News
Northwood Technical College and St. Croix Central Collaborate on Manufacturing Skills Center to Enhance Workforce Development
November 12, 2024
Northwood Technical College and St. Croix Central High School are thrilled to announce the opening of the St. Croix Manufacturing Skills Center, a new facility dedicated to providing advanced manufacturing training and workforce solutions for the local community. The center was developed as part of the RESTORE (Restoring Employment through Support, Training, Outreach, Recruitment, and Education) project and is funded as part of a $10 million Workforce Innovation Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). As a subrecipient of the grant, Northwood Tech and St. Croix Central School District collaborated with Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), the grant's lead institution, to create this innovative center, which aims to meet regional workforce needs and support economic growth by equipping students and workers with essential skills for the manufacturing industry.
Tim Widiker, district administrator for the St. Croix Central School District, cuts the ribbon during the grand opening ceremony for the St. Croix Manufacturing Skills Center on Nov. 12, 2024. He is joined by St. Croix Central High School students enrolled in courses at the center, along with area manufacturing business and industry leaders.
“This center embodies our mission of putting Students First and our vision of Transforming Communities,” said Dr. John Will, President of Northwood Technical College. “Through this partnership, we’re providing opportunities for students, community members, and businesses to gain the advanced manufacturing skills needed to thrive in today’s economy. We aspire to be the recognized leader in workforce development and community engagement, and this center is a vital part of achieving that goal.”
Part of the broader RESTORE (Restoring Employment through Support, Training, Outreach, Recruitment, and Education) project, the center addresses the shortage of skilled workers in the manufacturing sector. It offers comprehensive training in mechatronics, a multidisciplinary field essential to modern industry, which involves the development, maintenance, and design of high-tech, efficient machines and products. This training is crucial for automated processes in manufacturing and industrial tasks, ensuring that students and workers are prepared for technology-driven roles that are critical in modern industry.
“This training center is more than just a facility—it’s a solution to the workforce challenges our region faces,” said Liz Pizzi, associate dean of workforce and community development for Northwood Tech. “By connecting students with real-world training and businesses with skilled workers, we’re building stronger communities and shaping the future of manufacturing in our area.”
The local workforce in St. Croix County benefits from a robust job market, especially in manufacturing sectors. An average area of this size typically has 5,965 jobs, but St. Croix County exceeds this with 7,813 jobs—indicating a higher-than-average supply of positions in the region. This abundance of job opportunities can make it easier for workers to find employment, particularly in fields related to manufacturing and other technical careers. Looking ahead, the job market is expected to grow even more, with a 5.7% increase in employment within St. Croix County anticipated by 2028. This growth provides even greater opportunities for workers, particularly in key industries such as plastics product manufacturing, where 14.6% of local employment is concentrated. The St. Croix Manufacturing Skills Center will include opportunities for rural secondary students, unemployed and underemployed adults, and justice-involved individuals, providing them with industry-recognized training credentials and equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in the regional job market while supporting businesses with a pipeline of skilled workers.
The St. Croix Manufacturing Skills Center provides a wide range of educational and workforce training opportunities to support the region’s manufacturing industry. High school students can earn a 14-credit Mechatronics technical diploma, gaining foundational knowledge in mechanics, electronics, computer technologies, sensors, robots, controls, hydraulics, and pneumatics. The center also offers a registered apprenticeship program in plastic injection molding, equipping participants with specialized skills in this essential manufacturing process.
In addition to programs for students and adults, the center partners with local businesses to provide customized training solutions tailored to their specific needs, helping companies stay competitive and grow. Northwood Technical College further enhances career opportunities through SACA Silver and SACA Gold certification courses, which validate proficiency in advanced manufacturing, smart automation, and robotics. These globally recognized certifications offer flexible learning options, including fully online courses and hands-on lab experiences, preparing participants with job-ready skills for today’s technology-driven industries.
“Wisconsin needs skilled, highly trained workers if we’re going to keep our state’s lead in advanced manufacturing,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s leading economic development organization. “The RESTORE program developed by Chippewa Valley Technical College and Northwood Technical College and their community partners provides workers with the skills employers rely on to remain competitive in the global marketplace.”
The RESTORE project, funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act, was one of 27 awards selected from over 300 applications for the Workforce Innovation Grant Program. The project, led by Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), also includes partnerships with Bloomer and Osseo-Fairchild High Schools, as well as multiple industry and workforce development organizations across Wisconsin.
“This facility represents a tremendous opportunity to transform our communities and support local businesses by providing a clear path for students to gain high-level skills and knowledge in manufacturing,” said Garret Wenzel, St. Croix Manufacturing Skills Center instructor. “By bringing together St. Croix High School, Northwood Tech, and industry partners, we’re creating a model for vertical integration in education—ensuring everyone knows the steps to success. It’s about working together to grow our communities, support local businesses, and help them thrive by creating opportunities and developing skilled employees.”
For more information about the St. Croix Manufacturing Skills Center and how Northwood Technical College is leading the way in workforce development and community engagement, please visit NorthwoodTech.edu/Advanced-Manufacturing or contact Liz.Pizzi@NorthwoodTech.edu.
To learn more about Northwood Tech’s other programs, visit NorthwoodTech.edu.
