNICIAN $ 55,000-$60,000 COUNTER SALES REPRESENTATIVE (CSR) $ 35,000-$40,000 WAREHOUSE ATTENDANT 33,000-$35,000

$

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT 60,000-$70,000

$

INSIDE SALES 45,000-$55,000

$

ASSOCIATE HVAC ENGINEER 45,000-$65,000

$

WHAT YOU’LL DO Program Opportunities/Certifications Available: » DWD YA Certificate in Architecture and Construction: Mechanical/HVAC Fundamentals » First Aid Certification » OSHA 30 Certification » EPA 608 Refrigerant Certification - Optional » Forklift Training (18+ years old) - Optional » Credits earned towards HVAC-R Technical Diploma - Optional

CONTACT Laura A Kryzenske | Talent Acquisition Specialist (262) 446-7238 | Laura.Kryzenske@galarson.com biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance Bonuses Vacation (paid time off) Sick (paid time) Apprenticeships/Internships

FUN STUFF

Profit Sharing Plus Match 401(k)

WHO WE ARE

Tuition Reimbursement

HellermannTyton is a global manufacturer best known for injection-molded parts that keep wires safely organized in vehicles, buildings, solar farms and more. We make tools that help installers work safely. We serve the data industry, connecting homes, offices and towns to the internet. Our sign and labels division makes products to mark wiring and provide safety messaging in hazardous areas. We supply major manufacturers around the world. Our North American headquarters is in Milwaukee.

Wellness Program Flexible Spending Account Disability Insurance Dependent Care Reimbursement Auto Discount

STUFF WE MAKE » » » » » »

INFO 7930 North Faulkner Road Milwaukee, WI 53224 (414) 355-1130 hellermann.tyton.com linkedin.com/company/ hellermanntyton HT_NorthAmerica Employees: 725 in U.S., 5,750 globally Year founded: 1969

Fasteners for wires, cables and hoses Tools that apply our fasteners Wire protection products Industrial labels and signs Broadband enclosures and data infrastructure Many of our products are designed to survive the harshest environments

COOL MARKETS » » » » » » » » » » »

Aerospace Automotive Appliances/electrical Construction Broadband Data communications Defense Industrial automation Rail Renewable Energies Truck/heavy equipment

Our Milwaukee manufacturing center boasts 200,000 square feet where robotic technology assists our teams in producing up to 15 million parts per day. Our employees take pride in developing, manufacturing and marketing the highest quality products. It’s rewarding to see a car drive by and know your product is inside.

We encourage involvement in volunteer activities for local causes. The foundation for how we develop our culture and people is “The 3Cs” – Growing your Career, Building Competence and Creating Community. Individuals who work together develop great ideas, and they are the engine that accelerates our success. Our wellness program includes cash incentives for engaging in healthy activities.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES/ BENEFITS Our most valuable resource is our people, so we hire the best talent and give them the opportunities and tools to create a challenging and fulfilling career. We truly respect and value our employees and the unique skills, qualities and experience they bring to our company and our brand.

HellermannTyton offers market competitive compensation, gain sharing quarterly bonuses, a no-cost onsite clinic, free uniforms, PPE; tuition reimbursement and a training program. » » » » » » » »

Operators Automation Technicians Processing Technicians Mold Maintenance Technicians Manufacturing Cell Leaders Material Handlers CNC Operators Mold Maker Trainees

President: Terry Tuttle

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DANNY SHEERAN

TRAINING DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR AGE: 58 | YEARS AT COMPANY: 32 WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? I show talented people how they can help supply parts to the world’s most famous brands. “Training” is a nice word, but I look at it more as “building.”

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? I have spent over half of my life working at HellermannTyton and consider myself fortunate to be part of an organization that has provided me with countless opportunities to grow professionally as well as personally. The culture here has always been one of fairness, encouragement, trust and continuous improvement.

Over the years, so many coworkers have helped me, and I am fortunate to have a career that lets me “pay it back” by building careers for others. At HellermannTyton, I’ve never felt I “have” to go to work. The way I look at it, I “get” to do something I truly enjoy in an environment where I know my efforts are appreciated. I hope our paths cross someday.

THE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN JOB: REQUIREMENTS » Willingness to learn » Mechanical aptitude » Self-starter » Basic knowledge of manufacturing processes » Team-oriented SKILLS » Strong communication skills » Problem solving » Troubleshooting » Multitasking » Time management WHAT YOU’LL DO Process Techs learn and improve upon their injection molding skills while working on modern presses, tools and automated systems. Technicians monitor part quality and ensure processes run within tolerance. They perform mold changes and collaborate with various support departments. Process Techs oversee a group of presses, and duties may include responding to operational issues and assisting other team members.

Career Ladder 5 PROCESS ENGINEER II

4 PROCESS ENGINEER

3 MFG TEAM SUPERVISOR

2 PROCESS TECHNICIAN II

1 PROCESS TECHNICIAN

CONTACT Nic Haug | HR Manager (414) 355-1130 | Nicholas.Haug@htamericas.com biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance 401(k) Vacation (paid time off)

COOL CUSTOMERS

Sick (paid time)

» » » » » »

Tuition Reimbursement Apprenticeships/Internships Flexible Spending Account On-Site Fitness Center Life Insurance Disability Insurance

WHO WE ARE Husco is a privately-owned company specializing in hydraulic and electro-mechanical control systems. We have over 70 years of experience designing and manufacturing components for Automotive and Off-Highway equipment.

We pride ourselves on collaborative relationships with our customers. We are a fast growing, community-oriented company, with facilities in Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, England, China, India, Brazil, and Germany. As we expand, we are always searching for team members who embody our core values: intelligent risk-taking, high performance, and practical innovation. Sharing these values allows us to innovate across all areas of the company to exceed our customers’ expectations.

