STUFF South Central Wisconsin - Winter/Spring 2021 Edition

A GUI DE TO

A P RODUCT OF

DESIGNED, MADE AND BUILT IN WISCONSIN WINTER/SPRING 2021

what

is it?

who mak es it?

STUFF BLOWN UP page 12 Building a state-ofthe-art chemistry lab

COOL STUFF page 16 Made and designed in Wisconsin

HOW DO YOU BUILD...

A BUDGET? page 26

could I make a career out of it?

CHECK OUT JOB PROFILES - PGS 31-35

TO LEARN ABOUT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES!

BUILD YOUR

FUTURE AT

MSOE

4-year

graduation guarantee

msoe.edu UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES Actuarial Science Architectural Engineering Biomedical Engineering BioMolecular Engineering Business Administration CHOOSE YOUR BBA CONCENTRATION

Accounting Finance International Supply Chain and Logistics Management Information Systems Marketing Technical Sales Civil Engineering Computer Engineering Computer Science Construction Management Electrical Engineering Industrial Engineering Mechanical Engineering Nursing Software Engineering User Experience

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student-to-faculty ratio

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University in the Midwest and Best Value School in the Midwest.*

$65,427 average starting salary

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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

A G U I D E TO

DESIGNED, MADE AND BUILT IN WISCONSIN WINTER/SPRING 2021

EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES OF STUFF DESIGNED, MADE AND BUILT IN WISCONSIN WELCOME TO THE LATEST EDITION OF STUFF DESIGNED, MADE AND BUILT IN WISCONSIN. Even with a pandemic and economic uncertainty over the last year, the unemployment rate has dropped and employers in Wisconsin are still looking for their workforce of the future. This print and digital magazine is your opportunity to explore careers in industries like manufacturing, construction, health care and technology, all sectors in which employers are looking to attract people to the industry. You can see the digital version at biztimes.com/stuffwi.

This year, we’re especially grateful to our advertisers and company profile participants and longtime sponsors GPS Education Partners and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. We appreciate their support.

It’s not uncommon for adults to ask young people what they plan to do after high school or what they want to do when they grow up. Some on the receiving end of these questions have always known their answer while others may not be sure how to answer. For some, the default may be going to a four-year university, even if they are not sure what to study, because that’s what they think they are supposed to do. Others may not be thinking of any additional schooling because no one else in their family has received more than a high school diploma.

The reality is around 70% of jobs by 2027 will require more than a high school degree, but a significant portion of those do not require a four-year degree, according to a Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce estimate. While the four-year options are widely known, the opportunities at technical schools are not. That’s why we primarily highlight those two-year (or less) options in our “Cool Schools” feature.

Of course, Wisconsin is a manufacturing state and so we highlight “Cool Stuff” designed and made locally while also giving a nod to some of the tech companies making things here too. “Stuff Blown Up” spotlights the wide variety of companies and jobs it takes for major construction projects to come together. We also explore some of the basics of budgeting and highlight one of Wisconsin’s advantages over other areas: a lower cost of living.

This issue also highlights the role technology plays in agriculture, an important industry for the state. In “Tech on the Farm” we spotlight how innovations are helping farmers be more efficient, profitable and sustainable.

You can also read about area companies and meet their employees in the profiles starting on page 29.

Above all else, we hope that STUFF helps you understand and explore the career options available to you as a student or current job seeker. Read about some of the paths others have taken in “Career Spotlight” and take a look at the “Hot Jobs” that are projected to grow in coming years before diving into company profiles in the second half of the issue.

Dan Meyer Founder and publisher BizTimes Media – publisher of STUFF

biztimes.com/stuffwi | S T U F F W I

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CONTENTS A G U I D E TO

DESIGNED, MADE AND BUILT IN WISCONSIN WINTER/SPRING 2021

PU B L ISH ER ’ S L E T T ER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P3

A SUPPLEMENT OF

P8

A GUIDE TO STUFF DESIGNED, MADE AND BUILT IN WISCONSIN - 2021

A note from Dan Meyer, publisher.

P8

CO O L S C H O O L S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Explore programs to develop your skills for the manufacturing, construction, health care or technology industries.

P12

S T U FF B LO W N U P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P 12

Get a closer look at the jobs and companies in construction.

SU PPLY C H A I N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P 14

A breakdown of how raw materials become finished products.

P16

CO O L S T U FF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mary Ernst .................................................mary.ernst@biztimes.com COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT / OWNER

P 16

P24

STUFF - PROJECT EDITOR

Arthur Thomas ......................................arthur.thomas@biztimes.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR

P 20

P26

STUFF WI

P 26

Winter/Spring 2021

Nan Bialek

ADMINISTRATION

SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR OF SALES

Linda Crawford..................................... linda.crawford@biztimes.com CONTENT SOLUTIONS MANAGER

Maggie Pinnt .......................................... maggie.pinnt@biztimes.com

P 28

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Dylan Dobson ....................................... dylan.dobson@biztimes.com Paddy Kieckhefer ............................. paddy.kieckhefer@biztimes.com Christie Ubl ............................................... christie.ubl@biztimes.com

PRODUCTION & DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGNER

P 29

Businesses share a look inside their day-to-day and current positions in demand.

|

Brandon Anderegg .........................brandon.anderegg@biztimes.com Maredithe Meyer............................... maredithe.meyer@biztimes.com Alex Zank .................................................... alex.zank@biztimes.com

Sue Herzog ...............................................sue.herzog@biztimes.com

For a feature on “Building a Career” and resources for students, schools, job seekers and employers, see the digital edition at biztimes.com/stuffwi.

4

REPORTERS

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

See the jobs projected to grow in manufacturing, construction, health care and technology.

LO C A L CO M PA N I E S A N D E M PLOY E E PR O F I L E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lauren Anderson ............................... lauren.anderson@biztimes.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

P 24

Tackle the ins and outs of building a budget.

H OT J O BS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

EDITORIAL Andrew Weiland ................................. andrew.weiland@biztimes.com

Technology is transforming agriculture and creating new jobs along the way.

COS T O F L I V I N G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kate Meyer ...............................................kate.meyer@biztimes.com EDITOR

Learn about the journey area employees have taken to their current roles.

T EC H O N T H E FA R M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PUBLISHER / OWNER

Dan Meyer ................................................ dan.meyer@biztimes.com DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Discover products designed and made

by Wisconsin companies and learn about jobs they are hiring for.

C A R EER SP OT L I GH T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

126 N. Jefferson St., Suite 403, Milwaukee, WI 53202-6120 PHONE: 414-277-8181 FAX: 414-277-8191 WEBSITE: www.biztimes.com/stuffwi ADVERTISING EMAIL: advertise@biztimes.com EDITORIAL EMAIL: andrew.weiland@biztimes.com REPRINTS: reprints@biztimes.com ADDITIONAL COPIES: linda.crawford@biztimes.com Additional copies $15 each

Alex Schneider .....................................alex.schneider@biztimes.com ART DIRECTOR

Shelly Tabor ............................................. shelly.tabor@biztimes.com FREELANCE ART DIRECTOR

Meredith Jensen ................................. meredith.m.jensen@gmail.com

INDEPENDENT & LOCALLY OWNED • Founded 1995 • A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS GPS EDUCATION PARTNERS (GPSED) is a nonprofit that operates a statewide Department of Workforce Development Youth Apprenticeship consortium in manufacturing throughout Wisconsin. For 20 years GPSEd has served as an intermediary partner to schools, businesses, and communities to provide scalable, quality work-based learning solutions that impact educational systems, talent pipeline needs, and help sustain communities.

AT THE WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (DWD), we recognize the unique challenges faced by those looking to enter the workforce as we continue to rebuild and recover ROBERT CHERRY in the wake of COVID-19. With tens of millions of American workers displaced Deputy Secretary almost overnight, and the unprecedented changes to our economic landscape Wisconsin Department of that followed, uncertainty remains about the long-term impact of the pandemic Workforce Development on Wisconsin’s industries and workforce.

As we look to the future and how we can best move Wisconsin forward, a top priority for Governor Evers and DWD is continuing to connect employers with the workers they need to meet their business needs. While many things have changed this year, our commitment to investing in Youth Apprenticeship (YA) and Registered Apprenticeship (RA) opportunities has not – these programs allow individuals to learn in-demand, transferable skills from an employer while earning family sustaining wages, qualities that are especially important during this time of economic recovery.

We are proud that despite this year’s challenges, we are continuing to enroll Youth Apprentices at record high numbers. For the 2020-21 school year, YA is on track to serve nearly 6,000 students, while RA saw an increase of more than 2,300 apprentices this year, with a total 13,765 active apprentices across the state. We have also seen increases in the use of our bridge program, guiding YA participants into RA. As we have started to develop apprenticeship opportunities in new industries, including IT, health care, and finance, we hope even more individuals will consider apprenticeship as a cost-effective approach to pursuing both their education and their careers in the years to come.

DWD remains committed to offering workforce programming that provides widespread opportunity and upward economic mobility, including programs such as RA and YA. Raising awareness of apprenticeship and its many benefits for students, parents, and employers is critical for strengthening our workforce, our businesses, and our economy, which is why we’re proud of our continued partnership with BizTimes Media for STUFF Magazine as we navigate these challenging times, together.

By facilitating employer-school partnerships, we are able to deliver custom talent solutions that provide training, industry and educational certifications, apprenticeships, and career services that create better pathways for students while delivering measurable business outcomes that drive both personal and economic success.

WINTER/SPRING 2021

DESIGNED, MADE AND BUILT IN WISCONSIN

GPSEd’s work-based learning programs also include the development of vital soft skills necessary for students to gain and retain employment. Essential soft skills employers are looking for include reliability, leadership, cultural awareness, interpersonal skills, professionalism, conflict management, and work ethic, to name a few. These skills serve employers well but remain with the individual for a lifetime.

We encourage employers to get involved and learn how work-based learning programs can help address their workforce challenges, create access and provide equal opportunity for all students to find, experience, and define their pathway to success.

A G U I D E TO

who mak es it?

DESIGNED, MADE AND BUILT IN WISCONSIN 2021

South Central Edition:

EARNING

Northeast Edition:

EDUCATION THAT PAYS.

Publishes in Fall 2021 DESIGNED, MADE AND BUILT IN WISCONSIN WINTER/SPRING 2021

what

is it?

who mak es it?

COMPANIES AND JOBS page 12

Publishes in Spring 2022

Building a state-ofthe-art chemistry lab

COOL STUFF page 16 Made and designed in Wisconsin

HOW DO YOU BUILD...

A BUDGET? page 26

Publishes in Spring 2022

could I make a career out of it?

