Collective
G R E AT E R
GREEN
B AY
CHAMBER
BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY
|
SUMMER
2016
Collective
ON THE COVER
SUMMER 2016 | ISSUE #14
Youth Apprenticeship is part of Wisconsin’s Schoolto-Work initiative and an important workforce development program the Chamber has been involved in for nearly 20 years. “These students are mentored and prepared for employment in their specified field to increase their success rate moving forward in both higher education courses, certified training classes and overall career skill development,” says David Schultz, Youth Workforce development manager at the Greater Green Bay Chamber.
PUBLISHED BY THE GREATER GREEN BAY CHAMBER FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS VISIT THE GREATER GREEN BAY CHAMBER AT:
TITLETOWN.ORG
PRESIDENT Laurie Radke EDITOR/PHOTOGRAPHER Steve Levin ART DIRECTOR Dana Jacobson WRITERS Jen Hogeland and Allie Place Collective Impact is published quarterly by the Greater Green Bay Chamber, 300 N. Broadway, Ste. 3A, Green Bay WI 54303. Collective Impact is supported by advertising revenue from member companies of the Greater Green Bay Chamber. For information about the advertising rates and deadlines, contact sales at 920.593.3418. Collective Impact (USPS 10-206) is published quarterly for $18 a year by the Greater Green Bay Chamber, 300 N. Broadway, Ste. 3A, Green Bay, WI 54303. Periodicals postage paid at Green Bay, WI. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Collective Impact, 300 N. Broadway, Ste. 3A, Green Bay WI 54303. PH: 920.593.3423. COMMERCIAL LITHOGRAPHY
COVER PHOTO Steve Levin
Find out more about the YA program and how you can get involved at www.titletown.org. ALLIE PLACE, the Chamber’s Youth Apprenticeship student, wrote many articles in this issue.
DAVID SCHULTZ
Contents. SUMMER 2016 | ISSUE #14
FEATURES 04 NEW Water 06 Grancare Nursing Center 08 DeLeers Construction Inc. 11 Oneida Nation 12 Bay Harbor Assisted Living 14 United Building Systems 16 New Tech Metals 18 Prevea Vision 20 Wisconsin Lift Truck 22 Olson Trailer and Body 24 Broadway Automotive 26 Trades Career Academy
08 OTHER 03 Introduction from Laurie Radke 29 Ashley Knutson on elementary and middle school career training 32 Milestone Chamber member anniversaries
18 A DV E RT I S E R S 00 Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay 02 Northeast Wisconsin Technical College -
Career Services 10 St. Norbert College 10 UnitedHealthcare 28 Element 28 Investors Community Bank 30 Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Corporate Training & Economic Development 30 YWCA 31 SCORE 31 Range Bank 31 Village of Hobart 31 Hometown Bank 33 Prevea360 BACK COV E R Cellcom
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2 Collective IMPACT | Summer 2016
Youth Apprenticeship – Gateway to your future employees
W
e’ve all heard the stories of the “silver tsunami” that’s accelerating as more of the baby boom generation leaves the workforce. Add to that the existing skills gap and general workforce shortage — particularly in skilled trades — and we face an uphill battle for many industries.
But there is good news: Programs like Youth Apprenticeship (YA), a program of the state of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development in partnership with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, address these growing workforce needs by partnering post-secondary education, high school students and businesses like yours. And it’s not a moment too soon as more baby boomers retire, technology continues to evolve and skilled trades continue to clamor for qualified employees. Simultaneously, the Department of Public Instruction is requiring students to create academic career plans (ACPs) to encourage self-exploration, career exploration and work-based learning. At its root is to empower all students to travel the road to adulthood through education and training toward viable careers. Nearly two-thirds of all jobs will require some form of postsecondary education or training by 2020. YA is an instrumental means of accomplishing just that, as students in our partnering school districts have an opportunity to testdrive careers, offering 450 hours of hands-on experience annually in the workplaces that participate. And while the program has ramped up its momentum in the past year,
even more businesses need to take advantage of this amazing pipeline to, what we hope will be, future employees. Many people think of YA and associate it with industry clusters such as manufacturing or transportation, distribution and logistics. Those are two of the programs, but did you know they also include other industries that are hungry for qualified employees, including information technology; science, technology, engineering and math; finance, architecture and construction; health sciences and more? As you’ll read in this issue,YA complements postsecondary education with worksites that offer hands-on training and mentoring to the high school juniors and seniors who participate. Businesses have a means of developing their own “employee pipeline” by giving students an opportunity to explore the work environment and to test out careers they think are right for them. The students become a value-add to businesses alongside their full-time employee peers. The benefits come back three-fold for the business, the community and the student.You, as the employer, develop a relationship with the student over one to two years (depending on the career), teaching him/her skills and
processes you have honed after years of trial and error. Participating businesses help to mold a student as a future employee, and evaluate him/her in areas such as technical skills, trainability, content knowledge, teamwork and overall employability. In many cases, the businesses have such a great experience that, when possible, they welcome the student to the team full-time after he/she completes postsecondary education. While we are increasingly working with local alliances, such as the Manufacturing Alliance, to showcase the opportunity YA presents and the gap we can fill in market segments, we need businesses in all clusters to step up to invest in a student and themselves by participating in YA.The youth are our future, and their development is a responsibility we need to share collectively. It’s not just the schools’ responsibility; this is an opportunity for students, parents, K-12, postsecondary education and business to come together to give our youth a chance at fulfilling, rewarding careers.We each need to step up as our future workforce is at stake.