INFO 2239 Pewaukee Road Waukesha, WI 53188 (262) 513-4200 husco.com facebook.com/HUSCOintl linkedin.com/company/husco @huscointl

STUFF WE MAKE Hydraulic Control Systems for the Automotive and OffHighway Industry including: » » » » » »

Engine controls components for Automotive applications Hydraulic systems for Earth moving equipment Advanced Suspension systems for Agriculture Transmission control valves for Automotive Implement control systems for Agriculture machines Controllers and software for high performance applications

Caterpillar John Deere Komatsu Ford Chrysler Volkswagen

FUN STUFF Some of the fun, exciting company events that Husco offers are: » Husco sponsored employee sports teams (such as g , volleyball, baseball, ultimate Frisbee) » Season of Giving Volunteering Opportunities » Brewer’s family day outing » Large construction machine experience days » United Way Intern day of Action » FREE Family Zoo, Art Museum, and Discovery World passes » Cookouts and Food truck days

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES/ BENEFITS » » » » » » » »

Internship/Co-ops/Full-time Engineering - Design, Manufacturing, Quality Supply Chain Lab/Automation Technician Production/Factory Assemblers Information Systems Human Resources Finance/Administrative

Employees: 1,500 Year founded: 1985 CEO: Austin Ramirez

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$22.00 starter

ALEX ROSNER

THE JOB:

AGE: 20

REQUIREMENTS » Shop classes and youth apprenticeship in HS » State apprenticeship after HS » On the job training

PROTOTYPE TOOLMAKER APPRENTICE YEARS AT COMPANY: 1 WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? » Analyze technical drawings/CAD models » Use CAD/CAM to produce tool paths » Setup and operate CNC » Design effective tooling and fixtures » Interpret and verify G-code programs » Make and modify JavaScript code

SKILLS Requires an understanding of production machines, tooling and fixtures, along with machining skills, knowledge of shop mathematics, metals and their properties, and a familiarity with mechanical design.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? Working at Husco means working in a fast paced and modern environment with large potential to advance. Husco is unique because you can frequently reach outside of your regular job duties to tackle new tasks, learning along the way. By working as a toolmaker you will see firsthand what works well in real life and what just looks good on the computer screen. Although not usually a requirement to be a designer or engineer, experience in tool making is incredibly valuable if you intend on advancing to an engineering position.

EDWARD MCKIBBIN AUTOMATION TECHNICIAN AGE: 20 YEARS AT COMPANY: 1.5 WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? Supporting production by maintenance and up keep of production lines, as well as upgrading production lines to increase throughput.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? Working at Husco is the a great mix of my passions. It’s a mix of my passion of automation and my passion for cars. I get a sense of satisfaction producing parts that make cars run more efficiently. It’s a fast paced job and I am learning something new every day so I don’t feel like I’m stagnating.

$28.00

experienced

$32.00 expert

Career Ladder 4 ENGINEERING ROLES

4 LEAD AUTOMATION TECH

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS » Associate Degree or equivalent military or formal training in Industrial Automation Technology, Electrical/Mechanical or Electronics » Exposure to machine troubleshooting, process control, CAD » Ability to use electronic hand tools proficiently.

SKILLS » Support daily production operations. » Minimize machine downtime and maximize parts per hour on the line. » Develop and document engineering procedures and continuous improvement techniques. » Support assembly and testing processes from concept through prove-out. » Facilitate tool and fixture purchases.

3 LEAD TOOLMAKER

2 TOOLMAKER

3 SR. AUTOMATION TECH

2 AUTOMATION TECH II

1 TOOLMAKER APPRENTICE

1 AUTOMATION TECH

CONTACT Jessie Cain | HR Manager (262) 513-4200 | jessica.cain@husco.com | linkedin.com/in/jessiecain biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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Health & Dental Insurance Flexible Spending Account Life Insurance Disability Insurance 401(k)

FUN STUFF

Bonuses Vacation (paid time off) Sick (paid time) Flexible Workplace Dependent Care Reimbursement Wellness Program Tuition Reimbursement Adoption Assistance Childcare Petcare

INFO S80 W18766 Apollo Drive Muskego, WI 53150 (262) 679-9010 inpro.com facebook.com/InproCorp linkedin.com/company/29450 youtube.com/user/InProCorporation Employees: 584 Year founded: 1979 President: Marc Holland

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WHO WE ARE We’re obsessed with buildings. How they look. How they work. How they make us feel. How they impact the environment. How they protect safety, health and appearance. And how they’re protected from people and Mother Nature.

So we make hundreds of different architectural products all under one roof. And we have since 1979. We work tirelessly to make sure building professionals – and the buildings themselves – succeed. Yeah, we’re obsessed. But we wouldn’t have it any other way.

STUFF WE MAKE » » » » » » »

Door + Wall Protection Hospital Curtains Window Treatments + Drapery Expansion Joint Covers Architectural Signage Washroom Systems Elevator Interiors

COOL CUSTOMERS » » » » » » » » » » » »

World Trade Center Yankee Stadium Embassy Suites by Hilton Madison, WI Police Department Ronald McDonald House Yas Mall - Abu Dhabi, UAE, General Mitchell International Airport SunTrust Park Citi Field University of North Carolina- Charlotte Carroll University UW Cancer Center at ProHealth Care

We work hard, but we play hard too. Whether it’s feeding your appetite with custard days and free breakfasts on Fridays or feeding your soul with community activities like Adopt-A-Highway, the local food drive and paid time for volunteer work, we aim to fulfill. Our wellness initiatives like lunch + learn sessions, fitness classes, and an on-site gym and personal trainer keep us in shape and sometimes our shuffleboard and bowling league get us moving too. With plenty of time off, company parties and celebrations taking time to unwind and recognize a job well done is just who we are. Oh, and did we mention we have a honey bee sanctuary?

Our sustainability initiatives are pretty sweet too!

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES/ BENEFITS Inpro is proud to be named one of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Top Workplaces for the 11th year in a row. At Inpro, employees come first, and our benefits match this belief.

We offer: a comprehensive insurance package, 10 paid holidays and generous time off, on-site childcare, education reimbursement, on-site fitness center with free personal trainer, and complimentary luncheons, fountain drinks, and coffee. Lifelong career opportunities can be found in manufacturing, shipping, maintenance, and installation; office positions include sales and sales support, estimating finance, marketing, and product development. Current openings are posted on our Careers page, inprocorp.com/careers.