CHECK OUT JOB PROFILES - PGS 29-47

TO LEARN ABOUT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES!

TO PARTICIPATE Contact: Linda Crawford (414) 336-7112 | advertise@biztimes.com

A PR O D UCT O F

TO REQUEST A COPY Call: (414) 336-7100

CURVE.

Apprenticeships combine jobsite training and classroom learning so you can start a career, earn college credits and bring in a wage at the same time. Get started.

BECOME AN APPRENTICE. WisconsinApprenticeship.org

Advanced Manufacturing | Agriculture | Biotechnology | Construction Trades Financial Occupations | Healthcare | Information Technology | Service Trades | Utility Trades This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.

This project is funded whole or in part by the Department of Labor, receiving Federal funding at $5 million which reflects 100% of the project’s total budget.

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ed

Southeast Edition:

oflab

A PR O DUC T O F

S

A GU I D E TO

AHEAD OF THE

F

Interested in more STUFF?

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A P ROD U CT OF

GPSEd supports local communities by keeping Wisconsin talent in Wisconsin businesses. If you’d like more information on work-based learning visit us at www.gpsed.org or email info@gpsed.org

5

LAND A GREAT CAREER WITHOUT THE COLLEGE DEBT

D

uring eight years as lieutenant governor of this great state, I was called Wisconsin’s “Jobs Ambassador.” It was a role I proudly served, because as we grew Wisconsin’s economy, it was necessary to promote the many excellent opportunities available to our workers, including many of the careers highlighted in this magazine.

Today, I am proud to partner with Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin on the “Building Wisconsin Jobs Project,” a new push to invigorate and strengthen the effort to recruit and train a well-paid Wisconsin construction workforce.

As part of this effort, I’ve been documenting the lives of individuals who have chosen construction as a career path and how that has changed their lives. These amazing stories are highlighted in ABC of Wisconsin’s micro-video series called Money Jobs. If you watch the series, you’ll realize why we called it Money Jobs. In one episode, a young, female apprentice shares her emotional story about how her construction career will allow her to buy her mom a home in the near future. In other episodes, the owner of an HVAC firm explains how his career path provided him with so many great options and how construction apprentices are able to buy nice cars and trucks even before graduating.

Unfortunately, too many high school graduates won’t have these opportunities because they will opt to attend a four-year university instead, believing it’s their “best” option for financial security. This may be best for some, but costly for many others.

According to a study by LendEDU, the average student loan debt per borrower

in Wisconsin is almost $30,000, which results in years of debt payments, especially for many college graduates who are underemployed relative to the investment in their careers.

Compare this to the apprenticeship model.

Apprenticeship tuition with Associated Builders and Contractors is only $2,000 per year (including books and administrative fees) and apprentices get paid while they learn in their three- to five-year programs. They learn on the job most days and in the classroom about one day every two weeks. According to the Wisconsin Technical College System Apprenticeship Salary Report, new graduates completing their apprenticeships in construction crafts have a median salary of $87,000 in our state.

Apprentices, meanwhile, graduate with essentially no education-related debt and many are able to secure home ownership and build cash reserves before they even graduate. They work with their hands and with new technology to build tangible things that provide a strong sense of accomplishment. In addition, construction craftsmen and craftswomen have opportunities to climb into management positions and many become their own bosses after starting their own companies.

Considering the high-market demand which comes with Wisconsin’s 200,000 current construction job openings, there has never been a better time to consider what construction has to offer.

Learn more about ABC’s micro-video series and the stories of individuals who are succeeding in the construction industry at abcwi.org/moneyjobs.

By Rebecca Kleefisch Jobs Ambassador & Host of Money Jobs

Earn while you learn with apprenticeship

BUILD YOUR

CAREER

Begin a great career in construction today and start earning money immediately through apprenticeship! As a skilled construction worker, you’ll be in demand with lots of opportunities to move up the career ladder without big college debt.

Get started at buildyourcareerwi.org

$87,145

Annual median salary for all construction apprenticeship completers in 2018-19 * Wisconsin Technical College System – Employment and Salary Data for 2018-19 Apprentices.

Median salary is not an average – it is the mid-point of all reported salaries, with half of reported salaries below and half above.

COOL SCHOOL S

WHAT’S COO L AT ?

SCHOO L Teaching the skills employers are looking for

HELPING PATIENTS FROM THE LAB Medical laboratory technician program, Blackhawk Technical College EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE usually working in the background of busy hospitals and clinics, medical laboratory technicians play a front-and-center role in assisting doctors in diagnosing and treating patients through accurate testing.

“We are the people who run the tests, but more importantly, we are the people

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Winter/Spring 2021

who can tell you what tests you should be running and why,” said Kathi Winker, director of the medical laboratory technician associate degree program at Blackhawk Technical College.

Some students can get a head start on this career in high school by taking classes in medical terminology, phlebotomy and certified nursing assistant training. The entire fourth semester of the associate degree is devoted to a clinical experience, working 32 hours per week in a hospital laboratory.

“It’s a very complete degree,” Winker said, with rotations through clinical chemistry, testing for diabetes and cholesterol levels, as well as coagulation, blood bank, microbiology, serology, urinalysis and phlebotomy. At the end of the program, students qualify for certification that opens the door to working in laboratories and, she said, about 50% of students have job offers before graduation.

It is not unusual for some students in the program to have already completed a four-year college degree in biology, toxicology or chemistry, said Winker, “and they can’t find jobs.” That’s why she suggests that students consider earning the medical laboratory technician associate degree first and go to work at a hospital, where the need for lab technicians keeps growing as baby boomers retire.

Medical laboratory technicians are in such demand that some hospitals are now offering $10,000 sign-on bonuses, Winker said, and many employers encourage their lab technicians to go on to earn a four-year college degree by offering tuition reimbursements.

There are opportunities to move ahead as well. One of the students who graduated two years ago is now a blood bank supervisor, and another recent graduate is an assistant manager in point-of-care testing (done at the patient’s bedside.) Another graduate is on a team that is developing microbiological testing.

Cost of the medical laboratory technician program is $11,747 and the average wage for medical laboratory technicians in the Madison area is about $45,000 per year. n

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

FIXING FARMERS’ EQUIPMENT Agricultural Equipment Technology, Madison Area Technical College AT ONE TIME, when a farmer’s tractor broke down in the field, he could tinker around with his hand tools and solve the problem. Those days are long gone, though, and now when a tractor, combine or baler needs attention, an agricultural equipment service technician gets the call.

That’s why Madison College offers an associate degree in agricultural equipment technology. The program, taught by instructors with a combined 40 years of experience in the industry, features hands-on training on repairing and maintaining equipment operated with sophisticated electronic controls.

“One of the newer tractors has 40-plus controllers on it, so that’s 40-plus computers and they all have to communicate with each other,” said Nick Lindloff, one of the program’s instructors. To be successful as an agricultural equipment technology student “you have to want to learn electronics,” he added.

Students learn how to troubleshoot problems, in class and at internships, and develop expertise in electronic controls, as well as hydraulics, fuel systems, heating, air conditioning and engine service.

Good communication and customer service skills are an important part of the program, because technicians will be working on equipment that costs from $200,000 to $500,000. Because many of the machines are too huge for owners to bring in for repairs, about 50% of the work is in the field – a plus for those who enjoy working outdoors.

There is a “good, solid job market” in the Madison area for those with the two-year associate degree, said Lindloff. Median starting salaries in Wisconsin are about $42,000.

Graduates of the program are not all service technicians; they are also working in equipment sales, parts departments and as managers at dealerships. Management skills learned in class will “get you through the door in management,” Lindloff said, and dealers will typically pay for additional training for those who want to move up the ladder.

The estimated cost of the program is $11,654. A new, one-year version of the program is expected to be offered in the fall 2021 semester. n

A NEW WAY TO HELP THE LEGAL SYSTEM Digital court reporter program, Fox Valley Technical College TRADITIONALLY, COURT STENOGRAPHERS have relied on shorthand and stenotype machines to meticulously document testimony in legal proceedings. But a new form of court reporting is growing in popularity – one that relies on digital recording technology and requires a different set of skills.

Fox Valley Technical College recently launched a one-year digital court reporter program that teaches students how to operate digital recording software, provide litigation support, annotate proceedings and accurately prepare transcripts.

“It’s a hybrid because there’s a little bit of IT – students have to know the hardware and software – and there is a little bit of writing, because at the end of the day they have to put these transcripts together. There is a little bit of transcription, because even though they’re not taking down every word, if any party would need a transcript, they would still have to create a transcription of the hearing or entire case. And then it’s a little bit of administrative skills,” said Jeff Meverden, department chair of FVTC’s Paralegal, Small Business Entrepreneurship and Digital Court Reporter programs.

The program is a response to a growing statewide and national court reporter shortage. More than a third of Wisconsin’s court reporters are already eligible for retirement, which has created a need for the next generation of professionals to fill those positions.

The profession is ideal for students with an interest in the legal system and an eye for detail, Meverden said.

FVTC’s digital court reporter program costs about $4,900, including tuition and textbooks.

“The big attraction I’ve seen for most people is the return on investment,” Meverden said. “You’re talking about a one-year program, where people are investing somewhere in neighborhood of $5,000 for their education. Then, if you’re hired by the state, you start at around $42,000, with state benefits, health insurance, retirement, etc. If it’s something a person is attracted to, you can’t get more bang for your buck than you do for this program.” n

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COOL SCHOOL S

KEEPING THE

ROBOTS RUNNING Automation Systems Technology, Blackhawk Technical College WITH AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS now handling many of the tasks involved in making a product, your grandfather probably wouldn’t recognize today’s manufacturing plants.

“The idea of rote work is really going away,” said Gregory A. Phillips, interim dean of advanced manufacturing at Blackhawk Technical College. “There are more robotics and more systems run by computer control.”

That’s why Blackhawk’s associate degree in automation systems technology introduces students to integrated systems that include not just

mechanical systems, but industrial communications, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), manufacturing robotics, computer-controlled motors (servomechanisms) and variable speed drives.

Although robotics may be making some lines of work obsolete, automation is also creating new career opportunities for those who are self-motivated, know their interests and enjoy learning how things work.

“You could have a factory full of robots, but robots still have to be told what to do,” said Phillips.

Just as manufacturing has evolved, so have the ways to learn about it. For example, students can begin working on an associate degree while still in high school by taking one or two college-level classes. The traditional pattern of graduating from high school, attending college full-time, graduating from college and getting a job is not the only way to launch a career.