— Laurie Radke
President, Greater Green Bay Chamber
Summer 2016 | Collective IMPACT 3
NEW Water
introduces students to its
industry
4 Collective IMPACT | Summer 2016
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EW Water became part of the Youth Apprenticeship program in 2012.They hoped to connect with area high school students that were interested in a career in the waste water industry.
“For us, it was getting students interested in the environment,” says Bruce Bartel, treatment manager at NEW Water. “Since becoming part of the Youth Apprenticeship program, we’ve discovered students are environmentally conscious.They care, and this is a good way to expose them to our industry.” NEW Water typically accepts two Youth Apprentice students at a time. The teens work closely with facility operators for approximately three hours during the school day, grabbing samples throughout the treatment process, doing analysis, rotating equipment, troubleshooting and more. Hannah Harmann from Denmark High School and Lee Vander Steeg from Green Bay Southwest are finishing up their apprenticeship after nearly two years with NEW Water. Harmann was interested in environmental engineering and natural resources so the Youth Apprenticeship opportunity at NEW Water was the perfect fit. “Since becoming part of the program, I’ve learned almost the entire wastewater treatment process,” she adds.
D BRUCE BARTEL AN
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Since becoming part of the Youth Apprenticeship program, we’ve discovered students are environmentally conscious. They care, and this is a good way to expose them to our industry.
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— Bruce Bartel
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HANNAH HARMAN
The experience confirmed her interest in the field. She’s heading to Michigan Tech in the fall to pursue a degree in environmental engineering. For Vander Steeg, he chose to try the apprentice program because he wanted a job that was unlike his peers that were stocking shelves or serving fast food. He reveals his experience at NEW Water was very positive, although his career plans are temporarily on hold because he intends to join the military in August. “The Youth Apprenticeship program allows you to go above and beyond and to prove to yourself that you’re a hard worker. I would definitely do it over again if I had the chance,” says Vander Steeg. Harmann agrees. “I believe the Youth Apprenticeship program sets you apart from your peers. It shows I’m able to multitask and stay on top of things. I also think the knowledge and experience I’ve gained will help me in my future classes.” Bartel explains the Youth Apprenticeship program provides real world, real life experiences. With 17 operators at NEW Water, the students are exposed to 17 different personalities. “It’s a great learning experience for the students to take with them, wherever their path takes them,” he adds.
BY JENNIFER HOGELAND PHOTOS BY STEVE LEVIN
Summer 2016 | Collective IMPACT 5
YA program more than just
‘cool job opportunities’
FALYNNE GERISCH 6 Collective IMPACT | Summer 2016
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arrie Collins, director of nursing care at Grancare Nursing Center in Green Bay, has been in nursing for over 23 years and knows just how important kind and hardworking staff really is. Collins has been participating in the Youth Apprenticeship program for 18 years and has embraced it since day one.“The program is phenomenal; it gives the kids an actual look at a career, and they learn all the work that actually goes into it,” says Carrie.
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The program is phenomenal; it gives the kids an actual look at a career, and they learn all the work that actually goes into it.
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— Carrie Collins
Her current youth apprentice, Falynne Gerisch, is currently working with residents primarily in the evenings, helping them with care at dinner and before bed. “I enjoy what I do; getting to know the residents, or as we call them, our neighbors, is so much fun,” says Gerisch. She decided that she wanted to be part of the Youth Apprenticeship program when she was a freshman, and in her sophomore year she applied. “I was always interested in the program because I knew it gave you cool job opportunities, and so I applied. On the application I marked the medical field because I was thinking about it a little,” says Gerisch. She has been at Grancare for over a year and has begun to build strong relationships with the residents and her co-workers.“As cheesy as it sounds my favorite part is definitely the people and getting to help others.There is this one lady who, when she got here, didn’t really like anyone and never wanted any help, and now we have become very close. It makes me very happy to see me positively impact people’s lives,” says Gerisch. Collins is also happy with the way things have been going for Gerisch, saying, “She does well here. She works well with residents and is very helpful with all that she can be.” Collins is a huge believer in the Youth Apprenticeship program and thinks it greatly benefits both the apprentices and the mentors.“I like that I can help young people become good at what they have a passion for. I want to develop the leaders that we need. Ethics are being lost in a way, and I want to make sure that we keep a focus on them and teach them young,” says Collins. She recommends the program to everyone and wants there to be more awareness raised about it.“I hope that more students get introduced to the program and see what an awesome opportunity it is for them. I would also recommend it to businesses because it gives such a wonderful opportunity for the businesses to train young people well and teach them the important things while they are young. This program has produced some of the best workers that we receive and that I have ever worked with!”