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

DANA THOMAS

VINYL FABRICATION TEAM LEAD AGE: 31 YEARS AT COMPANY: 14 WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? Vinyl Fabrication produces a variety of custom door-and-wall protection products, which means my day-to-day duties are always changing. I run a variety of machines, including CNC and radial-arm saws. On the days I’m not producing product, I’m the back-up supervisor so I take on his duties, which includes printing production orders, answering e-mails and keeping the department running smoothly.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? I never know what my day will bring, and that’s what I love. Inpro gives me the ability to grow and challenge myself every day.

Career Ladder

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS » Working lead – produce and manufacture parts daily. » Ensure Safety throughout the department. » Conduct weekly safety meetings in absence of Supervisor. » Have an understanding of proper handling of all hazardous chemicals. » Assist Supervisor with overall production and production employees. » Assist Supervisor with implementation and development of new processes & products.

SKILLS » High school diploma or equivalent » Minimum 3 years manufacturing experience. » CRT strength test required. » Proven leadership ability » Good communication skills.

WHAT YOU’LL DO Assist Supervisor in overseeing and coordinating the continuous improvement efforts and maximization of capacity in Corner Guards/Vinyl Fab and Vacuum Forming within the manufacturing operations to achieve the company mission.

5 VINYL FABRICATION TEAM LEAD

4 VINYL TECHNICIAN A

3 VINYL TECHNICIAN B

2 VINYL TECHNICIAN C

1 SHOP ASSISTANT

CONTACT Laurie O’Loughlin | CHRO (262) 679-9010 | humanresources@inprocorp.com | facebook.com/InproCorp biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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Health, Dental & Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account Life Insurance Disability Insurance 401(k) Bonuses & Profit Sharing Vacation (paid time off) Dependent Care Reimbursement Wellness Program Apprenticeships/Internships On-site nurse Kapco University

WHO WE ARE

FUN STUFF

As a Top Workplace 2020, our highly skilled team uses stateof-the-art technology making Kapco the premier choice for metal stamping, fabrication, welding, and other metal fabrication solutions. As a single source supplier, we are trusted by leading brands in diverse industries to make parts with precision and efficiency.

Volunteer opportunities for company philanthropic efforts including Camp Hometown Heroes, Camp Reunite, Kids2Kids Christmas, and Grand Slam Charity Jam.

At Kapco, we shape metal, but more importantly, we help shape lives. Our “pay it forward” approach to philanthropy lets our employees participate in making lives better for those in need.

INFO 1000 Badger Circle Grafton, WI 53024

STUFF WE MAKE

(262) 377-6500 kapcoinc.com facebook.com/KapcoMetalStamping linkedin.com/company/ kapco-metal-stamping/ mycompany/?viewAsMember=true @kapcometal youtube.com/user/KapcoInc Employees: 500

» » » » » »

Metal stamped components Fabricated metal components Machined components Formed and welded sub-assemblies Wide range of tool & die design and build Painted and coated components

COOL CUSTOMERS Products manufactured by Kapco range from military and heavy equipment, to recreational equipment, agricultural machinery, consumer products, and commercial lighting.

» » » » » » »

Summer picnic with families Holiday party with families Fall day outing with families Thanksgiving turkey giveaway Employee chili cook-off Complimentary Lakeshore Chinooks tickets Complimentary Summerfest, State Fair, and Fiserv Forum tickets » Numerous community event tickets and discounts

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES/ BENEFITS » » » » » » » » » » »

Punch Press Operator Laser Operator Brake Press Operator CNC Operator Welder Weld Robotic Operator Tool and Die Quality Inspector CDL Truck Driver Material Handler Picker/Packer

Year founded: 1972 President: Jim Kacmarcik

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MELISSA HURLEY WELDER II AGE: 38 YEARS AT COMPANY: 4 WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? Reading and understanding blueprints, Weld parts to print, checking finished parts to make sure they fall within tolerances on blueprints.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? Working at Kapco as a female welder makes me proud to be where I am today. I feel very blessed to be able to say I love what I do. This is not just a job to me it is a career that Kapco has helped me to excel in.

I am really looking forward to my future at Kapco.

JUAN PEREZ BRAKE PRESS OPERATOR AGE: 47 YEARS AT COMPANY: 20 WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? My job is to safely set-up and operate the company production equipment such as the brake press and punch press.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? Kapco has been a place where I can challenge my skills and has given my family and I a great source of income. Besides my family, this job means everything to me. I wouldn’t have the family that I do without Kapco. I met my wife here and many friends.

THE JOB:

$14-18/hr starter

REQUIREMENTS This position requires the use and understanding of measuring equipment, check fixtures, testing equipment, blueprint reading, documentation and engineering specifications.

This position should also understand tooling requirements and proper set-up procedures.

SKILLS » Sets up and performs welding on all welding operations. » Successfully completes and maintains welding qualification for steel and/or aluminum welding. » Performs quality checks using proper measuring devices during operation and completes quality records. » Completes appropriate paperwork, forklift training and crane training.

Career Ladder 4

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS This position requires the use and understanding of measuring equipment, check fixtures, testing equipment, blueprint reading, documentation and engineering specifications. Along with the completion of a 5 hour brake press training course at Kapco.

Employees should also understand tooling requirements and proper set-up procedures.

SKILLS » Safely set-up and operate company production equipment. » Understand and use measuring and testing equipment. » Read and understand blueprints and other engineering specifications. » Perform housekeeping, organization, documentation for quality and system labor reporting daily. » Attend meetings and participates on continuous improvement projects. » Troubleshoot both equipment and jobs, if needed.