“Now students come out of high school and take maybe a semester of classes, and then we look for places for them to intern or get a job and continue to take classes. They are actually learning and earning in the trade of their choice and getting an education as they grow,” said Phillips.

He pointed to area companies like Frito-Lay, Hormel Foods, Emmi Roth, Klondike Cheese Co., NOVARES, Baker Manufacturing Co. and Badger State Ethanol as examples of the types of organizations that hire automation systems technology students.

With many baby boomers aging out of the workforce, Phillips said that most manufacturers are about to lose many of their workers to retirement, “so companies are much more willing to invest in somebody.” As they gain experience in the field, automation technicians may opt to move up to automation engineering or even establish their own business.

Estimated salaries are about $38,000, and the cost of the program is about $9,400. n

UPSKILLING INTO AN IN-DEMAND JOB Gener8tor and Microsoft’s Upskilling program JOB SEEKERS OF ALL AGES can gain skills in the nation’s top in-demand jobs through gener8tor’s Upskilling program.

Backed by tech giant Microsoft Corp., gener8tor’s free skills-training program helps those in northeastern Wisconsin who are seeking a new professional opportunity gain certifications that will help distinguish them as job applicants.

The program was designed in the summer of 2020, initially targeting those whose jobs were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our target participant is someone who is un- or under-employed that is looking (at this) as a career-changer,” said program director Cole Shearer, noting that the ages of participants has ranged from 20 to 65 and up.

Over the course of five to 10 weeks (depending on the career track), participants complete virtual learning modules – developed by Microsoft, LinkedIn and Github – to gain technical skills in areas like software development, customer service, sales or IT administration. The course requires about 15 hours per week of work but is designed for participants to go at their own pace and on their own schedule.

“I always say, if you want to do (the classes) at 2 a.m., go right ahead,” Shearer said.

In addition to the core curriculum, students develop their soft skills by participating in virtual group meetings, one-on-one check-ins with gener8tor staff, and workshops with industry experts and volunteer mentors. The program also helps partici-

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Winter/Spring 2021

pants develop their resumes, build their LinkedIn profiles and prepare for interviews.

Upon completing the program, participants are able to tap into gener8tor’s network of employers both locally and nationally to find a job.

“After the program, we’ll do a week-long hiring event, bringing in as many employers as possible to interview the graduates, and hopefully get them placed into a new role,” Shearer said. “We work with graduates until they get hired. We’re a long-term advocate for them.”

In addition to Microsoft, other corporate partners behind gener8tor’s Upskilling program include the Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation and the New North economic development nonprofit. n

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

HELPING PEOPLE SEE CLEARLY Optometric Technician/Clinical Ophthalmic Assistant, Madison College IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING a health care career, and you are also looking for job security and a good starting wage, you might want to check into the optometric technician/clinical ophthalmic assistant program at Madison College.

“The job market is incredible since there is a tremendous shortage of eye technicians,” said Ann Hayden-Finger, director of the program. “This is a one-year technical diploma that can prepare students for a career in health care in a short amount of time.”

A pressing demand for optometric technicians and clinical ophthalmic assistants is driving starting wages up to about $18 to $18.50 per hour, she noted. Madison College offers the only optometric technician/clinical ophthalmic assistant program in the state.

Cost of the program is $4,500.

During their schooling, students are trained in helping patients select lenses and frames for eyeglasses and to educate patients about contact lenses. As they advance in the program, students learn how to operate and maintain specialized equipment and assist in

LEARNING TO BE A REALWORLD HEALTH CARE HERO Respiratory therapy program, Moraine Park Technical College THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC has highlighted the important role that respiratory therapists play in providing frontline care to patients.

Respiratory therapists specialize in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, management and rehabilitation of breaching or other cardiopulmonary disorders, and provide critical care to patients with respiratory issues. RTs may end up in a variety of ANJA DREBS settings, including emergency departments, ICUs or acute care floors.

Moraine Park Technical College offers a two-year, 68-credit Associate in Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy program designed to develop students’ technical skills in advanced respiratory care techniques, disease management and respiratory assessment, along with their critical thinking, analysis and compassion to prepare them for the real-world challenges in the field.

“Our day-to-day responsibilities will vary depending on our patient assignments,” said Anja Drebs, a respiratory therapist and instructor with MPTC. “The variety can be one of the biggest satisfiers when choosing respiratory therapy as a career, but also requires us to be great at time management and flexible in the patient populations that we assist.

Our patient populations span from neonatal to geriatric and we will often be treating patients with respiratory complications due to surgery, underlying medical conditions and emergency all during one shift.”

When students complete the program, they are eligible to take the National Board of Respiratory Care credentialing exam and begin their careers as a respiratory therapist.

Respiratory therapy has a healthy job market, with many students accepting employment offers prior to graduation, Drebs said. The average salary for recent program graduates is $48,836.

“Respiratory therapists who excel on the job will often advance from staff therapist to supervisor or leadership roles,” Drebs said. “There are even respiratory therapists who have been promoted to senior level hospital administration positions.”

For in-state tuition, the program costs $139 per credit hour, and out-of-state tuition is $208 per credit hour. n

surgeries involving the eye.

Students also have several clinical experiences working directly with doctors and patients at locations such as UW Health Eye Clinic, SSM Health Davis Duehr Dean Eye Care, and other clinics and private practices.

“Our graduates typically get multiple job offers before they complete their clinicals,” Hayden-Finger said. “Graduates are able to get into health care without working nights or weekends, with great working conditions in medical eye clinics and with full benefit packages.”

The optometric technician is a one-year diploma program, and with an additional fourweek clinical experience, students are eligible to sit for an ophthalmology exam. About 99% of students take advantage of that opportunity. Passing the ophthalmology exam will typically result in a 20% salary increase, said Hayden-Finger, “and further career laddering is also available. There are also a large variety of sub-specialties you can select from to meet your interests.” n

ADDING NEW SKILLS IN MANUFACTURING Additive manufacturing certificate, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College TECHNOLOGIES SUCH AS automation, analytics, 3D printing, and connected devices are changing the game in the manufacturing industry, both in Wisconsin and across the globe.

More than half of manufacturers recently surveyed in northeastern Wisconsin plan to increase their investment over the next few years in additive manufacturing, or technologies that build 3D objects by adding layers of material.

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is launching a new additive manufacturing certificate this fall to upskill workers for those industry shifts.

“This has really been a changing industry; it’s moving fast,” said Amy Kox, NWTC dean of trades and engineering technologies. “There have always been changes in manufacturing, there’s always something new. But the acceleration of the change over the past few years has really been quite significant.”

The 11-credit program is largely targeted at those who have a traditional manufacturing or design background and want to upskill into the new technologies. The courses cover skills such as technical sketching, SolidWorks modeling and rapid prototyping.

The certificate can be completed in as little as a semester, at a cost as low as $700.

Meanwhile, for students pursuing associate degrees, additive manufacturing skills have also been embedded into many NWTC programs, including mechanical design, machining and prototyping, college leaders said.

“This impacts even our mechanical design program that’s been around for 100 years; (it is) really going through a huge change now because you have to design parts that are additive, where you’re building up a part instead of designing something from a blank piece of steel and removing material,” said Joe Draves, NWTC associate dean of trades and engineering technologies. “This is really having a ripple effect through all our programs. It’s stuff we’ve been doing, but we’re just taking it to the next level.” n

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S TUFF BLOWN UP

STUFF

blown upp

ADDITION AND RENOVATION OF UW-MADISON’S CHEMISTRY BUILDINGS By the time they graduate, around 55% of University of Wisconsin-Madison students take classes in chemistry. Unfortunately, UW’s chemistry buildings date back to the 1960s and lacked space to meet growing demand or modern safety needs. To fix that, the state approved a $133 million addition and renovation of the UW chemistry buildings. When it is complete in 2022, the project will add 188,000 square feet of space and offer students new laboratories, lecture halls and collaborative spaces. In addition to chemistry students, the project also benefits students in nursing, agricultural sciences, engineering, energy and other growing fields in the state’s economy.

$

2,760 $5

,690 49

,970 $50

A massive undertaking like the UW-Madison chemistry buildings project requires the work of a lot of Wisconsin companies. Miron Construction, which is based in Neenah but has offices around the state, is leading the project as general contractor and Madison-based Strang Inc. did architecture work. In all, around 75 companies with Wisconsin offices are involved in making the project a reality. Here are some of those companies: North American Mechanical Inc., Windsor | mechanical pipe, ductwork and insulation Mavid Construction, Green Bay | metal studs and drywall Staff Electric, Monona, Madison and Menomonee Falls | electrical Ceco Concrete Construction LLC, Franklin | shoring Central Ceiling Systems Inc., Deerfield | ceiling

$61,44

0

,9 $65 20

CM Morris Group Inc, Deerfield | fireproofing Corcoran Glass & Paint, Greenville | curtain wall systems Omni Glass & Paint LLC, Oshkosh | painting and coatings Macco’s Commercial Interiors, Green Bay | bathroom tile floors J.F. Ahern Co., Fond du Lac, DeForest | fire protection systems Lake City Glass Inc., Madison | display cases

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Construction projects don’t just require great companies. They also require skilled tradespeople with the knowledge to make sure a building is safe and dependable. Here are some of the jobs involved in the UW-MADISON PROJECT along with median wages for the positions in Wisconsin:

5,870 $7 $77, 4 90

HVAC MECHANICS AND INSTALLERS: Installs and repairs heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems, including testing electrical components, following blueprints and specifications, adjusting controls, cutting holes in floors and walls and connecting equipment, $52,760 CARPENTER: Construct and repair structure from wood, including concrete forms, partitions, joints, studding, rafters, window and door frames and wood stairways, $49,690

$108,210

CEMENT FINISHER: Smooth and finish poured concrete, including floors, walks, sidewalks, roads or curbs using hand and power tools, $50,970 ELECTRICIAN: Install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures in accordance with relevant building codes, $61,440 EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: Operate equipment, including graders, bulldozers, scrapers, shovels and more to excavate and move earth, erect structures or pour concrete, $65,920 STRUCTURAL IRON AND STEEL WORKERS: Raise, place and unite iron and steel girders, columns and other structural members to complete structures and frameworks, $64,600

$4

0,970

TRUCK DRIVERS: Transport materials to and from job site, check vehicle for safety, inspect loads to ensure it is secure, $45,970 LABORERS: Perform physical labor on construction sites, including operating power tools, digging trenches, setting braces, erecting scaffolding and cleaning up rubble and debris, $40,970

$6 4,

0 60

$

CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS: Plan, direct and coordinate, often through other supervisory personnel, construction and maintenance activities for structures, facilities and systems, $108,210

4

70 5,9

CIVIL ENGINEERS: Plan, design and oversee construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, including roads, railroads, bridges, pipelines and water and sewage systems, $77,490 ARCHITECTS: Plan and design structures, including private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories and other structures, $75,870

BRYCE RICHTER, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON

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SUPPLY CHAIN

SUPPLY CHAIN Have you ever wondered how the products we use every day make it to our homes? Dozens of companies can contribute to making sure something is available for us to buy at a store or order for delivery online. These companies employ people in supply chain management jobs to make sure they have the right materials available at the right time to make the products that consumers want. They also need employees to figure out the best and most efficient way to ship those products to stores and consumers.