CARRIE COLLINS
Gerisch is grateful for the opportunities that have been given to her and also considers the program invaluable. “I would recommend this. It has given me the option to have a job and take classes that I normally would not have been able to, and that is really cool.The program is also really great for this area of work. I would definitely recommend it for that,” says Gerisch.
BY ALLIE PLACE PHOTOS BY STEVE LEVIN Summer 2016 | Collective IMPACT 7
DeLeers Construction provides
real-world experience
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I’m grateful to DeLeers and the Chamber for this opportunity — they’ve both been so willing to help me learn.
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— Rigoberto Sandoval 8 Collective IMPACT | Summer 2016
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igoberto Sandoval, now a senior at Ashwaubenon High School, wasn’t sure what he wanted to do after high school graduation, but he knew he wanted to pursue a career in the trades. When Jim DeLeers, DeLeers Construction Inc. president, and Cheri Galecke, director of human resources, came to speak to his high school class, Sandoval approached the two and asked them to consider him for the Youth Apprenticeship program.
The Youth Apprenticeship program helps us create a pipeline of good candidates.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and I figured this would be a good opportunity to get a taste of the construction industry,” says Sandoval. “Now I’m almost at my year mark, and it’s been a great experience.”
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— Cheri Galecke
DeLeers Construction gives youth apprentices the chance to work in both construction and cabinetry.The company works in the residential and commercial markets; they also have a painting division as well as another business — Joseph A. Interiors, a casework, millwork, retail and residential cabinetry firm. During the summer, Sandoval works on the construction site, taking instruction from a superintendent working on the job. He learns framing, flooring, finish work, siding and more as a youth apprentice. For a few hours a week during the school year, Sandoval works in the cabinet shop. He could be sanding, assembling or helping cut while under the supervision of a foreman. “The Youth Apprenticeship program gives students real-world experience.They can see what a particular career is like while they learn the responsibilities of being an employee and managing their schedule,” says Mary Nemec, human resource assistant at DeLeers Construction. Galecke reveals DeLeers Construction has had three youth apprentices in the last 10 years. The company participates in the program because they recognize the shortage of skilled workers and hope to reach potential employees early. She says, “The Youth Apprenticeship program helps us create a pipeline of good candidates.We get them in here, we expose them to our industry and hopefully they become an employee in the end.” All parties have found the Greater Green Bay Chamber’s Youth Apprenticeship program to be valuable.“I’m grateful to DeLeers and the Chamber for this opportunity — they’ve both been so willing to help me learn,” says Sandoval. Galecke adds, “We are in this together, working and collaborating to develop the future workforce.”
CHERI GALECKE
MARY N
EMEC
BY JENNIFER HOGELAND PHOTOS BY STEVE LEVIN
Summer 2016 | Collective IMPACT 9
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10 Collective IMPACT | Summer 2016
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I don’t think you find a career by accident anymore — students need to be more intentional.
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— Norbert S. Hill Jr.
Oneida Nation joins Youth Apprentice program
D
riven by the belief that there is limited vocational training within schools today, Norbert S. Hill Jr., area manager for education and training for the Oneida Nation, sought out opportunities for students to explore different careers and for area businesses to benefit from a pipeline of skilled workers.
“Our goal is to train our successors,” says Hill. “I don’t think you find a career by accident anymore — students need to be more intentional. We try to provide opportunities so they can realize their dreams but also have a method to the madness.” Rather than re-create the wheel, Hill decided to partner with the Greater Green Bay Chamber’s Youth Apprenticeship program.
“I think we are a little out of balance with students thinking they need a 4-year baccalaureate degree. People can earn a very good living wage with a career in the trades — nursing, welding, carpentry or auto mechanics — so the apprentice program brings back the vocational education programs. It also provides development opportunities for students to explore different careers,” adds Hill. In the 2016/2017 school year, eight Oneida students will be part of the Youth Apprenticeship program. These high school juniors or seniors will be working in hospitality, engineering, journalism, public relations, pharmacy or nursing. “Our best recruitment is going to be students that are satisfied and like the program,” says Hill. “This is the first time we are participating in the program, and while we are late to the game we are hooking onto a moving train.”
BY JENNIFER HOGELAND PHOTO BY STEVE LEVIN Summer 2016 | Collective IMPACT 11
Program prepares youth for a
caregiving career
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iranda Pamperin discovered her passion in caring for others at a young age. As a participant in the Youth Apprenticeship program at Bay Harbor Assisted Living in Suamico, she’s been developing her skills doing just that. “I love what I have gotten to do here. I have been here for over a year now, and I am learning more and more every day,” says Pamperin. Her mentor, Apryl Slusarek, is grateful to have someone as dedicated as Pamperin as part of the team. “She is always so ready to jump in and help and absorb whatever we give her. She does everything she can, and the residents totally love her,” says Slusarek.
and now that she’s older, she’s helping with lifts and medication. “Miranda gets to work with a very wide variety of diagnoses and levels of dementia. She has grown so much, and she is very well-prepared for this profession,” adds Slusarek.