FABRICATION ENGINEER/ ESTIMATION ENGINEER

3 FABRICATION PROGRAMMER

2 FABRICATION OPERATOR

4 WELD ENGINEER/ WELD LEADER

3 WELD ENGINEERING/ ROBOTIC TECHNICIAN

2 WELDER I/WELDER II

1 FABRICATION HELPER

1 WELD ROBOTIC OPERATOR

CONTACT Jennifer Wenger | Sr. Director Talent & Organizational Development (262) 377-6500 | wenger@kapcoinc.com | linkedin.com/in/jenniferwenger/ biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account Life Insurance

COOL CUSTOMERS

Disability Insurance

» » » » »

401(k) Pension Bonuses Vacation (paid time off) Sick (paid time) Wellness Program Apprenticeships/Internships ESOP - Employee Owned Leadership Program

INFO 7711 N. Port Washington Road Milwaukee, WI 53217 (414) 751-7200

WHO WE ARE Kapur is a full service consulting engineering firm delivering design and engineering for state and municipal transportation projects, building sites/structures, as well as utilities. We also provide survey, environmental assessment, construction management and landscape architecture services for our clients.

Founded in 1981, Kapur has corporate headquarters in Milwaukee and additional Wisconsin offices in Appleton, Wausau, and Burlington. We have steadily grown to over 300+ professionals with branch offices in Chicago, Indianapolis, and Louisville.

We provide infrastructure design for Developers, Contractors, DOT’s, Power Companies, Municipalities, Agencies, and Institutions everyday.

STUFF WE MAKE

kapurinc.com

Kapur provides survey, site design and construction services for some of the biggest projects in the Midwest.

facebook.com/KapurInc/

This includes:

linkedin.com/company/kapurinc

» » » » » » »

youtube.com/user/kapurengineers @KapurInc Employees: 305 Year founded: 1981

Foxconn Zoo Interchange Fiserv Forum and the Entertainment Block New home of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Expansion of the Wisconsin Center Miller Park African Elephant Exhibit at the Milwaukee County Zoo

WisDOT We Energies Contractors - Gilbane, Walsh, Kiewit, FH Paschen Engineer 20+ municipalities Architects - RINKA, Eppstein Uhen, Kahler Slater

FUN STUFF Kapur is known as a fun company and is one of the most sought after places to work in the Milwaukee area. We win yearly awards from the Journal Sentinel and Milwaukee Business Journal as a top workplace.

We have corporate events such as Summerfest outings, an office holiday party, volunteer events such as the Run 4 Water and STEM Expo, a summer employee appreciation event, a formal holiday party with significant others invited, and group events celebrating the Bucks and Brewers.

We are also the STEM partner for St. Joan Antida High School.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES » » » » » » » » » »

Civil Engineers CE Technicians Construction Engineers Construction Inspectors Environmental Scientists Landscape Architects Electrical Engineers Mechanical / Natural Gas Engineers Structural Engineers Surveyors

President: Ramesh Kapur, PE

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$18.50/hr starter

BYRON KENDRICK SURVEY TECH AGE: 30 YEARS AT COMPANY: 1 YEAR WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? » Use CAD skills to produce engineering documents. » Produce topographic maps. » Operate computer software/hardware to solve technical problems. » Apply elements of design to roads, subdivisions, storm and sanitary sewer systems.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? This career is an amazing career to go into. Since I was 15 years old, I found it interesting that in one month an area could be a forest and the next month that same area could be cleared to create a subdivision.

With this career you get the opportunity to not only see the steps to this process but create it as well.

NICHOLAS CAMPANELLI SURVEY TECH AGE: 23 YEARS AT COMPANY: 1 YEAR WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? » Use CAD skills to produce engineering documents. » Produce topographic maps. » Operate computer software/hardware to solve technical problems. » Apply elements of design to roads, subdivisions, storm and sanitary sewer systems.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? This job is more than a job to me, it’s a career that I actually make an impact at. I’m able to come to work every day and learn new information, ideas and skills from my coworkers. Not only am I able to educate myself while working at Kapur, I’m able to continue my education while working in my field.

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS I am an Alum of Milwaukee Area Technical College with an Associates in Applied Science in Civil Engineering Technology.

SKILLS » This position requires both 3D modeling experience using Terra Model and survey set-up experience using AutoCAD Civil 3D. » Excellent technical skills, including using computers, the internet, and file sharing required; technical understanding of various types of construction projects; ability to read construction plans; good graphic and verbal communications skills.

$22.00/hr experienced

$28.00/hr expert

Career Ladder

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS I have one semester left until I have my associates in Civil Engineering Technology.

SKILLS » This position requires both 3D modeling experience using Terra Model and survey set-up experience using AutoCAD Civil 3D. » Excellent technical skills, including using computers, the internet, and file sharing required; technical understanding of various types of construction projects; ability to read construction plans; good graphic and verbal communications skills.

3 LAND SURVEYOR (PLS REG.)

2 LEAD SURVEY TECHNICIAN

1 SURVEY TECH

Michele Bruskiewicz | HR Manager (414) 751-7202 | mbruskiewicz@kapurinc.com biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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Health, Dental & Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account Life Insurance Disability Insurance 401(k) Bonuses Vacation (paid time off) Sick (paid time) Dependent Care Reimbursement Tuition Reimbursement Apprenticeships/Internships

FUN STUFF

Menasha Corporation is a corrugated and plastic packaging manufacturer and supply chain solutions provider. We are comprised of two industry-leading companies: Menasha Packaging Company (corrugated) and ORBIS Corporation (plastic). Our companies manufacture products that are used by major food, beverage, consumer products, healthcare, pharmaceutical, industrial and automotive companies. We have been a trusted and reliable company for 172 years and today have over 6,500 employees and 117 locations in North America and Europe.

Employees are active in the community and have fun being involved in events. Menasha Corporation supports their involvement with donations to non-profit organizations and through several company programs, such as our Dollars For Doers and Matching Gift programs. Every year, Menasha Corporation Foundation provides funds to all of our locations and employees at the locations decide where to donate within their community. Together, employee involvement and the company’s Foundation help communities thrive.