RAW MATERIALS

The products we use every day start as raw materials like metal, plastic resins, food commodities or fabrics.

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MANUFACTURING

TRANSPORTATION

Raw materials are transported to factories by a variety of methods, including boat, train, airplane and truck.

Most manufacturers don’t actually make the final product we see. Instead, many companies specialize in making components or parts that go into a final product.

Each method of transportation has benefits and drawbacks. An airplane may be faster, but costs more.

A train may be cheaper, but a truck can take the product to a specific destination.

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The need for people working in supply chain management is growing as companies look to save money moving products as efficiently as possible. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates jobs in this area will grow 8% by 2028 in Wisconsin with median salaries around $59,400. Four-year and two-year schools, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison, UW-Oshkosh, Blackhawk Technical College and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, have programs in supply chain management.

ASSEMBLY & DISTRIBUTION All of the parts and components made by factories eventually come together for final assembly and distribution.

TRANSPORTATION

Many companies employ people to coordinate shipping and receiving products and materials. These people don’t work directly on products but are critical to keeping a business moving.

RETAIL & E-COMMERCE

CONSUMERS

Once products are finished, they are shipped to retailers or warehouses for distribution.

When consumers finally buy products, it is the end of a complex process that benefits from companies knowing what to make and how to ship it.

biztimes.com/stuffwi | S T U F F W I

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COOL S TUFF

COOL STUFF designed, made and built in Wisconsin

It may not always be obvious when driving by an industrial park or a factory, but there are thousands of companies in Wisconsin making products we use every day. The state is home to major brands like Trek, Ariens and Generac, but also smaller companies that are hiring too.

There are opportunities to build a career in production, engineering and other areas like human resources, accounting and marketing. Browse the descriptions below for a glimpse of some recent job postings at Wisconsin companies.

SNOW AND L AWN EQUIPMENT ARIENS | Ariens Company is an outdoor power equipment manufacturer specializing in lawn, garden and snow removal equipment. The company’s products, which are branded Ariens, Gravely, Countax and Westwood, have amassed global recognition over the more than 90-year history of the company. Ariens Co. is headquartered in Brillion where it operates multiple manufacturing plants. The company also has a distribution center in Somers as well as multiple locations internationally.

JOBS AT ARIENS MATERIAL HANDLER: This position is responsible for keeping parts and finished products flowing at the company facilities; handling materials for outdoor power equipment; and assisting team members to meet daily production goals.

WELDER: The position involves welding multiple material types and in various positions using a manual or robotic welder; interpreting blueprints and weld symbols to produce welds to print specification.

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KITCHEN EQUIPMENT Sub-Zero Group Inc. | Madison-based Sub-Zero Group Inc. is a leading manufacturer of refrigeration, cooking, and dishwashing products under the brands Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove. Founded in 1945, the third-generation family-owned company has facilities in Fitchburg and Goodyear, Arizona.

JOBS AT SUB-ZERO GROUP INC .

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN: This second- and third-shift position involves predicting, preventing, troubleshooting and repairing maintenance issues with automated equipment such as lasers, robotics and vision systems. It includes company-paid training on robotics, fluid power, electronic circuits, pneumatics and hydraulics, among other skills.

WAREHOUSE SUPERVISOR: This role is responsible for leading and supervising employees in assembly and fabrication operations; organizing and assigning work and instructing cross-training; monitors constant use of safety devices and personal protective equipment and departmental housekeeping; provides information and collaborates with other internal groups; enforces company rules and policies.

SAUSAGES Johnsonville | Johnsonville is the number one national sausage brand, making fresh and fully-cooked varieties of bratwurst, Italian, snack and breakfast sausages.

In Wisconsin, the company has facilities in Sheboygan County and in Watertown.

JOBS AT JOHNSONVILLE HIGH-SPEED PACKAGING OPERATOR: This position is responsible for the performance and productivity of equipment on the packaging line; maintaining inventory system for plant and utility equipment; and improving uptime of equipment through machine modification, layout adjustments and general machine maintenance.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT MANAGER: Duties include being the deployment champion for problem solving methods and lead efforts to formalize their use in the facility; analyze opportunities for improvement in safety, quality, people and productivity; be an expert on lean manufacturing and other continuous improvement concepts.

L AWN EQUIPMENT AND UTILIT Y VEHICLES John Deere | John Deere, the brand name of Deere & Company, is a global leader in agricultural and construction machinery and equipment. The Moline, Illinois-based corporation has a production facility in Horicon, where it manufactures premium lawn equipment and Gator utility vehicles.

JOBS AT JOHN DEERE PRESS OPERATOR: Work includes metal fabrication and supporting duties, including part fabrication, material handling, quality inspections, set-ups, tear-downs, or job changes.

TOOL & DIE MAKER: This position includes planning and constructing highly specialized tools, fixtures, jigs, dies and gauges. Stamping die experience is required.

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COOL S TUFF GENER ATORS Generac Power Systems | Generac Power Systems manufactures home standby generators and is the number one manufacturer of home backup generators. The Town of Genesee-based company manufactures a wide range of power products in the marketplace including portable, residential, commercial and industrial generators. Generac has several locations throughout Wisconsin, including in Eagle, Janesville, Jefferson, Oshkosh, Whitewater and Berlin.

JOBS AT GENER AC POWER SYSTEMS SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER: This position facilitates direct purchasing, planning and materials management responsibility including inventory control, receiving and shipping. Duties include ensuring the supply chain team is synchronized with production execution.

QUALITY SUPERVISOR: Duties include planning, coordinating and directing facility-wide quality assurance programs; coordinate and lead assigned resources and employees to achieve business objectives; lead, coach and develop a team of quality support leaders.

BICYCLES Trek | Trek Bicycle Corp. is a bicycle and cycling gear manufacturer and distributor under the brand names Trek, Electra Bicycle Company, Bontrager and Diamant Bikes. Trek manufactures some of its bikes at its Waterloo headquarters, though its products are manufactured, sold and distributed throughout the world.

JOBS AT TREK DISTRICT VISUAL MERCHANDISER: This position is responsible for design within Trek facilities, including interior point-of-sale displays; communicating and strategizing with owners and managers of stores to determine floor layout, traffic flow and display points.

HELMET RESEARCH AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: Duties include engineering research, design and development tasks; proficient with 3D printing and computer-aided engineering tools including solid modeling and simulation; design, develop, prototype and test ride helmets.

SPECIALT Y MATERIALS AND COMPLEX COMPONENTS ATI Forged Products | ATI Forged Products is part of Allegheny Technologies Inc., a global manufacturer of advanced specialty materials and complex components.

ATI Forged Products provides a range of heat treatment processing, nondestructive and destructive testing, machining and finishing services, with applications in aerospace, defense, oil and gas, and more. It has a facility in Appleton and Cudahy, among others in Wisconsin.

JOBS AT ATI FORGED PRODUC TS CNC MILL OPERATOR: This role is responsible for setting up and operating the CNC machines that produce specialized products and components for the aerospace industry.

ULTRASONIC TESTING TECHNICIAN: Working with state-of-the-art testing and inspection equipment, this position provides examination and testing of specialty components for aerospace jet engines and other highperformance applications.

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VENTIL ATORS AND MEDICAL IMAGING EQUIPMENT GE Healthcare | GE Healthcare is a multinational manufacturer and distributor of medical imaging, diagnostic and monitoring technology. The global company, headquartered in Chicago, has production plants in Madison, where it makes ventilators and more, along with locations in Waukesha, Wauwatosa and West Milwaukee.

JOBS AT GE HE ALTHC ARE PROGRAM SOURCING LEADER: Responsible for developing, implementing and leading sourcing strategy and operating plan for GE’s Invasive Cardiology & Lunar businesses. Duties include negotiating with suppliers; ensuring supplies comply with regulatory and reputation requirements; collaborating with other supply chain and engineering teams.

MEDICAL COMPONENT MANUFACTURING OPERATOR: This role executes various electrical, mechanical and chemical operations in the production of detector arrays for imaging systems. Duties include assembling, inspecting and testing from written and verbal instruction, as well as recognizing and reworking defective parts.

SHIP BUILDING Fincantieri Marine | Fincantieri Marine Group is the U.S. division of Italy-based Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest shipbuilders. It has contracts with the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard to build various vessels. Its shipbuilding powerhouse in Marinette is able to simultaneously build seven Littoral combat ships. Its Sturgeon Bay shipyard specializes in new construction, repair, conversion and sustainment of commercial vessels. Its Green Bay facility performs assembly-line manufacturing of aluminum vessels.

JOBS AT FINC ANTIERI MARINE FABRICATION MACHINE OPERATOR: This position is responsible for working with heavy machinery from setup to operation. It fits and fabricates structural steel, completes layout, and inspects finished product.

STEEL WELDER: This position welds or fuses metal parts together using various welding equipment, examines work pieces for defects and measures them with a straightedge or template to ensure conformance with specifications.

WET WIPES Rockline | Rockline Industries is a manufacturer of wet wipes, coffee filters and baking cups from facilities in Sheboygan and Sheboygan Falls. It supplies retailers with private-label consumer products. Its products are used daily, and can be found anywhere from large retail stores to convenience stores, restaurants, hospitals, dental offices, offices and department stores.

JOBS AT ROCKLINE GENERAL PRODUCTION MACHINE OPERATOR: This position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of automatic packaging, filling, cutting, labeling and sealing equipment that produce coffee filters, baking cups, and wet wipes.

SOURCING MANAGER: This role works across various teams to implement sourcing best practices to meet delivery, quality and pricing requirements of Rockline’s filter and cannister direct materials.

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CAREERSPOTLIGHT

ensuring efficiency of the plants’ processes, completing time studies, and determining best methods for assemblies. He also does tool and machine design, along with design for any potential new machinery.

The manufacturing industry has offered him plenty of opportunity for career growth.