Pamperin has grown greatly while being at Bay Harbor. In the time that she’s been there she’s learned to handle mental and physical disabilities,
Delores Moyer, owner and founder of Bay Harbor Assisted Living, is also more than pleased with the Youth Apprenticeship program and
12 Collective IMPACT | Summer 2016
As Slusarek works through her first year having apprentices she could not be more pleased with her experience,“I was leery at first considering the age of the kids we would be getting, but when I met them and saw them work and learn I knew they were great. The young people are the future of businesses like these, and it is so wonderful to get them in here wanting to learn all they possibly can,” adds Slusarek.
looks forward to being able to participate in future years.“I absolutely love the program, and since I’ve seen how wonderfully it has worked here, I have tried to get larger towns and cities to adopt it as well.This program gives us confidence that we are getting the optimum youths and a great feeling knowing that we are getting kids who want to be here and have a passion for what we do,” she says. Pamperin knows that she will definitely pursue a career in the medical field. “By doing this I have come to the conclusion that I want to do care for the rest of my life for sure. I may not end up doing elderly care, but I definitely want to continue helping others,” she says. By being an apprentice, her passion, generosity and ambition have been showcased and she has gotten her foot in the door. “After being
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This program gives us confidence that we are getting the optimum youths and a great feeling knowing that we are getting kids who want to be here.
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— Delores Moyer
MIRANDA PAMPERIN APRYL SLUSAREK
in this program I have to say that it has definitely matured me quite a bit. I have also learned a lot about proper technique and terminology, and the best part is that I have gotten to do all of this all while having a lot of fun,” she adds. Bay Harbor is looking at continuing the program and taking on more apprentices in the future.“We will definitely continue to use this program and recommend it to any business looking to hire in the future or educate young people on what goes into a profession,” says Slusarek.
BY ALLIE PLACE PHOTOS BY STEVE LEVIN Summer 2016 | Collective IMPACT 13
United Building Systems brings in two youth apprentices
SPENCER SCRAY 14 Collective IMPACT | Summer 2016
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nited Building Systems has participated in the Youth Apprenticeship program for the past 10 years. Paul Weddinger, owner of United Building Systems in Seymour, explains the program’s flexibility in terms of bringing in an apprentice for a few hours a week rather than having to hire a full-time employee is especially important as he endures the ups and downs of the economy as a small general contractor. David Schultz, Youth Apprenticeship manager, provides Weddinger with several applications. Weddinger meets with the prospective apprentices and their parents before making his selection. United Building Systems currently has two youth apprentices. Elizabeth Diaz from Bayport High School came to the program with drafting experience. In the summer, she works in the office a few hours a week, depending on available projects. During the school year, she primarily completes her tasks at home, emailing drawings back and forth with Weddinger.
PAUL WEDDINGER
“I decided to participate in the Youth Apprenticeship program because I wanted to get a closer look at the field I am considering and to see if I enjoy it — and I do,” says Diaz. She explains she came to United Building Systems with an interest in architecture and civil engineering. The experience has confirmed she’s on the right track. Spencer Scray, a youth apprentice from Pulaski High School, performs general contractor tasks at United Building Systems. Before becoming a youth apprentice, Scray assumed he’d pursue a career working with machines and motors, but the apprenticeship altered this plan. “My interests have changed, and I’ll likely go into construction after graduation,” he adds. “This experience has been life-changing.” TH DIAZ
ELIZABE
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I decided to participate in the Youth Apprenticeship program because I wanted to get a closer look at the field I am considering and to see if I enjoy it — and I do.
— Elizabeth Diaz
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The Youth Apprenticeship program has allowed the teens to get a jump-start on their profession. Diaz takes a class at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College one day a week to get an early start on her degree while Scray is receiving valuable training on the job site. United Building Systems benefits from the extra sets of hands and is able to give the future workforce a glimpse into the real world. “I think the Youth Apprenticeship program is a much-needed program,” adds Weddinger. “Nothing can replace hands-on experience in my eyes.”
BY JENNIFER HOGELAND PHOTOS BY STEVE LEVIN
Summer 2016 | Collective IMPACT 15
New Tech Metals employs
area graduates
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MARSHAL DECKER 16 Collective IMPACT | Summer 2016
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ew Tech Metals has been involved in the Youth Apprenticeship program for more than 10 years. As a custom metal shop, New Tech Metals believes the apprentice program is fundamental to developing its future workforce.