STUFF WE MAKE

INFO 1645 Bergstrom Road Neenah, WI 54956 (920) 751-1000 menashacorporation.com bit.ly/Menashastuffmag

Our Menasha Packaging Company designs, prints and produces customized packaging, displays and merchandising material and provides e-commerce solutions and fulfillment services. Our ORBIS subsidiary is a reusable packaging provider of plastic totes, bulk containers, pallets, protective interiors and custom products, and provides reusable packaging management services.

COOL CUSTOMERS

facebook.com/MenashaCorporation

Large global companies in many markets:

linkedin.com/company/27564

» » » » » » » » »

@menashacorpnews @menashacorp Employees: 6,564 Year founded: 1849 President & CEO: James M. Kotek

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WHO WE ARE

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Food/beverage Personal care Household products Beauty/cosmetics Electronics Retailers Automotive Agriculture Consumer goods/retail

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES We have a wide range of career opportunities at our company! The following are only a few of the possible career tracks – for more, visit bit.ly/menasha-stuff. » » » » » » » »

Manufacturing and Production Operations Management Environmental Health and Safety Maintenance – Equipment and Facilities Supply Chain and Logistics Human Resources Marketing & Business Development Transportation and Warehousing

Employees at Menasha Corporation progress in their careers in a variety of ways! Career advancement at our company may be a direct path, or it may take you across different departments, positions, or locations – each employee has their own path.

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

MACHELLE MCNALLY ESTIMATOR

AGE: 31 | YEARS AT COMPANY: 3 WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? I quote projects for customers. This involves routing orders, using our SAP system, and pricing items. I compare prices to previous quotes to make sure they are consistent for customers.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? I appreciate Menasha Corporation because they are good to their employees and care about us. When a company genuinely cares for their employees, it motivates the employees to care about their work which helps the overall goal of creating great customer service!

CALEB LAMPHERE FACILITY MAINTENANCE

AGE: 19 | YEARS AT COMPANY: 2 WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? I maintain facility and equipment to keep our production lines running smoothly and safely. This includes changing filters, supplying pickups, cleaning, painting, moving objects, and fixing issues around the facility.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? I started as a student apprentice at the company while I was still in high school. I learned skills from my mentors and got valuable on-the-job training so that I was offered a full-time position before I graduated. I appreciate that I was able to get a head start on what I wanted to do after school.

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS I have a bachelor’s degree and upon hiring, I completed a few additional training sessions.

There is a lot to know and retain in this position – it requires training not only when someone is hired but also throughout their career in the department.

SKILLS There are many skills that play a role in this position but organization and communication are the key skills. Organization helps to keep information easily accessible, accurate and consistent with our requirements. And communication is important with every job – to keep an open line so that we stay up to date and on the same page with our activities.

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent to start, but technical degrees can help develop skills needed to further your career.

SKILLS I have mechanical ability, but most of the skills I’ve gained were learned on the job. I’m also energetic, which helps because I never know what the day is going to look like. And I’m focused, with a drive to do the job right.

Career Ladder 4 ESTIMATING MANAGER

4 MAINTENANCE LEAD

3 TEAM LEAD

3 MILLWRIGHT

2 SENIOR ESTIMATOR

2 MAINTENANCE MECHANIC

1 ESTIMATOR

1 FACILITY MAINTENANCE

CONTACT Recruiting@menasha.com biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account Life Insurance Disability Insurance 401(k) Vacation (paid time off) Sick (paid time) Tuition Reimbursement Apprenticeships/Internships

INFO

WHO WE ARE

FUN STUFF

Michels is one of North America’s largest and most trusted transportation and utility contractors. We are a leading provider of construction services to the energy, transportation, communications, power and utility industries.

A sampling of our services provided include horizontal directional drilling, direct pipe, cured-in-place pipe, spray-inplace pipe, tunneling, pipeline, power, tunneling, foundations, paving and communication network construction.

We offer a collection of programs engaging our people to participate in events focused on health, family, team building, learning, volunteering and community involvement.

STUFF WE MAKE

michels.us

If you use heat or air conditioning, turn on a light, drive on a highway, live in a high-rise, take a subway, rely on the internet, pass time on your cell phone or even drink a glass of water from your faucet, we build the infrastructure for that.

facebook.com/MichelsCorp

COOL CUSTOMERS

linkedin.com/company/ michels-corporation

We work for many large utilities and energy companies across North America.

817 Main Street Brownsville, WI 53006 (920) 583-3132

@michelscareers

We invest an average of $5,000 per employee on training each year.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES/ BENEFITS There’s abundant opportunity for all team members at Michels. With thousands of team members across hundreds of positions, there truly is something for everyone. Whether in the field or in the office, Michels team members grow along with the company into new, exciting positions and responsibilities.

youtube.com/user/ MichelsCorporation Employees: 8,000 Year founded: 1959 President: Patrick D. Michels

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$57,000

starter

$90,000

experienced

$160,000 expert

EMPLOYEE 1

Career Ladder

LINEMAN

WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING AT THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? You will build the electrical infrastructure that America relies on every day.

EMPLOYEE 2

4

HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONALS (HSE) WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? » Develop industry specific methods, procedures and practices » Performs field observations and completes safety audits

SENIOR LEADERSHIP

3 MID LEVEL MANAGEMENT

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS Qualified candidates must have previous safety education or at least two years of work experience in a safety coordinator or related role. Bachelor’s degree in Safety Management or related degree is beneficial, but not necessary.

SKILLS » Ability to collaborate with various levels of team members » Thrive in fast-paced environments » Strong oral and written communication skills » Understanding of HSE standards and regulations » Be willing to travel

2 MANAGER

1 COORDINATOR

CONTACT Becky Holmes | Talent Acquisition Manager (920) 583-1517 | careers@michels.us | facebook.com/MichelsCorp biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account Life Insurance

FUN STUFF

Disability Insurance

QPS offers internal employees service awards at every 5 year increment, including a Rolex watch at 20 years!