After starting his career in various factory jobs, Bennett returned to school in 2010 in hopes of growing his earning potential to better support his family. He completed the mechanical design program at Moraine Park Technical College in 2014 and was offered a job as a CAD designer with Wells Vehicle Electronics a month in advance of receiving his associate degree.

“Graduation was on a Saturday and I started the following Monday. It was only the second place I applied to,” Bennett said.

CORY BENNETT MANUFAC TURING ENGINEER LE ADER, CENTRO INC. A commitment to lifelong learning has propelled Cory Bennett’s career forward to where he is today.

Bennett is the manufacturing engineer leader for Wisconsin divisions at Centro Inc., an Iowa-based manufacturer of custom rotationally molded parts.

In his position, Bennett oversees all manufacturing engineering work at the company’s Beaver Dam and Horicon plants, and is charged with 20

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To continue advancing in his field, Bennett returned to MPTC in 2016 to pursue another associate degree, in electromechanical technology. He completed the program last year and was hired in his current position.

Now in a leadership role, Bennett said soft skills come into play just as much as the technical aspects of his job on a day-to-day basis.

“My biggest surprise was how important all of the soft skills and gen ed classes were in my field,” he said. “Steering meetings, working in a team setting, and understanding how to properly communicate have been very important.”

Beyond his degrees, Bennett’s employers have given him the opportunity to earn various certifications, including general maintenance, project management and Leadership 101. He is currently working on a certification in TIG welding.

“I continue to take any classes that are offered to me,” he said. n A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

RACHEL WERNER L AB TECHNICIAN, ASCENSION ST. ELIZ ABETH HOSPITAL After initially considering the nursing profession, Rachel Werner ended up discovering a different niche for herself in the health care field.

While taking a phlebotomy class as part of Fox Valley Technical College’s nursing curriculum, she quickly realized her interests were in the lab and found a job as a phlebotomist with Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital.

“I walked into the lab and I was like ‘oh my goodness, I never knew this was an option, that this was something I could do’ and I just fell in love with the lab right away,” she said.

Werner transferred to FVTC’s two-year Medical Laboratory Technician program, which prepares students for careers as a clinical lab technician, lab assistant or medical lab technician.

She graduated from the program in May 2020 and today works as a lab technician at Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital.

Werner said her job allows her to still help patients, but in a more behind-the-scenes capacity than a nurse or doctor on the frontline.

“I really like the investigating that we have to do,” she said. “There’s a lot more to it than just putting samples on an analyzer and pushing buttons. You have to analyze things and look under the microscope.

Blood banking is my favorite, trying to figure out what blood type somebody has and what blood is compatible and giving units for transfusion.”

Currently, Werner works night shifts at the hospital. Because the lab has a smaller staff covering evenings than the daytime, Werner said she needs to be well-versed in the different analyzers in all departments, including chemistry, microbiology, hematology, coagulation and blood banking.

“At night, you might have a patient who has to be rushed back into open heart surgery and we have to get all the units set up for that and it can be kind of a rush,” she said. “… You have to know everything in pretty much all departments, which is kind of exciting.”

Tuition for FVTC’s Medical Laboratory Technician program costs about $11,080, and textbooks and other materials for the program amount to about $2,800. n

SCHUYLER WULFF CONTROL S TECHNICIAN, WOLF APPLIANCE, INC. As a controls technician with Wolf Appliance, Inc., every day offers a new challenge for Schuyler Wulff.

Wulff is responsible for providing support for electrical control related issues within Wolf’s Madison facility, which manufactures domestic cooking appliances.

“That involves troubleshooting issues with electrical wiring, programmable logic controller programming, ethernet/IP networks, as well as the occasional fluid power system,” Wulff said. “I also support our manufacturing execution systems, and work to improve overall equipment effectiveness.”

Generally, Wulff’s position requires an associate degree or better in electrical engineering or a related field.

While Wulff was working in an entry-level position at another manufacturing plant from 2014 to 2018, his employer offered a tuition reimbursement program which allowed him to complete Madison College’s Electro-Mechanical Technology program.

“It was a no-brainer to take advantage of this early on,” he said of the program.

Wulff said his Madison College instructors work hand-in-hand with area employers, like Wolf’s parent company, Sub-Zero Group, so there were no surprises when he took his current position.

“They provide information as far as what they’re looking for in job candidates, and the college delivers,” he said.

LUKE VOEGTLINE

Wulff said he envisions himself continuing to work at the technician level in the future, while improving his capabilities.

“Manufacturing technology is constantly moving forward, so I’m trying to continue to absorb as much as I can on the job,” he said. “… Being able to see the benefits my efforts provide in real-time on the production floor is very gratifying.” n biztimes.com/stuffwi | S T U F F W I

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C AREER SPOTLIGHT

SAM BREESE MANUFAC TURING ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN, SARIS INFR ASTRUC TURE For Sam Breese, no two days are exactly the same on the job.

“Some days I spend the whole day at my desk using 3D modeling software to design a new fixture, and some days I spend the whole day down on the ground climbing under machines trying to fix them,” Breese said.

Breese is a manufacturing engineering technician at Saris Infrastructure, a Fitchburg-based manufacturer of bicycle infrastructure products.

he transferred to the college’s Automated Manufacturing Systems Technology program the next semester and graduated in 2019.

Though it varies from day to day, Breese’s work includes researching, planning, and implementing new pieces of automated equipment in Saris’ facility, working with the engineering team to help improve efficiencies in production and working on fixtures design.

He said the skills he learned in the program “more than prepared” him for his position. He’s even become the go-to person for questions related to robots and PLCs on his team.

“I will often design new weld fixtures so that previously hand-welded pieces can instead be welded in our robotic welding cells, or I will design partially automated assembly fixtures to ease the assembly process for our production team and improve cycle times,” he said.

Breese discovered a passion for programming robots in his first semester in the Industrial Maintenance program at Madison College.

When he realized there was an entire program dedicated to the field,

Breese is now working toward his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with plans to eventually move into an engineering position in the automation field.

“I really enjoy working with electrical systems and I believe my electrical knowledge will complement my robotics and automation knowledge,” he said. “I hope to continue learning new skills and improving my existing ones every day on the job and in the classroom while I finish my schooling.” n

WILL SANCHEZ CLIENT SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE, PRECISION PLUS Will Sanchez didn’t have to travel far for his training—and his first job. Both are right down the street from Elkhorn Area High School.

In the spring of 2016, during his junior year, he began working at Precision Plus as a youth apprentice, clocking in for a couple of hours before and after school; he also worked there during summers. This exposed him to different departments within the company.

“I was doing really well in their eyes and they offered me an opportunity in another area of the company,” said Sanchez, now a client service representative who processes client purchase orders from start to finish, and also handles customer calls and complaints.

Right after graduating from high school he began working for Precision Plus. “When I came here in 2017, this was my first job,” he said.

Taking CNC courses in high school and working hands-on with machines helped prepare him.

“I had some of the basic knowledge already, from being in the classroom,” said Sanchez.

“You’re able to familiarize yourself with some of those key aspects a little earlier.”

Still, he was surprised about how modern factories are.

“When I always thought about manufacturing, like most people, I thought about machines, dirt and oil. Not a great place to work,” he says. “It’s way more advanced than I had anticipated. Manufacturing today is far more superior than it was 50 years ago.”

With changing day-to-day tasks and heavy customer contact, Sanchez says he enjoys his job.

“What I like is (that) we need to be pretty fast-paced when working with clients. That’s what I really enjoy, making things happen,” he says. Next, he’d like to assume “a more higher-up role in the beginning stages of the customer, like quoting sales.” n 22

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MARIA BRITO BARREZUETA FIELD SERVICE TECHNICIAN, PAPER CONVERTING MACHINE CO. Maria Brito Barrezueta works to prevent problems before they arise and then fix them when they do.

Brito Barrezueta is a field service technician at Green Bay-based Paper Converting Machine Co., which provides equipment to customers around the world for tissue converting, packaging, flexographic printing and bag converting.

Brito Barrezueta is among a team of technicians who ensure the multi-million-dollar machines are running properly before they are sent to customers and troubleshoot issues with the equipment onsite.

“I do the electrical part, so I check that everything is good to go, that there’s nothing short-circuiting, I load the programs to the PLCs (programmable logic controllers) and take voltage measurements across the board, make sure that everything works, that all the censors are running right, that everything electrically is good to go so we can check all the requirements, everything we’re promising to the customer,” she said.

SARA LAWSON SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT LE ADER, BCONNEC TED, LLC

After earning a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering, Brito Barrezueta later returned to school to receive her associate degree in automation engineering from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in 2017. She said the program at NWTC was “spot on” when it came to preparing her for her current position, and she found the hands-on lab portion of the curriculum to be particularly applicable.

In the ever-evolving world of social media, Sara Lawson’s job as a social media account leader requires her to think strategically while also tapping into her creative side.

“That’s the way I learn – by doing projects, by looking at equipment, by doing and seeing the final result of what I’m doing,” she said. “…

You do all of that in school.”

“The key is understanding each business and their voice on socials,” she said. “I have a bank (as a client), for example, and I also have a gas station. So, the bank’s voice is going to be completely different than the gas station’s. It’s a lot of learning and creating the right content for the right business.”

In addition to the technical components of the job, much of Brito Barrezueta’s role involves working directly with customers, which means frequent travel. She spent about 170 days traveling in 2020, both within the country and internationally.

After having found a job she enjoys, Brito Barrezueta encouraged her brother to go into the field, and he is now a student in the electro-mechanical technology program at NWTC. “If you like troubleshooting, if you like figuring out how things work from the inside out, this is something you will really, really want to do,” she said. n

Lawson works for BConnected, LLC, a social media management firm based in Appleton, where she creates content, including video, photo and social media posts, on behalf of her business clients.

With a portfolio of five clients, Lawson portions out her work using a block system, in which she devotes one hour a day to working for each client.

“I kind of go from strategy to creative,” she said. “I figure out what’s my to-do list to make this a successful month or a successful campaign. And then I make the hard switch to the creative side, instead of going back and forth.”

Lawson received her associate degree in human resources from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in 2019 and transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay to complete her bachelor’s degree in strategic communication in 2020.

She said studying HR taught her how to conduct herself in interviews and in board rooms, as well as how to communicate with people from different generations and backgrounds.

“It helped me learn that everybody is going to have a different management style and it’s OK to voice how you need to be managed,” she said. “… I think it helps with the relationship-building aspect of any job. Knowing how to speak to the right person the right way is super helpful.”

Recently, Lawson was named the team lead for BConnected’s new media and ad buying branch, called Cultivate.