“It is very hard to find good employees that have a strong work ethic,” says Lori Blackman, controller and human resources manager at New Tech Metals. “The youth apprentices go to high school, attend technical college and work part-time so they are learning to juggle and multi-task.That says a lot about an individual.” Blackman explains New Tech Metals participates in the Youth Apprenticeship program because they hope to find a hard worker that becomes a full-time employee after graduation. New Tech Metals currently has two apprentices. Avery Laurent, now a senior at Preble High School, is in the machining program, and Marshal Decker, a recent graduate of Denmark High School, is in the welding program. Both work several hours a day, depending on their schedule. Laurent explains he not only sought out the apprenticeship opportunity to gain valuable work experience, but also sort out his career aspirations. The on-the-job training confirmed he is on the right path.
AVERY LAU R
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“I wasn’t 100 percent sure what I wanted to do when I began the apprenticeship, but I now know without a doubt this is what I want to do,” adds Laurent. “I would recommend the Youth Apprenticeship program to other students that want to get their foot in the door at a company and to learn more about a particular occupation.” The Youth Apprenticeship program also confirmed Decker was in the right field. Now a high school graduate, Decker intends to stay on with New Tech Metals and finish up his program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.
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The youth apprentices go to high school, attend technical college and work part-time so they are learning to juggle and multi-task. That says a lot about an individual.
— Lori Blackman
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“I believe it is a good fit for students that are interested in a specific trade or that are serious about doing something to better themselves,” adds Decker. Blackman explains apprentices typically earn their associate degree at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, working a flex schedule as needed until their educational program is complete — a program that is paid for by New Tech Metals.
BY JENNIFER HOGELAND PHOTOS BY STEVE LEVIN
Summer 2016 | Collective IMPACT 17
Keeping
an eye on their future workforce
18 Collective IMPACT | Summer 2016
BROOKE OLSZEWSKI, LEFT SARAH GRENDZIAK, RIGHT
A
s the medical field continues to grow, the need for skilled professionals does as well. At Prevea Vision in Ashwaubenon, they’re looking to train and possibly employ students with the proper training and passion for the field. While many young men and women think they definitely want to go into the medical field, sometimes they get into things and see that it isn’t for them. Through the Youth Apprenticeship program students can learn about things they are interested in before they make large decisions about their futures. Eye care manager Sarah Grendziak agrees that the program is good for both employer and employee. “Through this program we have gotten to raise an awareness for our specialties and help teach about what actually goes into our profession.” This is the first year that Grendziak has participated in the program, and she has found it to be very beneficial for the business and the apprentice, Brooke Olszewski. Olszewski is a 17-year-old student at Luxemburg Casco High School, and she’s beginning to work as a technician.“When I first started here I worked in optical helping people pick their glasses, and currently I am starting to work with patients and some equipment,” she says. She had an interest in the optical field prior to her apprenticeship, but her work there has only
solidified things for her. “This was something I was always interested in, but this has given me a real, hands-on view at what things are actually like in this industry. I love getting to learn so many new things, and I really like learning why things are the way they are about eyes.” After seeing the possibilities and details of the job she has come to like it even more. Through the Youth Apprentice program both parties have learned a lot.“This has been a great experience for everyone involved, and we have learned so much on both ends. People always come here with different experience and skills, and this way we can train employees the way that we would like, and give them the experience that we think is valuable,” says Grendziak. The team at Prevea embrace the program and definitely will do it again, “It works for both of us, and it gives us the opportunity to hire the apprentices and have them just step right in,” adds Grendziak. Olszewski plans to further her career in the medical field and came to that conclusion with the help of the program.“This has been a good way to get into the medical field. It will definitely open up a lot of opportunities in the future,” she says.
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Through this program we have gotten to raise an awareness for our specialties and help teach about what actually goes into our profession.
— Sarah
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Grendziak
BY ALLIE PLACE PHOTOS BY STEVE LEVIN Summer 2016 | Collective IMPACT 19
JEFF ROSNER BRIAN BOETTCHER
Developing a
skilled future workforce through Youth Apprenticeship 20 Collective IMPACT | Summer 2016
L
ike many businesses nationwide, Wisconsin Lift Truck in De Pere is facing challenges in finding skilled workers as their current workforce begins to retire.“We are looking at losing more than half of our workforce in the next few years because of retirement, and we have to start looking for young people to replace them,” says Jeff Rosner, field service manager at Wisconsin Lift Truck. “The trouble is that what we do is somewhat unknown. People think that their goods just get there by magic.” Rosner and shop manager Brian Boettcher agreed that something had to be done to replenish their workforce, and the Youth Apprenticeship program was a great option for them. “We found out about the program and definitely wanted to give it a try. A lot of kids out there don’t know that this is something that they could be doing, and through this program we are getting a little more awareness about our industry out there,” says Boettcher. Wisconsin Lift Truck currently has two youth apprentices working with them: Hunter Bolssen and Chandler De Greef. Bolssen works in the
CHANDLER DE GREEF N
HUNTER BOLSSE
parts department stocking shelves and pulling stock.“The department I was initially placed in did not end up working for me, so they switched me to parts, and I really enjoy it,” says Bolssen. “He does great work in the parts department. He is organized and quick, and he knows exactly where everything is,” says Boettcher. De Greef serves as an auto technician and painter, repainting and fixing machinery that needs it. “The painting is definitely my favorite part, but I love everything else that they have me do too. I have gotten to learn a lot, and I am really grateful for all of that,” says De Greef. He plans to further his education as an auto technician and hopes to be able to paint as much as possible. While Bolssen discovered through his youth apprenticeship experience that the automotive industry wasn’t his cup of tea he considers his participation in the program invaluable. “Although I didn’t end up liking what I was doing, I am happy I found this out before I went to college for it, and I am happy that I get to come to work here rather than sit at school all day,” he says.