401(k) Vacation (paid time off) Dependent Care Reimbursement Tuition Reimbursement Apprenticeships/Internships

INFO

WHO WE ARE QPS is a full-service staffing firm specializing in industrial, skilled trades, office/clerical and professional staffing. We’ve spent the past 35 years perfecting the art of matchingmaking; only we pair the perfect worker with the perfect job. Look at it this way, a sports star has an agent who helps them find the best team and negotiate the best deal.

We are that agent but the best part is we don’t charge you a fee!

STUFF WE MAKE

250 North Patrick Boulevard, Suite 185 Brookfield, WI 53045 (262) 754-9000

While we don’t actually make a product, we do help some of the coolest products in Wisconsin get made, in industries from food to auto. Working in production, shipping or the office, all of the employees we place have a hand in making the final product.

qpsworks.com

COOL CUSTOMERS

facebook.com/QPSemployment

Working at a QPS client means that you’d be making or servicing products you see on a daily basis.

linkedin.com/company/ qps-employment-group/

The staff you work with at QPS follows a set of beliefs in creating positive experiences for our customers, as well as our associate and internal employees. Passion, Family Spirt, Legacy, High Touch, Collaboration and Innovation are what drives our corporate culture. More than just words on a wall, we strive to live these beliefs on a daily basis in every interaction we have.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES/ BENEFITS Many of our entry level workers find themselves gaining the experience and knowledge they need to build a career. Every year thousands of people who start a job through our agency are then hired by the client. Many of those companies will train or send you to the school or classes needed to help advance. Our recruiters have connections to hundreds of companies, know what each one does and which ones need new employees at any given time. You meeting with the one person saves you time from having to meet, interview and research each company on your own.

youtube.com/user/QPSSTAFFING @qps_employment Employees: 345 Year founded: 1985 President: Scott A. Mayer

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MANUFACTURING Interested in a job at one of our client sites? We have hundreds of openings listed on our website and they change daily based on our client needs.

Manufacturing workers are just one role that we hire for. Working in production at a manufacturing facility might be different than what you think it is. These “factories” will rival many offices. They are clean, well lit, have advanced technology and make some of the coolest stuff you can think of. Many of our manufacturing companies also hire people who have very little manufacturing experience and is a great alternative to perhaps other opportunities you might be considering in restaurant or retail.

HOW DO I APPLY? Go to WWW.QPSWORKS.COM for a full list of openings. It could be full or part time that you are looking for, perhaps at a company in a certain area or maybe there is a company you want to work at who only hires through a staffing agency. Contact us and one of our recruiters will find the right match for you.

OUR SIDE OF THE DESK Maybe you are interested in working on our side of the desk and doing our job.

QPS is always looking for people to work inside our offices finding the companies who need people, the employees who wish to work there and all of the support department around that.

Here at QPS, we hire people who work as recruiters, sales reps, customer service professionals as well as people who work in payroll, accounting, marketing and health and safety.

If your career goals have you interested in one of these roles, check out our current openings at: WWW.QPSEMPLOYMENT.COM/ABOUT/JOIN

CONTACT Heather Notbohm | Internal Recruiter (262) 754-6354 | Hnotbohm@qpsemployment.com | linkedin.com/in/heathernotbohm/ biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account Life Insurance

FUN STUFF

Disability Insurance 401(k) Vacation (paid time off) Dependent Care Reimbursement Tuition Reimbursement Apprenticeships/Internships

WHO WE ARE We are not just a manufacturer or service business — we help keep the lights on where you live, work and play.

SPX Transformer Solutions provides power transformer product and service solutions for a reliable electric grid. As one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of power transformers, we extend that expertise by offering full service support, including components and training.

INFO

Join the team helping transform our country’s power grid and solving tomorrow’s energy infrastructure challenges!

400 South Prairie Avenue Waukesha, WI 53186 (262) 547-0121 spxtransformersolutions.com facebook.com/ spxtransformersolutions linkedin.com/company/ spx-transformer-solutions-inc@spxtransformers youtube.com/user/SPXWaukesha Employees: 1,000 Year founded: 1970 President: Brian G. Mason

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STUFF WE MAKE We design, manufacture, install and service engineeredto-order power transformers for a variety of customers, including: » » » » »

Investor-owned utilities Not-for-profit, community-owned utilities Power cooperatives Industrial companies Renewable energy site developers

We are passionate about supporting the communities in which we work! Whether it be going out to schools and making STEM principles come to life, hosting tours, building homes for Habitat for Humanity, cleaning up local roads, donating food for families in need or supporting the United Way, our employees get involved in a variety of companysponsored opportunities throughout the year and rally behind our communities.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES/ BENEFITS Rewarding career opportunities are currently offered in engineering, procurement, manufacturing, sales and marketing, service, information technology and many other fields. Our careers provide amazing opportunities for skilled workers and college graduates to be hired into a fast-paced, forward-thinking environment where they can sharpen their talents. In fact, your skills and our needs may be the career solution you’ve been searching for to power your future!

Our Total Rewards program includes a comprehensive offering combining a challenging work environment with opportunities for personal development, career growth and recognition. Together, these opportunities present significant growth potential for employees, both financially and professionally.

COOL CUSTOMERS » » » » »

Alliant Energy American Transmission Company (ATC) Dairyland Power Cooperative Wisconsin Public Service We Energies

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

KATELYNN PARKER

MAINTENANCE INTERN AGE: 25 YEARS AT COMPANY: 9 Months WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? » Routine building and property maintenance tasks, including carpentry, electrical, HVAC and plumbing » Preventative maintenance, including machine lubrications, oil testing and analysis » Facilities machine checks, including assessing machine health and troubleshooting WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? I wanted to do something I was passionate about. The picture shows the company’s new rover machine, which is a project I helped implement.

This has been a great experience! This job means everything, as it has given me so many opportunities to learn. I make a good wage and get to spend more time with family because of it. I also get to work as much overtime as my manager will allow.

JORDAN RAMOS

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS Associate’s Degree in Electro Mechanical Technology or Industrial Maintenance SKILLS A lot of common sense is needed with facilities and HVAC. You will learn about tools and machinery. The technicians, who are all very welcoming, will explain in detail processes and encourage you to ask questions. It makes someone want to pay attention, and I understand how much I learn from them. This internship is a very hands-on learning experience.