“It’s super exciting to support that new team and also be part of a new business leg within a business,” she said. n biztimes.com/stuffwi | S T U F F W I

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TECH ON THE FARM

TECH ON THE

FARM IF YOU’VE NEVER BEEN ON A FARM – or maybe it’s been awhile – you may not know just how much technology goes into producing the crops, dairy products and other items we rely on every day.

Adam Wehling knows this firsthand. Not only is he the dean of agriculture, energy, construction and transportation at Chippewa Valley Technical College, he also runs a hobby farm with his wife producing strawberries, eggs, meat birds and beef. Despite having a smaller operation, Wehling still does tissue sampling on his strawberries to make sure he’s applying the correct nutrients to the plants.

“We want to make sure we’re applying nutrients where the nature, the environment, the water table, the soil and everything else is maintained healthy,” he said.

Wehling talked with STUFF about how technology shows up on the farm: STUFF: WHAT DOES TECHNOLOGY ENABLE A FARMER TO DO AND WHAT DRIVES ITS ADOPTION? Adam Wehling: “There’s probably two factors.

One is there is a shortage of qualified workers and that goes across the board for all the trades in most industry sectors, so they’re needing to become more efficient with less available workforce. The second thing is that the margins in the agricultural industry continue to be tight. ... If they can reduce their expense to produce a product, become more efficient at producing it, then they’re going to make more money on it.”

STUFF: WHAT DO THE JOB PROSPECTS LOOK LIKE AT THE INTERSECTION OF AG AND TECHNOLOGY? Wehling: “The job demands are very strong.

I’d say that for every graduate that we have out of our technical college programs … we’ve got anywhere from three to 10 job opportunities for these people and if they’re willing to move and travel around, there’s even more.”

STUFF: WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT WORKING IN AGRICULTURE? Wehling: “Typically, you see in the ag world employers expect people to show up and to work hard. There are jobs that are 8 to 5, but there’s also jobs that have a little bit longer days requested and some of the stuff might be seasonal. … In the ag sector, a lot of people are asking you to be a little bit more invested as far as what you’re giving to that organization and also know that there’s an opportunity for a lot of overtime.”

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STUFF: WHAT ABOUT THE CHALLENGES FACING FARMING? Wehling: “I always tell people that agriculture evolves. Agriculture jobs don’t go away, they evolve. What you’re doing today you may not be doing in 20 years, but you may be doing a more improved version of it. We’re always going to have people that are going to need food and so the ag industry produces food and fiber and clothing and trees and paper, that’s all coming out of the ag sector. Even energy can be loosely tied to the ag sector. When you look at those, these are essential baseline functions of society, these jobs are never going away, but they will change and they will evolve and they will become more modernized.”

STUFF: WHAT ARE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS? Wehling: “My general recommendation to any high school student is you don’t have to know exactly the job you want to do in high school. ... I think what high school students should do if they want to be part of the ag sector is they should pick a general area that they’re interested in like ‘I like working with animals’ or ‘I like working on the business side of things’ and they should explore career development in those areas and let those areas guide you to those positions that you really end up doing some day. ... Most kids get hung up on ‘I don’t know what I want to do so I’m going to make a rash decision’ and it’s not really what truly aligns with their personal view.” n

DAIRY COWS Dairy cows are one of the areas with a lot of technology. Wehling said pedometers help track a cow’s movement, temperature and activity level so farmers know when to call a vet. Robotic milkers also track a cow’s production level and how often they are milked. “We have super detail-level data points on these animals so that we can make production decisions to make sure that the animals are staying healthy and if they’re not healthy making sure we’re taking care of them,” Wehling said.

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

OFF THE FARM Not all ag jobs require working in the field or milking cows. Some people could find jobs in marketing, accounting or banking where an interest in animals or agriculture could help serve customers. Wehling also said the industry offers lots of opportunities for people to start their own business or to work part-time on the side from their regular job.

CROPS Farmers can now use detailed data on soil and nutrients to direct how many seeds they plant, how they apply fertilizers or when and where to irrigate. Drone and satellite images help inform these decisions and then tissue sampling can show how well the practices worked.

EQUIPMENT Technology on agricultural equipment continues to advance with automated steering and sensors to enable precision planting. That means the first step to diagnosing an issue is often to connect to a laptop or other scanning tool. Equipment makers are also able to remotely monitor equipment and let farmers know when it is due for an oil change or other maintenance. Service technicians are increasingly in demand.

biztimes.com/stuffwi | S T U F F W I

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COS T OF LIVING

the

Co$t of Living Basic Budgeting: How much do I need to make to live like I want?

LIKE GOVERNMENTS AND BUSINESSES, IT IS IMPORTANT FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES TO HAVE A BUDGET SO THEY UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH MONEY THEY MAKE AND SPEND EACH MONTH. FORTUNATELY, APPS LIKE MINT CAN HELP YOU TRACK YOUR BUDGET, BUT IT IS ALSO GOOD TO KNOW WHERE YOUR MONEY IS GOING WITHOUT THE HELP OF TECHNOLOGY. What makes up your budget?

WHERE YOU LIVE MATTERS: The cost of many common items in your budget will be different depending on where you live. The Economic Policy Institute estimates housing for one person in the Madison area is around $769 per month while the Janesville-Beloit area costs $596. Prices are even higher in other cities like Chicago ($879) or San Francisco ($2,014). Here’s a look at how some common costs compare across metro areas.

JANESVILLEBELOIT

MADISON

GREEN BAY

MILWAUKEE

CHICAGO

SAN FRANCISCO

AUSTIN

DENVER

Housing

$596

$796

$531

$611

$879

$2,014

$860

$938

Food

$230

$266

$248

$245

$256

$346

$255

$276

Transportation

$857

$823

$825

$733

$720

$786

$841

$803

Health Care

$282

$295

$402

$394

$344

$387

$318

$319

Other Necessities

$333

$418

$314

$346

$358

$952

$450

$491

Taxes

$450

$537

$465

$466

$560

$1,277

$474

$604

Monthly

$2,755

$3,108

$2,785

$2,795

$3,217

$5,762

$3,198

$3,431

Annual

$33,063

$37,291

$33,420

$33,540

$38,604

$69,144

$38,376

$41,172

STUFF WI

What changes my budget?

The amount of money you spend each month on some things, like rent, may not change very much.

Other costs may go up and down depending on your activities. For example, utilities charge you based on how much natural gas or electricity you use, so if you have to heat or cool your house a lot, your costs may go up if those items are not included in your rent. The amount you spend on food may also change if you eat at restaurants a lot since they are generally more expensive than cooking at home.

How do I save money?

Source: Economic Policy Institute budget calculator

26

At its heart, a budget is about how much you make and how much you spend. Every month, there are certain costs you can plan for like rent, utilities, groceries and food, and transportation costs like gas for your car.

There are also unexpected costs like medical bills if you get hurt or car repairs if you’re in an accident. You should plan some extra cushion in your budget to account for these, to save for bigger purchases in the future or to pay for things you want to do like going to a Brewers game or attending a concert. It may seem like it is a long way off, but you should also plan to set some money aside for your retirement.

|

Winter/Spring 2021

If you want to save money for bigger purchases like a house, a new car or a nice vacation you will need to spend less than you make each month. There are lots of ways to save money on regular costs including splitting housing with roommates, buying generic products instead of name brands, buying in bulk, not using credit cards or at least making sure you pay off your balance every month to avoid interest costs.

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

What d o you do for f un?

EXTR A CASH SAVE UP FOR THESE SPECIAL TIMES AND TREATS As you put together your budget, here are some other things to consider: » What are your long-term financial goals? Do you want to buy a house? A new car?

» How could you increase the amount you make each month? » How could you cut costs or find cheaper alternatives?

» What do you need to have versus what do you just want to have?

699 to $ 1,099 $

50 $ 100 - 150

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iPHONE 12

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$

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PLATINUM SEASON PASS

32-INCH TCL ROKU TV

$

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130 $ 1,897

WISCONSIN STATE PARKS RESIDENT ANNUAL VEHICLE ADMISSION STICKER

$

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SERIAL 1 MOSH/CTY EBIKE

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3,399

SPOTIFY NETFLIX

9.99 $ 8.99 - 17.99 $ 9.99 $

/ MONTH

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biztimes.com/stuffwi | S T U F F W I

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BUILDING A C AREER

BUILDING a CAREER

SOME PEOPLE KNOW FROM AN EARLY AGE exactly what they want to do when they grow up. For others, it takes time to figure out what kind of career matches their interests and skills. Either approach can lead to a great job or career. Whether you know what you want to do or not, it is important to know how to go about building a career. Here are some important steps to consider:

WHAT JOBS ARE HOW CAN YOU DEVELOP SKILLS WHAT ARE YOUR AVAILABLE? AND GAIN INTERESTS Many students may have big dreams EXPERIENCE? like becoming a professional athlete OR PASSIONS? or musician, publishing a great Work is more fun when it is something you like doing, so it is good to pursue jobs in areas that match your interests. That doesn’t necessarily mean if you like sports or music you have to pursue jobs in those industries although you can certainly try those areas. Try thinking about where your interests might work well.

If you like working with your hands, manufacturing or construction might be a good fit. If you’ve always liked science, maybe there is a career in health care for you.

28

STUFF WI

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Winter/Spring 2021

novel or becoming a social media influencer. There’s nothing wrong with having or pursuing these dreams, but it is also important to think about the number of opportunities in those fields in comparison to other industries. Be realistic about the work it will take to achieve those dreams and consider if something else may be just as fulfilling. You should also think about the job prospects for your chosen industry in the area you want to live and whether you’re willing to move to pursue your career.

Depending on the industry you want to go into, there’s a good chance you will need some kind of education beyond high school. In some cases, this means going to a four-year college or university and jobs like being a lawyer or doctor require even more schooling. That said, there are many careers where you can get started with a two-year degree, a technical diploma or a certificate.

There are also opportunities for apprenticeships and internships where students get on-the-job training in their chosen field.

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

HOW CAN YOU BUILD YOUR NETWORK? No matter your industry, the relationships you form with people you work with can help you grow and take advantage of opportunities. It is often said that it is not what you know but who you know that can help you land a job. This can be frustrating for someone just trying to break into an industry and it takes time to develop a network of people who can help you out.

One place to start is with your instructors or professors when you’re in school. Ask them if they know of businesses looking for interns or entrylevel employees. Your family and friends might also be able to help. When you do get your foot in the door, do your best to build relationships with people and don’t burn bridges unnecessarily.

You never know who might be able to put in a good word for you or make an introduction. It’s also a good idea to ask someone if it is OK to use them as a reference for a job.

Keep in mind that your career relationships shouldn’t just be a one-way street where you look for people to help you. If you’re always asking for help and never offering it, people will stop making time for your requests.

