Goodwill Abilities Center TechWorks—Training for YOU!

May 20th, 2008 at 09:15pm Teresa Beach-Shelow

As we discuss the viability of Manufacaturing in our Region and our USA—education and workforce float up to the forefront of the discussion. Companies that have managed to find a, niche or a USA or Global, market where they are thriving despite what our media—oh no this is a news media sponsored Blogg—-says need dependable workers. Workers who show up on time ready to work everyday; Workers who can read; Workers who can problem solve and interact about their solutions with fellow employees and customers. Workers who can pass a drug and alcohol test. Workers with skills; Where do successful companies find such people?

There are several training programs and facilities which I hope to discuss in a future Blogg but today let’s talk about TechWorks. TechWorks is on 15th Ave. It is under the umbrella of the Goodwill Abilities Center. It is a great transitional training program. It is a great increase your skills program. Examples: Blue Print reading, CAD, Manual machining processes, CNC machining processes or think up the manufacturing related training your needs and they can probably come up with the class, if you have the students. They do this type of custom training quickly (not on a semester basis) and in a cost effective manner.

Winnebago County has teamed up with TechWorks to offer loans to help manufacturing wannabes pay for the 10 week training program called: CNC Operator Training. Trainees pay a portion to start taking the class and then pay the rest when they get to work. The Goodwill Abilities Center even has a dynamo, Courtney Geiger, doing prescreening and job placement for the graduates. Interested employers can call her for employee candidate info. But call soon as they are being snatched up quickly…Two in the last week or so.

Despite the success of the Goodwill Abilities Center TechWorks Training facility they are working to make this piece of the workforce development solution more robust and user friendly. Sam Schmitz, President of the Goodwill Abilities Center with the help of Bob Trojan, Dave Morgan, Dick Gieson and I, board Members, are looking for input on how to strengthen this workforce development effort. Contacting us with training needs you as an employer or employee have would help us to solidify how we are going to grow this successful program. Is there anything we can do to better inform the community that we have this training available to Employers and possible new manufacturing students? Are you interested in supporting this effort? How?

Since the average age of manufacturing employees in our region are 55 years old manufacturing workforce development is a regional issue. Manufacturing jobs generally pay well and have benefits. This can help families live more stable lives. This is why the Goodwill/Abilities Center is interested in this kind of mission. Actually the mission statement on their web site says: Strengthening individuals, families and the community through education, employment and enterprise development. Two websites to check out are the TechWorks web site at http://www.techworksprogram.org/ and the Goodwill Abilities Center web site at http://www.abilitiescenter.org/. Contact information is right there.

We would appreciate it if you would come along side us as we come along side employers and future employees, to strengthen our region! We cannot be as successful without you!

P.S. If you are trying to encourage someone to participate in the training take them to see the movie Ironman and get ‘em all excited about making things—to better our world! That is what it is all about!

Entry Filed under: Education & Training