Northwood Tech News

The new Industry 4.0 – Advanced Manufacturing box truck will provide mobile training opportunities throughout the District for certifications/credentials in Mechatronics, SACA (Smart Automation Certification Alliance), Robotics, and Machine Tool. The box truck was purchased with funds from the Workforce Innovation Grant – HOMES Project.

Grant Background 

Through a unique partnership between Northwood Tech and Impact Seven, the HOMES grant addresses both advanced manufacturing workforce and affordable housing shortages, focusing on unemployed and underemployed adults and underserved populations. Northwood Tech will allocate $3.8 million for advanced mobile manufacturing equipment and instructional costs. Impact Seven will allocate $6 million toward workforce housing by reducing risk on the multi-family rental housing and onsite workforce accelerators. This will also include extended classroom space in other communities as well.  

The project will provide flexible training opportunities in advanced manufacturing including certifications and credentials in mechatronics, smart automation, robotics and machine tool, as well as virtual reality training to Northwood Tech District residents and business and collaboration opportunities with high school instructors on innovating teaching and technologies. 

HOMES will serve communities in Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, and Washburn counties located in the Northwood Technical College District. 

The $9.8 million Housing Opportunity and Mobile Education Solutions (HOMES) Workforce Innovation Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.