HOW DO YOU LAND A JOB? Depending on the economy and your industry, it can be easier or harder to land a job at different times. However, it is rarely as simple as submitting an application and getting hired. You’ll likely need to interview at least once.

You should prepare in advance by thinking about what questions you might be asked. Plan to ask questions about the company and position you are interviewing for. It shows your interest in the position and may also raise red flags that indicate you don’t want to work for the company. After the interview, you should follow up with an email or handwritten note to thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.

CONTINUE TO GROW AND LEARN ONCE YOU LAND A JOB The process doesn’t stop once you’re hired by a company and you cannot expect to be promoted or given more responsibility just by showing up. As technologies and industries continue to evolve, you will need to learn new skills to be ready for the positions of the future. Many companies will offer opportunities for training and development. It may also be a good idea to talk with your boss about what other skills would be helpful for you to learn. biztimes.com/stuffwi | S T U F F W I

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HOTjobsNOW SOME JOBS ARE MORE IN DEMAND than others.

To identify this group of hot jobs across Wisconsin in manufacturing, construction, technology and health care, we looked at the occupations with the most employees and the strongest projected job gains. Do you see a career that would be exciting to you?

EDUCATION TYPICALLY REQUIRED

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING NEEDED

No formal educational credential

None



Short-term



—

High school diploma or equivalent



Postsecondary non-degree award or some college, no degree



Moderate



Associate degree



Long-term



Bachelor's degree



Apprenticeship



PROJECTED PERCENT CHANGE (2018-2028)

EDUCATION TYPICALLY REQUIRED

POST-HIRE TRAINING NEEDED FOR COMPETENCY

25TH PERCENTILE WAGE ($)

75TH PERCENTILE WAGE ($)

OCCUPATION TITLE

EMPLOYMENT 2018

Helpers--Production Workers

9,562

9.1





33,760

46,520

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

5,768

8.3





29,360

43,400

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders

23,367

6.4





19,010

25,640

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

15,181

6.2





31,520

39,400

Machinists

14,834

6.1





23,330

31,100

Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

5,345

5.9





32,810

45,690

Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers

12,113

5.6





*

*

Food Batchmakers

11,735

5.2





35,980

51,820

Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

5,727

5.2





34,480

48,810

24,935

4.0





27,260

33,120

PRODUCTION JOBS

First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers

CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE JOBS Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

8,117

13.3





47,150

76,920

Construction Laborers

18,321

12.8

—



32,800

54,540

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

8,509

12.1





51,440

87,650

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

10,091

11.2





55,750

85,150

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

5,633

11.0





40,180

62,360

Carpenters

21,381

10.6





37,140

63,290

Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers

4,770

8.5

—



39,890

63,030

Electricians

12,265

8.2





46,210

74,270

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

10,480

8.0





43,510

61,800

Maintenance and Repair Workers, General

35,304

5.5





31,990

51,160

COMPUTER JOBS Software Developers, Applications

16,563

26.2





67,950

103,320

Information Security Analysts

1,286

24.0





56,070

103,030

Software Developers, Systems Software

4,165

11.0





71,680

105,920

Computer Occupations, all other

3,965

10.1





56,680

89,590

Web Developers

3,626

9.3





37,820

66,220

Computer User Support Specialists

12,270

8.8





39,080

62,300

Computer Systems Analysts

15,281

8.4





62,190

96,820

Computer Network Architects

2,147

8.1





76,840

119,250

Computer Network Support Specialists

4,177

6.5





53,750

80,730

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

7,274

2.4





55,560

92,230

HEALTH CARE JOBS Respiratory Therapists

1,970

18.6





54,880

70,210

Occupational Therapy Assistants

1,845

17.5





24,570

51,280

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

1,633

16.2





73,030

95,950

Medical Assistants

12,103

16.2





32,430

40,440

Phlebotomists

2,413

13.3





30,640

39,320

Home Health Aides

5,020

11.7





21,520

29,600

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

2,192

11.5





29,130

38,020

Massage Therapists

2,837

10.2





30,120

52,820

Registered Nurses

56,975

7.8





60,340

80,250

Dental Assistants

5,934

7.1





32,900

* Information not available.

30

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Winter/Spring 2021

44,960 SOURCE: wisconomy.com

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

A G U I D E TO

DESIGNED, MADE AND BUILT IN SOUTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN WINTER/SPRING 2021

SEE THE AREA COMPANIES WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU! CO U N T Y M AT ER I A L S CO R P O R AT I O N . . . . . .

30

FI N D O R FF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

32

denotes participation in the Wisconsin Registered Apprenticeship program



Denotes GPS Ed business partners

DO YOU ALREADY HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO

EARN AND LEARN? GPS Education Partners helps high school juniors and seniors jump start a career in manufacturing and the trades before graduating high school!

Learn skills through an apprenticeship program to become career or college ready!

Meets challenges head-on

Watches for opportunities

Puts heart into it

Hungry for success

GET MORE INFO! GPSEd.org/ihaveit

Hands-on learner

Gets a leg up

Stands on own two feet

biztimes.com/stuffsc | S T U F F S C

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Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account

SU

T

OR

Life Insurance

P UP

CC E

S

Disability Insurance

SS

STABILITY

401(k)

Our Vision

Competitive Wages & Benefits Paid Vacation & Holidays Training & Leadership Development

INFO 205 North Street Marathon, WI 54448 countymaterials.com facebook.com/CountyMaterials linkedin.com/company/ county-materials-corp @countymaterials

County Materials Corporation is a third generation familyowned manufacturer and trusted industry resource for concrete construction and landscaping products. Since 1946 our products have been helping to build the communities where Americans live, work and play. Our company vision is Success, Stability and Support, which defines our culture and inspires our team. We are committed to supporting our team members with training and development opportunities. County Materials is known and respected for employing a team of dedicated exceptional people who produce high quality products in more than 40 locations across six states.

We value our team members, safety, quality and customer service. We are committed to offering great benefits and opportunities including:

» » » » » »

Concrete Pipe & Precast products Prestress Bridge Girders Hollowcore Roof & Floor Systems Insulated Sandwich Walls Ready-mix Concrete and Aggregates Masonry and Landscape products

COOL CUSTOMERS

@countymaterials youtube.com/user/countymaterials Employees: 1,500 Year founded: 1946 President: Tim Sonnentag

STUFF SC

FUN STUFF & BENEFITS

STUFF WE MAKE

1-800-242-7733

32

WHO WE ARE

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Winter/Spring 2021

Our products are utilized in infrastructure, transportation, construction, commercial, agricultural, municipal, and residential building and landscaping projects of all sizes.

» » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »

Team appreciation events Anniversary Service Awards Vacation and Paid Time Off Team Member Crisis Fund Leadership Development & Award Programs Company Branded Apparel & Uniforms Wellness Program & fitness challenges Driver Appreciation Week Community outreach and run/walk events Sport event experiences Plant tours and seminars Safety, First aid and CPR training Referral Program and incentives Product Discounts Uniform Program & Safety Shoe Reimbursement Scholarships for Dependents Employee Assistance Program

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES As a County Materials team member, you’ll work in a challenging, rewarding company with a strong sense of community. We are looking for motivated, talented individuals for a variety of opportunities throughout our organization. To view a complete list of career openings, visit our Careers page at workatcounty.com.

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? Production Supervisors are responsible for supervising, scheduling, and evaluating the performance of p ro d u c t i o n t e a m m e m b e r s .

Additionally, Production Supervisors are relied on to meet production goals, maintain product quality through safe, industry-recommended practices, and maintain and purchase manufacturing supplies. This role reports to the Operations Manager and follows instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform job duties.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? County Materials is a stable, growing company with reliable employment.

I started with County Materials over five years ago as a Production Team Member and was able to work my way up to my current role. Today, I help onboard new team members and ensure they have the opportunities and experiences I had that led me to a successful, fulfilling career.

QUALITY CONTROL TECHNICIAN WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? Quality Control Technicians are responsible for ensuring our concrete construction products meet specifications. This includes performing a variety of quality tests throughout the manufacturing process, inspecting materials, parts, and products, observing production processes, recording observations and making recommendations based on those findings. Quality Control Technicians play an essential role in maintaining quality standards and promoting a safe work environment.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? County Materials is a great place to work because the people care about each other and want you to succeed. When I started, I received on the job training that made me feel confident within my role. County Materials continues to invest in me through additional trainings and leadership opportunities. Knowing that my peers and supervisors want me to succeed makes work fulfilling. County Materials offers competitive wages, benefits and opportunities for advancement that make me look forward to building my career here.

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS Production Supervisors must exercise good judgement with worksite operation, be self-motivated and flexible to accommodate the needs of the team, and understand industry concepts, practices, and procedures.

SKILLS Production Supervisors should be well-versed in the industry and demonstrate the ability and willingness to learn and be trained.

Potential candidates must show strong interpersonal skills. Production Supervisors are essential to maintaining production goals while keeping safety top-of-mind.

THE JOB: REQUIREMENTS A qualified candidate for this position will have a strong background in math and science. Ideal candidates understand the workings of a manufacturing environment, have prior industry or quality control experience, and can interpret shop drawings and job specifications.

SKILLS Quality Control Technicians must demonstrate proficient math aptitude and computer skills.

Potential candidates should be motivated to train and obtain technical certifications as directed and supported by the company. Quality Control Technicians often work independently but should display exemplary interpersonal skills when working with others.

Career Ladder 5 OPERATIONS MANAGER

4 PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

3 PLANT FOREMAN

2 MACHINE OPERATOR

1 PRODUCTION TEAM MEMBER

CONTACT Central Processing Corporation | National HR Management Company (877) 492-5181 | humanresources@centralprocessingcorp.com biztimes.com/stuffsc | S T U F F S C

33

Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account Life Insurance

FUN STUFF

Disability Insurance 401(k) Vacation (paid time off) Wellness Program Apprenticeships/Internships Employee Assistance Program

WHO WE ARE Findorff is one of the Midwest’s leading builders, with offices in Madison, Milwaukee, and Wausau. Findorff currently employs an average of 900 construction professionals and tradespeople, and completes over $750 million in construction annually.

STUFF WE MAKE

INFO 300 South Bedford Street Madison, WI 53703 (608) 257-5321

For over 130 years, Findorff’s been dedicated to building environments that make differences in people’s lives.