THE JOB:

QUALITY PROCESS TECHNICIAN

REQUIREMENTS Associate’s Degree in Quality Management

AGE: 27

SKILLS Problem solving, as you run into problems all the time on the shop floor. You have to think, “How can we fix this and make this right?” Communication skills are needed to all areas. Having been in different roles at SPX Transformer Solutions, it helps to build relationships and know where to go to solve the issues.

YEARS AT COMPANY: 6 WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? » Perform moisture sampling and run result tests » Enter data for dissolved gas analysis » Support in ensuring compliance to established Quality Systems » Review, validate and distribute quality and non-conformance data WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? I was able to benefit from the company’s tuition reimbursement program. I went to school and worked third shift while I pursued my college degree. I was able to take 1-3 classes per semester, depending on my work schedule and personal life.

I felt the Quality department would be a good fit for me almost immediately when I started at SPX Transformer Solutions, and the company provided an opportunity to grow and move into a Quality position. As I was working in different roles throughout the plant, I saw how much quality mattered and wanted to hold myself to a high standard, taking pride in my work. By moving into the Quality department, I am able to instill that importance of quality in others.

Career Ladder 5 ENGINEERING OPERATIONS

4 MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

3 INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE

2 MAINTENANCE FACILITIES

1 MAINTENANCE INTERN

CONTACT Carrie Schmitt | HR Manager (262) 513-5406 | carrie.schmitt@spx.com | linkedin.com/in/carrie-schmitt-b9bb2114 biztimes.com/stuffse | S T U F F S E

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D E S I G N E D , M A D E A N D B U I LT I N S O U T H E A S TE R N W I S C O N S I N

S T U D E N T S 12 : 0 0 N O O N - 3 : 0 0 P M

 Attend a session on career exploration  Enjoy the break between different sessions to visit some of our company booths  Network with current employees and HR directors to discuss potential career paths  Participate in the virtual scavenger hunt to win prizes!

Teachers  Register here to attend free: biztimes.com/stuffcareerfair  For more information: Contact Sue Herzog at 414-336-7100 or sue.herzog@biztimes.com

1 S T A N N UAL

CAREER FA IR FEB R UA R Y 24, 2021 • 12 - 6 P M JOBSEEKERS 3:00 - 6:00 PM

Welcome jobseekers to the 1st Annual STUFF Career Fair!

® Attend a session on culture, workplace and available jobs from participating companies ® Connect with employers and recruiters hiring now ® Network with current employees and HR directors to discuss career opportunities ® Submit your application directly to employers

Jobseekers ® Register for free at: biztimes.com/stuffcareerfair ® For more information: Contact Sue Herzog at 414-336-7100 or sue.herzog@biztimes.com

RESOURCES

Resources for students, schools, job seekers & employers Your one-stop listing of useful programs for students, educators, job seekers and employers of tomorrow’s workforce in southeastern Wisconsin.

WCTC DUAL ENROLLMENT ACADEMY

wctc.edu/dual-enroll Trains high school seniors in high-demand fields while earning college credits through WCTC. SKILLSUSA

S T U FF FO R S T U D E N T S CAREER CRUISING

careercruising.com All Wisconsin students can access career-related assessments, career and college profiles, and information about financial aid and employment.

CODE.ORG

code.org Free computer science courses.

skillsusa.org A partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.

WISCONSIN EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNIT Y PROGRAMS

dpi.wi.gov/weop Provides college and career readiness programs, resources and support for young adults.

CYBER EDUCATION WISCONSIN

cyberedu.wi.gov Info on cybersecurity degrees, career paths, certifications and courses.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION – ACADEMIC & CAREER PLANNING

dpi.wi.gov/acp/resources/ families-and-students Equips students with tools to make informed choices about postsecondary education and training.

CAREER INFONET

GIRLS INCORPORATED

bls.gov Government-provided data and information on occupations and industries, pay and benefits.

safehavenofracine.org/girls-inc Providing academic enrichment and lifestyle development programs to underserved girls in southeast Wisconsin.

GIRL DEVELOP IT

girldevelopit.com Organization devoted to getting women the materials needed to pursue careers in software development.

LEAD2CHANGE

icstars.org Technology-based workforce development, leadership training program and social enterprise.

SKILLSUSA

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S T U FF FO R C A R E E R PL A N N I N G careeronestop.org Information for career exploration, training and jobs.

CAREER OUTLOOK

JOB CENTER OF WISCONSIN

jobcenterofwisconsin.com Current job openings as reported by employers throughout Wisconsin.

LIFT UP MKE

liftupmke.com Training women in technology to reenter tech careers.

LIVECAREER

livecareer.com Articles on job search, salary negotiation and career advice.

lead2changeinc.org Career-readiness organization that engages young people in leadership opportunities. milwaukee.makerfaire.com.

MY SKILLS MY FUTURE

MILWAUKEE NARI FOUNDATION

O*NET ONLINE

milwaukeenarifoundation.org Scholarships for students in the home improvement and remodeling industry.

onetonline.org Job and skills search tools.

myskillsmyfuture.org Compare careers, find training and search for jobs.

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

WAYUP

I.C.STARS

wayup.com Advice, tips and articles for students to assist them in getting hired.

milwaukee.icstars.org Program targeting young adults in underserved communities who are interested in the technology field.

WISCONNECT INTERNSHIP COORDINATION

internshipwisconsin.com Connects employers and students interested in internships.

LAB MIDWEST

WISCONSIN AHEC HEALTH CAREERS

labmidwest.com Aligning programs and curriculum to the needs of industrial and manufacturing operations.

wihealthcareers.org Information on health careers in Wisconsin.

MILWAUKEE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL

WISCONSIN TECHCONNECT

wisconsintechconnect.com Statewide online employment system for Wisconsin Technical College students and graduates.