De Greef agrees and would recommend the program to anyone. “There is nothing more valuable than getting hands-on experience with something that I plan on doing.This gave me such a good start, and I am happy to get to do what I love,” adds De Greef. As for Boettcher and Rosner, they both love the Youth Apprenticeship program and are happy to have the opportunity to get potential young employees. “We have our own training program here, and this program spreads awareness about what we do and gives the opportunity to young people to be trained under us and possibly get a job here,” says Rosner. Wisconsin Lift Truck looks forward to their future youth apprentices and have two more lined up already. “We are planning on having one to two apprentices a year, and we are definitely looking at possibly hiring them after their training if they enjoy and do well,” says Boettcher.
BY ALLIE PLACE PHOTOS BY STEVE LEVIN
Summer 2016 | Collective IMPACT 21
Olson Trailer and Body hopes to find
future employees
A
s Olson Trailer and Body continues to grow, it’s faced with the challenge of finding skilled employees. Rob Stein, vice president of Olson Trailer and Body, explains there is no school or program that teaches the specific skills the company needs. “We have to take people that have a basic mechanical aptitude and that know how to weld, and we train them on the rest,” he says. “It often takes a year or two until they are a money-making employee.” A longtime member of the Greater Green Bay Chamber, Olson Trailer and Body expressed an interest in getting more involved. David Schultz, Youth Apprenticeship manager, discussed the apprenticeship program with Stein. It was the opportunity he was looking for to reach potential future employees.
22 Collective IMPACT | Summer 2016
Robbie Brott, a recent graduate of Green Bay West High School, was Olson Trailer and Body’s first Youth Apprenticeship student. He started in July 2015 and came with basic mechanical and welding skills. “We put him with a more experienced technician, and he learned on the job,” adds Stein. Brott embraced the apprenticeship program, realizing the experience would give him a step up from most of his peers. After attending high school for a few hours in the morning, he worked at Olson Trailer and Body approximately three hours a day. “The Youth Apprenticeship program gives you a jump on your career and in my case an opportunity to test out a field in which I thought I wanted to work in,” says Brott.
While Brott had a positive experience at Olson Trailer and Body, he discovered it wasn’t where he wanted to establish his career base. He decided to attend diesel mechanic school in the fall. “The experience made me realize I wanted to get more into the heavy equipment field,” adds Brott. Stein intends to continue working with the Youth Apprenticeship program. He says, “Our hope is to have more apprentices and that some will want to stay so we can grow some good, long-term employees.”
BY JENNIFER HOGELAND PHOTOS BY STEVE LEVIN
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Our hope is to have more apprentices and that some will want to stay so we can grow some good, long-term employees.
— Rob Stein
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ROB STEIN
ROBBIE BROTT Summer 2016 | Collective IMPACT 23
Discovering a
career passion through the YA program
JOSE ACOSTA 24 Collective IMPACT | Summer 2016
I
n an ever present and growing field, Broadway Automotive is always looking to welcome skilled workers. It’s been a challenge in recent years to find motivated candidates and to spread awareness of jobs in the field. “This is a really valuable program for us to participate in.This way we are getting kids while they are young and fresh and teaching them what we want them to know as employees here,” says foreman Clint Reed in reference to his youth apprentice, Jose Acosta. The program has been a win-win for everyone involved at Broadway Automotive in many aspects. “There is a lot more that goes into what we do than the kids think. The Youth Apprenticeship program has been such a professional and quality way to get kids involved in things that they think they may want to pursue as a career,” says Reed. Networking and educational opportunities have been ample and very valuable to the company as well as the apprentice himself.
CLINT REED
Acosta is a 17-year-old student at Green Bay East High School with a growing passion for automobile repair. “I had always had an interest in vehicles and wanted to learn more. As I got older the more interested I got. I never had thought about doing this as a career until I started working here though.” Currently Acosta is assisting the business as a quick lane technician, completing oil changes, tire rotations and other tasks. Acosta is eager to absorb whatever the team has to teach him. “I really love what I get to do here; there’s always so many new things for me to learn,” he says. Acosta heard about the program through his high school counselor and has been grateful for the opportunity ever since. “I didn’t know that I would end up liking this stuff so much. The people I work with and the people I have gotten to meet have made this such an awesome impact on me,” says Acosta.“Now that I have gotten to experience what this job is actually like and see all that goes into it I definitely want to look into this as something I could do for the rest of my life.”