Projects are only as good as the reasons for them and the people behind them. Findorff works hard to build highquality, finished products that keep our teams safe, clients happy, and communities better.

findorff.com

COOL CUSTOMERS

facebook.com/JHFindorff

Findorff serves a variety of clients in different market sectors. Our experience ranges from minor renovations to new construction for developers, financial institutions, educational facilities, healthcare environments, and science and technology spaces.

linkedin.com/company/ j-h--findorff-&-son-inc-/ @findorff

» 119 Apprentices currently work for Findorff » Findorff’s Apprentices work side-by-side tradespeople to gain real-world and hands-on experience in their chosen trades » Since 2015, Findorff has employed 27 High School Juniors or Seniors through the State of Wisconsin’s Youth Apprenticeship Program » 3 Core Values: Character, Community & Craftsmanship » Findorff employs field personnel in the following six trades: Carpentry, Concrete, Demolition, Drywall, Masonry & Structural Steel » Average project size is $3.4 million » Voted #1 commercial contractor for 20 years by InBusiness magazine

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES/ BENEFITS A variety of professions are vital to a project and Findorff’s success. They include project managers, safety and field leaders, engineers, accountants, marketing, virtual construction specialists, and many more! By joining the construction industry, you will help shape communities across the region, and have a rewarding career that offers variety and growth opportunities.

youtube.com/channel/ UCQBv5psAQPQyBq1aVEt-K7w Employees: Office: 240; Field: 750 Year founded: 1890 President & CEO: Jim Yehle

34

STUFF SC

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Winter/Spring 2021

A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

$30-$45K starter

NOAH OLSON

YOUTH APPRENTICE AGE: 18 YEARS AT COMPANY: 7 months WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? As a youth apprentice, I’ve been able to see what every trade is really about. While working alongside the carpentry trades, I’ve been able to learn and help install window and interior blocking, form a wall, and many other carpentry-related tasks. I’ve learned a lot!

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? Working as a youth apprentice with Findorff has given me a great idea of my career path post high school. I get to graduate with a year of real-life experience ... and, I get school credit! It’s awesome to have more opportunities after I graduate.

REQUIREMENTS Any junior or senior with a genuine interest in construction can apply to be a Youth Apprentice. To qualify, you must be on track for graduation, maintain acceptable grades, and have secure transportation to and from the job. Youth Apprentices are paid for their work and typically spend half of their day in school and the other half at a construction jobsite.

On average, Youth Apprentices work about 15 hours a week (more in the summer) while they get a jump start on their training for a career in the trades.

SKILLS » Strong work ethic » Positive attitude » Good communication » Problem solving » Team player » Dependable

ANUJ DUBEY

THE JOB:

AGE: 27 | YEARS AT COMPANY: 1.5

REQUIREMENTS » A degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or other equivalent experience » A passion for construction

PROJECT ENGINEER WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? My job duties include managing construction projects to ensure they are delivered on time, within budget, and without compromising safety and quality. As a project engineer, I get to work on projects from the preconstruction phase to closeout – allowing me to learn a lot of things both in the field and on the office-side of construction as well.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB AND WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY MEAN TO YOU? Working at Findorff as a Project Engineer gives me immense satisfaction, because since my co-op I’ve been able to work on multiple hospital renovation projects with Findorff. Experiencing first-hand that Findorff strives to not only build successful projects, but also develop long-lasting relationships with all stakeholders is what really sets the Company apart. I’m grateful to have been able to improve the healthcare facilities in the community’s around me!

$60-$80K

THE JOB:

SKILLS » Excellent communication and relationship building skills » Math, critical thinking, analytical aptitude, and attention to detail WHAT YOU’LL DO » Manage the subcontractors, vendors, materials, schedule, and budget for a construction project » You’ll have a great sense of pride in knowing that you were part of building a structure that started only as concept or plan and is now showcased in the community

experienced

$80-$100K expert

Career Ladder 5 $

SUPERINTENDENT

85,000-$100,000

4 CARPENTER FOREMAN $

80,000

3 JOURNEYMAN CARPENTER $

74,000

2 CARPENTER APPRENTICE $

45,000

1 CARPENTER PRE-APPRENTICE $

37,000

CONTACT Renee Boyce | Vice President of Human Resources (608) 257-5321 | hr@findorff.com biztimes.com/stuffsc | S T U F F S C

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RESOURCES

Resources for students, schools & employers Your one-stop listing of useful programs for students, educators and employers of tomorrow’s workforce in south central Wisconsin.

S T U FF FO R S T U D E N T S

S T U FF FO R C A R E E R PL A N N I N G

CAREER CRUISING

CAREER INFONET

careercruising.com All Wisconsin students can access career-related assessments, career and college profiles, and information about financial aid and employment.

CODE.ORG

Free computer science courses.

CYBER EDUCATION WISCONSIN

cyberedu.wi.gov Info on cybersecurity degrees, career paths, certifications and courses.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION – ACADEMIC & CAREER PLANNING

dpi.wi.gov/acp Equips students with tools to make informed choices about postsecondary education and training.

GIRL DEVELOP IT

girldevelopit.com Organization devoted to getting women the materials needed to pursue careers in software development.

I.C. STARS

icstars.org Technology-based workforce development, leadership training program and social enterprise.

SKILLSUSA

skillsusa.org A partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.

WISCONSIN DUAL ENROLLMENT

dpi.wi.gov/dual-enrollment High school students can attend a Wisconsin postsecondary institution for high school and college credit at no cost while earning college and high school credits.

WISCONSIN EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNIT Y PROGRAMS

careeronestop.org Information for career exploration, training and jobs.

CAREER OUTLOOK

bls.gov Government-provided data and information on occupations and industries, pay and benefits.

HENDRICKS CAREERTEK

hendrickscareertek.org Provides career education and opportunities to youth in the greater Beloit area.

JOB CENTER OF WISCONSIN

jobcenterofwisconsin.com Current job openings as reported by employers throughout Wisconsin.

LIVECAREER

livecareer.com Articles on job search, salary negotiation and career advice.

MY SKILLS MY FUTURE

myskillsmyfuture.org Compare careers, find training and search for jobs.

O*NET ONLINE

onetonline.org Job and skills search tools.

WAYUP

wayup.com Advice, tips and articles for students to assist them in getting hired.

WISCONNECT INTERNSHIP COORDINATION

internshipwisconsin.com Connects employers and students interested in internships.

WISCONSIN AHEC HEALTH CAREERS

wihealthcareers.org Information on health careers in Wisconsin.

dpi.wi.gov/weop Provides college and career readiness programs, resources and support for young adults.

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A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

WISCONSIN TECHCONNECT

WISCONSIN FAST FORWARD GRANTS

wisconsintechconnect.com Statewide online employment system for Wisconsin Technical College students and graduates.

wisconsinfastforward.com Grants to support employer-led worker training projects.

WISCONOMY

wisconomy.com Job search and employment information from the State of Wisconsin.

WISCONSIN MANUFACTURERS & COMMERCE

wmc.org Wisconsin’s business voice since 1911, representing more than 3,800 member companies.

WISCONSIN MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP

wmep.org Specialized nonprofit organization providing targeted consulting services to small and medium manufacturers within its service territory in Wisconsin.

S T U FF FO R E M PLOY E R S ABC OF WISCONSIN

abcwi.org Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a membership organization that actively promotes performance-based construction.

MADISON REGION ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

madisonregion.org Collaborates with state agencies on economic development initiatives within counties, municipalities, chambers of commerce and the private sector.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS

S T U FF FO R E D U C ATO R S CYBERPATRIOT

uscyberpatriot.org National Youth Cyber Education Program created by the Air Force Association to inspire K-12 students toward careers in cybersecurity or other STEM disciplines.

ADVANCING AI WISCONSIN

advancingaiwisconsin.com Initiative to increase awareness of digital disruption technologies and their impact on Wisconsin businesses.

GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON WORKFORCE INVESTMENT

wi-cwi.org Aiding Wisconsin employers in finding the workers they need and providing training resources.

REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP

wisconsinapprenticeship.org Helps employers address the ongoing need for a highly skilled workforce.

nahb.org Member organization serving America’s housing industry since the early 1940s.

SOCIET Y FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

shrm.org Promotes HR as a profession and provides education, certification and networking to members.

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

dwd.wisconsin.gov Building and strengthening Wisconsin’s workforce through job training and employment assistance.

WISCONSIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.

inwisconsin.com Leading economic development efforts for the state by providing resources to companies and communities. biztimes.com/stuffsc | S T U F F S C

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RESOURCES DANE COUNT Y SCHOOL CONSORTIUM

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY

dcsc.org The DCSC works with Dane County school districts and statewide programs to offer educational opportunities related to career exploration.

pltw.org Offers transformative learning experiences for K-12 students and teachers across the U.S.

FUTURE READY SCHOOLS

futureready.org Helps K-12 school leaders plan and implement personalized, researchbased digital learning strategies.

GPS EDUCATION PARTNERS

gpsed.org Manufacturing-specific, statewide Department of Workforce Development Youth Apprenticeship program.

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF WISCONSIN

juniorachievement.org Preparing students in the areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

STEM 101

stem101.org Provides 21st-century, career-minded curriculum.

H I G H E R E D S T U FF

STEM FORWARD

stemforward.org Programs to inspire youth to pursue STEM careers and provide a pipeline of talent to businesses.

BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE

blackhawk.edu GATEWAY TECHNICAL COLLEGE

gtc.edu

TEALS

tealsk12.org Microsoft Philanthropies’ Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) helps high schools build computer science programs.

PATHWAYS WISCONSIN

dpi.wi.gov/pathways-wisconsin A regional approach to deliver highquality state-endorsed regional career pathways in the state.

HERZING UNIVERSIT Y – MADISON

herzing.edu MADISON AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE

madisoncollege.edu MORAINE PARK TECHNICAL COLLEGE

morainepark.edu UNIVERSIT Y OF WISCONSIN-MADISON

wisc.edu UNIVERSIT Y OF WISCONSIN-WHITEWATER

uww.edu UW-WHITEWATER AT ROCK COUNT Y

uww.edu/rock

Training those who are building our communities

Beaver Dam • Fond du Lac • West Bend 38

STUFF SC

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Winter/Spring 2021

morainepark.edu 1-800-472-4554 A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA

1 S T A N N UAL

CA R E E R FA I R M A R CH 24TH, 2021 STU D E NTS NOON - 3PM • J O B S E E K E R S 3PM - 6PM

 Attend a session on career exploration  Enjoy the break between different sessions to visit company booths  Network with current employers and HR directors to discuss potential career paths  Participate in the virtual scavenger hunt to win prizes!

Teachers  Register here to attend free: biztimes.com/stuffcareerfair  For more information: Contact Sue Herzog at 414-336-7100 or sue.herzog@biztimes.com