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Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers visited St. Croix Manufacturing Skills Center to view RESTORE grant-funded lab
October 08, 2024
On Monday, October 7, 2024, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers visited the new St. Croix Manufacturing Skills Center located at the St. Croix Central High School in Hammond, Wisconsin, to tour the state-of-the-art lab funded by the RESTORE (Restoring Employment through Support, Training, Outreach, Recruitment, and Education) project in partnership with Northwood Technical College. This initiative is part of a larger effort to strengthen workforce training and development in northwest Wisconsin, providing specialized programs for high-demand manufacturing skills.
Developed in collaboration with St. Croix Falls School District and supported by a $10 million Workforce Innovation Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the center aims to address the critical shortage of skilled workers in the manufacturing industry. By equipping students and local businesses with essential skills, the center plays a key role in transforming communities and supporting economic growth in the region.
The St. Croix Manufacturing Skills Center is officially open with classes running this fall, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned in November to celebrate the launch of its training programs. These programs will offer hands-on, industry-specific courses designed to meet the growing needs of local employers, preparing a skilled workforce for careers in advanced manufacturing, automation, and robotics. Additionally, local businesses will have access to customized training programs, helping them remain competitive in the evolving industrial landscape.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers was given a tour of the advanced equipment at the new St. Croix Manufacturing Skills Center in Hammond, Wisconsin, as part of the Wisconsin Innovation Grant and RESTORE project.
During his visit, Gov. Evers toured the facility’s advanced equipment and technology, which highlight the importance of the center in providing essential training for the future of Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector. The center offers a variety of courses designed to develop proficiency in industrial systems, robotics, and mechatronics, including:
- Basic Pneumatics 1: Covering fluid power principles, pneumatic circuits, and airflow control.
- Introduction to AC/DC: Teaching the fundamentals of electrical circuits and power systems.
- Automation 1 & 2: Focused on motor control, sensors, and industrial control systems.
- Maintenance, Intermediate, and Advanced PLC: Developing skills in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), a vital technology in automation.
- FANUC Robotics Handling Tool Operation and Programming: Equipping students with skills to operate and program FANUC robots, widely used in manufacturing.
Students completing these courses will gain job-ready skills to handle advanced automated systems, program material handling, troubleshoot robotics, and prepare for Industry 4.0 standards. Northwood Tech also offers SACA Silver and SACA Gold certifications through the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA), a globally recognized program validating skills in smart automation and robotics.
The St. Croix Manufacturing Skills Center, through the RESTORE project, represents a significant leap forward in addressing the skills gap within the local manufacturing sector. Beyond technical training, the center provides pathways to certifications and upskilling opportunities for workers seeking career advancement or transitioning into new roles.
Northwood Tech’s collaboration with local businesses and community leaders ensures that the training programs align with industry needs. The center serves as a valuable resource for both new learners and experienced workers, offering entry-level and advanced training that prepares them for high-demand manufacturing roles.
With Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector continuing to grow, the investment in the St. Croix Manufacturing Skills Center is a strategic move to keep the region competitive, boost economic growth, and create a steady pipeline of skilled workers. Gov. Evers’ visit underscored the state's commitment to education and workforce development, with the center poised to play a pivotal role in Wisconsin’s manufacturing future.
For information about the upcoming grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony, please contact Liz Pizzi, associate dean of workforce and community development for Northwood Tech via email Liz.Pizzi@NorthwoodTech.edu.