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The Youth Apprenticeship program has been such a professional and quality way to get kids involved in things that they think they may want to pursue as a career.
— Clint Reed
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Both Broadway Automotive and Acosta would recommend the program to a business or student looking to expand their options. “While this is a great program in general for kids to get a look at what jobs they are interested in, it has really paid off for us in the aspect that if we are looking to hire, the students already know processes and procedures for how we like things done here,” adds Reed. Acosta would recommend the Youth Apprentice program to everyone. “It is such an awesome way to try things out. We are young and our minds change, and I think by doing things like this we get a better idea about jobs we are interested in. If you end up not liking what you are doing, it is okay because now at least you know what you don’t like,” he says. He plans to further his career in the automobile repair business and have the opportunity to stay at Broadway Automotive.
BY ALLIE PLACE PHOTOS BY STEVE LEVIN
Summer 2016 | Collective IMPACT 25
RUSS GERKE
Trades Career Academy tackles
skills shortage
W
est De Pere High School was recently reviewing its tech education curriculum and invited 18 area business owners and supervisors to offer feedback. Russ Gerke, principal at West De Pere High School, explains he heard over and over how these businesses were struggling to find skilled workers. Gerke had discussions with the district superintendent and reached out to Nick Joseph, principal at De Pere High School, to determine what the schools could do to help fill the employment gap. At this same time, Belmark Inc., a De Pere business, was looking for opportunities to connect with students. They came up with the idea of establishing Trades Career Academy — a partnership with local businesses and educational institutions to provide educational programming for students along with an introduction to real-world trade career opportunities. “We wanted to expose students to different trades and different careers that they were considering but weren’t sure,” adds Joseph. “And, we believed that the De Pere school district, West De Pere school district and area businesses working together would be a fantastic fit.” When it came time to establish the program and tackle the youth apprenticeship paperwork, Gerke looked to David Schultz,Youth Apprenticeship manager at the Greater Green Bay Chamber. Trades Career Academy was set up as an extension of the Youth Apprenticeship program. “We are drawing on David’s expertise with the Youth Apprenticeship
26 Collective IMPACT | Summer 2016
NICK JOSEPH
program to ensure our students will be placed in the right environment and to make sure the participating businesses provide the types of experiences students should receive,” says Gerke. “Russ and I know a lot about our school and how schools function, but we aren’t as familiar with how businesses function. Having David and Belmark on board has been tremendous as we establish the program,” adds Joseph. Trades Career Academy will begin at the start of the 2016/2017 school year.The program will consist of 11 students between the two schools. Participating high school juniors and seniors will be instructed by a full-time certified teacher at Belmark for two hours each morning before heading to their job site for on-thejob training. Apprentices will earn the credits needed to meet high school graduation requirements. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) agreed to help with the continuing education component, offering courses that correspond to the various trades fields. Joseph suggests the program is designed for
students who want to work in the trades and are anxious to get to work. Gerke believes Trades Career Academy students will benefit from the authentic experience. He says, “They are going to learn about the applicability of their classes — why measurement is important in geometry class.They’ll also discover why it’s important to arrive to work on time, to dress properly and to act appropriately in the workplace.” The focus of Trades Career Academy is to fill the skills gaps within De Pere-based businesses. The first participants include Belmark, Romo Durable Graphics,Vos Electric, Best Built, Spirit Fabs and Robinson Metal. As the program grows, businesses outside the De Pere community may be considered. “There are many people that feel all students should attend a four-year college, but this will help us demonstrate that there are other possibilities to make a good wage while still incorporating an educational component,” concludes Gerke. “The Trades Career Academy will show students and families the different opportunities available
locally and De Pere businesses will be able to cherry-pick some really good workers.”
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The Trades Career Academy will show students and families the different opportunities available locally.
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BY JENNIFER HOGELAND PHOTOS BY STEVE LEVIN Summer 2016 | Collective IMPACT 27
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6/8/16 11:20 AM
MEMBER
Our future is
E
inspiring
conomic development hinges on the sustainability of a talented workforce, but Greater Green Bay businesses continue to face rising challenges with finding qualified individuals to fill positions.The workforce shortage is impacting businesses nationwide, and competition for talent is rising across many industry sectors, but the Greater Green Bay community is poised to grow our future workforce.