WISCONOMY

wisconomy.com Job search and employment information from the State of Wisconsin.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD IN MILWAUKEE COUNT Y

employmilwaukee.org Resources for job-seekers as well as employers.

milwbuildingtrades.org Partnering local unions, community organizations, construction associations and industry leaders.

MKE TECH HUB

mketech.org Growing technology and innovation in the Milwaukee region.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS

advancingaiwisconsin.com Initiative to increase awareness of digital disruption technologies and their impact on Wisconsin businesses.

DYNAMIC WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS

dwfs.us Workforce training, consulting, management and administrative services.

GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON WORKFORCE INVESTMENT

wi-cwi.org Aiding Wisconsin employers in finding the workers they need and providing training resources.

THE GREATER MILWAUKEE COMMITTEE

gmconline.org Promotes a Regional Workforce Alliance between corporations, talent networks, and schools in Milwaukee.

WISCONSIN MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP

wmep.org Specialized nonprofit organization providing targeted consulting services to small and medium manufacturers within its service territory in Wisconsin.

WORKFORCE TRAINING GRANTS

wedc.org/programs-and-resources/ workforce-training-grants Grant funding for businesses to increase job skills of the business’s employees.

B US I N E SS A SSO C I AT I O N S The following groups promote and protect the interests of the business community in their regions:

REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP

KENOSHA AREA BUSINESS ALLIANCE

wisconsinapprenticeship.org Helps employers address the ongoing need for a highly skilled workforce.

kaba.org

shrm.org

ADVANCING AI WISCONSIN

wmc.org Wisconsin’s business voice since 1911, representing more than 3,800 member companies.

nahb.org Member organization serving America’s housing industry since the early 1940s.

SOCIET Y FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

S T U FF FO R E M PLOY E R S

WISCONSIN MANUFACTURERS & COMMERCE

WEDC’S SEED ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

wedc.org/programs-andresources/seed-accelerator Supplies grants to eligible communities and organizations to support startups in Wisconsin.

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

dwd.wisconsin.gov Building and strengthening Wisconsin’s workforce through job training and employment assistance.

WISCONSIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.

METROPOLITAN BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

mbaonline.org METROPOLITAN MILWAUKEE ASSOCIATION OF COMMERCE

mmac.org MILWAUKEE 7 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP

mke7.com OZAUKEE COUNT Y ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

ozaukeebusiness.org RACINE COUNT Y ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.

rcedc.org SHEBOYGAN COUNT Y ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.

sheboygancountyedc.com

inwisconsin.com Leading economic development efforts for the state by providing resources to companies and communities.

WASHINGTON COUNT Y WORKFORCE ALLIANCE

WISCONSIN FAST FORWARD GRANTS

waukesha.org

wisconsinfastforward.com Grants to support employer-led worker training projects.

wcwfa.org WAUKESHA COUNT Y BUSINESS ALLIANCE

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RESOURCES SHARP LITERACY

sharpliteracy.org Program tailored to help K4 through fifth grade students build reading, writing and researching skills by using the visual arts.

STEM 101

stem101.org Provides 21st-century, career-minded curriculum.

STEM FORWARD

S T U FF FO R E D U C ATO R S WISCONSIN DUAL ENROLLMENT

dpi.wi.gov/dual-enrollment High school students can attend a Wisconsin postsecondary institution at no cost while earning college and high school credits.

CYBERPATRIOT

uscyberpatriot.org National Youth Cyber Education Program created by the Air Force Association to inspire K-12 students toward careers in cybersecurity or other STEM disciplines.

stemforward.org Programs to inspire youth to pursue STEM careers and provide a pipeline of talent to businesses.

TEALS

tealsk12.org Microsoft Philanthropies’ Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) helps high schools build computer science programs.

GPS EDUCATION PARTNERS

gpsed.org Manufacturing-specific, statewide Department of Workforce Development Youth Apprenticeship program.

H I G H E R E D S T U FF

SCHOOLS2SKILLS THROUGH THE WCBA

waukesha.org/employer-collaboratives/ manufacturing-alliance/ Waukesha County high school students have the opportunity to experience innovative technology at local manufacturers.

MILWAUKEE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING YOUTH OPTIONS PROGRAM

msoe.edu/academics/high-schoolprograms/early-college-credit-program/ Enables students from area high schools to pursue college coursework at MSOE. MARQUETTE UNIVERSIT Y’S CENTER FOR SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

thinkful.com Online technology classes with real-world professionals and one-on-one mentorship.

LAKESHORE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

gotoltc.edu matc.edu

pltw.org Offers transformative learning experiences for K-12 students and teachers across the U.S.

uwm.edu/lubar-entrepreneurship-center For student entrepreneurs, faculty and community businesses to work on building new enterprises.

gtc.edu

MILWAUKEE AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY

THE LUBAR ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTER AT UW–MILWAUKEE

GATEWAY TECHNICAL COLLEGE

juniorachievement.org Preparing students in the areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. dpi.wi.gov/pathways-wisconsin Education and training beyond high school, including early work experience, skills development and postsecondary credentials.

thecommonswi.com Mentorship and networking opportunities for students in southeastern Wisconsin.

THINKFUL

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF WISCONSIN

PATHWAYS WISCONSIN

THE COMMONS

marquette.edu/business/ supply-chain/index.php Trains students through real-world experience and applied learning in business and manufacturing.

FUTURE READY SCHOOLS

futureready.org Helps K-12 school leaders plan and implement personalized, researchbased digital learning strategies.

Special university programs

MORAINE PARK TECHNICAL COLLEGE

morainepark.edu WAUKESHA COUNT Y TECHNICAL COLLEGE

wctc.edu

Engineering programs COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & APPLIED SCIENCE AT UWM

uwm.edu/engineering ENGINEERING AT CARTHAGE COLLEGE

carthage.edu/engineering MILWAUKEE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING (MSOE)

msoe.edu OPUS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AT MARQUETTE

marquette.edu/engineering UW – PARKSIDE ENGINEERING MAJOR

uwp.edu/learn/programs/engineering.cfm

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STUFF SE

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A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

The

ALTERNATIVE to Crushing Debt.

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