Fox Valley Technical College is the recipient of new grants, totaling almost one million dollars from the Wisconsin Technical College System, which will be used to fund high-demand workforce training.
In total, FVTC has secured $950,000 in grants as part of the Workforce Advancement Training (WAT) program, which is expected to boost the region’s workforce.
WAT is part of the state’s $5 million annual investment in workforce development and will support customized training programs designed to upskill employees and enhance business performance across Northeast Wisconsin.
The grants will support training in high-demand fields such as manufacturing, healthcare and transportation. The programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of local industries, with a focus on technical skills, safety, automation and leadership development. FVTC’s Business & Industry Services will work directly with over 100 area employers, providing tailored training that helps them remain competitive in a rapidly changing economy.
“These grants allow us to deliver high-impact, industry-specific training that directly supports the needs of our regional employers,” Director of Business & Industry Services at FVTC Kari Meixl said. “They also help employers greatly offset the cost of high-quality training, making it more accessible to invest in their workforce and stay competitive in today’s fast-changing environment.”
The impact of these grants extends beyond the classroom, directly benefiting both local companies and their employees. Global technology company Valmet is one of the many employers that have already seen the value of FVTC’s training.
“The knowledge and skills which our employees have gained at FVTC to teach classes (Train-the-Trainer Course) have met and exceeded our expectations,” Marc Grassel, a training manager at Valmet, said. “In addition, the cost is considerably less than other options, making FVTC a great value.”
The training grants demonstrate the collaboration between FVTC and the local business community. These funds enable the college to provide targeted education that addresses specific skill gaps, ensuring that students are prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
The grant also benefits students by making training more accessible and affordable, helping students like Connor McGowan advance their careers. McGowan said he hopes to transfer to FVTC after completing his general education requirements at UW Oshkosh. While he isn’t yet sure of the effect it will have on him, he is excited to see how it impacts the school and the communities it serves.
“(The grant) will allow students to get more opportunities presented to them, whether that be through more career fairs or hands-on training,” McGowan said. “Having this funding will ensure that students are more prepared to enter the workforce already with their next steps in mind after graduation.”
The WAT grant program provides funding to Wisconsin businesses to upgrade the skills of their employees. The grants are distributed exclusively through the Wisconsin Technical College System and are intended to promote increased investment in worker development, improve business productivity, and support regional economic growth, according to the Wisconsin Technical College System.