With 10,000 baby boomers retiring daily, the Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program is one piece of the collaborative plan to grow and retain local talent, but the plan begins well before a student applies to the YA program. Gaining exposure to a variety of career options at a young age helped these YA students connect with the training program and get a jump-start on their career. Starting in elementary school, children have aspirations to be doctors, lawyers, firefighters, teachers and other professions visible in their daily life. However, our local businesses need to show these young people that there are numerous jobs in our community that they could be successful in. Partners in Education is a collaborative group of the Greater Green Bay Chamber that piloted two essential steppingstone programs,Your Future Greater Green Bay and Find Your Inspiration. Your Future Greater Green Bay is a web-based program that connects educators and students from 13 area school districts (over 30,000 individuals PK to grade 12) with businesses. This interaction expands the education world’s knowledge of career options within local businesses. Find Your Inspiration specifically engages nearly 4,000 area eighth-graders through career exploration activities and culminates in a one-day event with over 100 businesses at the KI Convention Center. These programs not only expose students to careers, but also build excitement about the possibilities for their future through personal connections and hands-on learning. By supporting the career planning of our area elementary and middle school students we will have more high school students who are prepared to participate in YA. After completing their YA experience these young people will be prepared to continue training in their field and fill the current and future workforce needs. Every member of Greater Green Bay can positively impact a student’s career planning by simply participating once a year in the lives of a child through Find Your Inspiration, Your Future Greater Green Bay or Youth Apprenticeship.
— Ashley Knutson
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By supporting the career planning of our area elementary and middle school students we will have more high school students that are prepared to participate in YA.
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Youth Development Manager
Summer 2016 | Collective IMPACT 29
Safety doesn’t take the summer off. OSHA 10 Hour for Construction Industry 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | June 27-28, 2016 OSHA 10 Hour for General Industry 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | July 25-26, 2016 OSHA Forklift Train the Trainer 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | July 27, 2016 Developing Written Safety Plans 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | July 28, 2016 OSHA Skid Steer Train the Trainer 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | July 28, 2016 OSHA Aerial Train the Trainer 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | August 4, 2016 OSHA 10 Hour for Construction Industry 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | August 22-23, 2016
Call or visit our website to register
920-498-6373
https://corporatetraining.nwtc.edu
GOOD HEALTH IS GOOD BUSINESS
CONTACT MICHELLE to find out how to get started with the Y.
michelle.murton@greenbayymca.org 920 436 9626
YMCA Workplace Wellness Program
Workplace Wellness does more than provide membership cards. We create a partnership in well-being and provide a plan that offers a healthier workplace environment. The Y offers a wellness program tailored to your company’s specific needs that can increase employee productivity, reduce absenteeism, and help lower insurance claims by designing on-site programming that can include: Membership Match Incentive Wellness Coaching
Employee Education Personal Training
Fitness Assessments On-Site Wellness Activities
On-Site Group Fitness Classes
GREEN BAY YMCA www.greenbayymca.org 920 436 9622 30 Collective IMPACT | Summer 2016
Would you like to give back to your community while helping local businesses?
www.greenbay.score.org
Phone: 920-222-2167
facebook.com/GreenBaySCORE
twitter.com/GreenBaySCORE
Start or expand your business in the FASTEST GROWING
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Be part of the progress by leasing space in a great new multi-tenant building or select land for design/build construction. This is the ideal location if you are looking to command market share in western Brown County.
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Whether you’re upgrading, expanding or relocating, Tim Beno will deliver a customized loan solution to meet your business objectives.
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For more details visit www.buildinhobart.com OR contact Andrew Vickers, Village Administrator 920-869-3804 • Andrew@hobart-wi.org Summer 2016 | Collective IMPACT 31
Chamber member anniversaries 35 YEARS
Oneida Nation Time Warner Cable Mark D. Olejniczak Realty Inc.
30 YEARS
Frank O. Zeise Construction Co. Inc. The C. A. Lawton Co. Hillcrest Lumber Inc. Northern Engraving and Machine Division Wm. A. Hein Construction Co. Inc. YWCA of Greater Green Bay
25 YEARS
Skyline Exhibit Resource Spielbauer Fireworks Co. Inc. River City Realtors Inc. Quick Signs Fairchild Equipment Georgia-Pacific Kadant GranTek Inc. Green Bay Botanical Garden
20 YEARS
Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) Notre Dame de la Baie Academy Harper Corporation of America
32 Collective IMPACT | Summer 2016
15 YEARS
Green Bay Exposition Services Inc. Performa Inc. Cherney Microbiological Services Ltd.
10 YEARS
Hilton Garden Inn Green Bay Architects Group Ltd. Northland Cold Storage Inc. Bay Motel & Family Restaurant Let Me Be Frank Productions McDermid Transportation Inc. Lamar Advertising of Green Bay The Insurance Center Pension Inc. Holiday Inn & Suites Green Bay Stadium
5 YEARS
Helping Hands Caregivers LLC Holiday Inn Express & Suites Out & About Senior Services LLC Ruitenberg Ingredients Inc. Lizer Landscape & Nursery KoKo Sushi Bar & Lounge Oneida Tribe Kalihwisaks Anduzzi’s Sports Club Allouez Parkside Village Birch Creek Bishop’s Court by Hillcrest Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists of Green Bay (OSMS)
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Greater Green Bay Chamber 300 N. Broadway, Ste. 3A Green Bay, WI 54303
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