We all have goals of living a happy meaningful life. After completing the “Learning for Independence Program” participants are able to achieve a higher level of success with living independently and being self-sufficient.  On May 7, 2020 thirteen students were able to celebrate successful completion of a 2-year Learning for Independence (LFI) Program, moving them one step closer to meeting their goal of independence.  Typically students are surrounded by family, friends, instructors and school staff for an on-campus celebration were the students share their LFI program portfolios and final comments of the program. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the celebration was held virtually for the first time.

“I am very proud of our LFI graduates! They have made so much progress over the past two years, meshed well as a group and became good friends through this program. Jo Marchiando and the MPTC instructors did a fantastic job of providing a variety of real-world learning opportunities and meeting the students where they were at. The pandemic forced our hand in quickly developing a virtual format and the MPTC staff, instructors and Jo collaborated and quickly adjusted sails,” states Christine Schultz, LFI Program Director.

LFI students are scheduled for three classes each semester at Moraine Park as well as participate in programs and activities on campus at no cost to the students to participate. During the 2 years of classes, students enhance their skills and exposure to career and educational options in technology, finance, manufacturing, customer service, child care and many other areas.  “I enjoyed the home repair and virtual welding classes the best and working together as a team,” shared one of the students.

After completion, the students may have the opportunity to enroll in MPTC courses for credit based on individual needs, interests and preferences. There have been 2 students that transitioned into technical or associate degree programs after completing LFI.

Learning for Independence is a cooperative transition program offered in partnership by Fond du Lac Area High Schools and Moraine Park Technical College.  The students range from 18- 21 years in age, have a documented need for transition services in education, employment and/or independent living. The students have completed four years of high school and met desired level of academic proficiency for graduation at various Fond du Lac County High Schools.

Classes will be starting again in fall 2020.  For additional information on the LFI program or applications for enrollment, please contact Chris Schultz at cschultz@nfdlschools.org or call 920-929-3750, extension 6143.

Written by: Mindie Boynton, EWD Business Representative

Most business professionals went from primarily working in an office setting to working virtually with less than 24 hours of notice this past week. This required many of us to think creatively, paper-less and connect with co-workers and clients in a new virtual world.  In less than a week, I have had meetings using 6 different software applications and wanted to share my feedback to help businesses during this transition.

1. Zoom

Zoom has been the most user-friendly application for me so far but I did have an account set up prior to quarantine but rarely used it previously. It was quick and easy to download the app to my phone and schedule meetings. There are also live training sessions and video tutorials free on their website. There is a screen share function and also a polling option which can be helpful for teaching or making group decisions. One downfall is that without a paid license account you can only set up meetings or classes for up to 40 minutes but you can have up to 100 participants with a basic (free) account.

2. Skype

Skype for Business is a supported software by my organization and so it is really easy to set up meetings with my colleagues because there is a button right in Microsoft Outlook calendars. I would recommend this for 1:1 meetings rather than larger groups. I have experienced more technical difficulties with audio and video as more people are added to the meeting. Skype also allows for screen sharing and there is a little paper clip for sending files. Other handy features include live subtitling of conversations, and the ability to record chats. Some of the companies I have tried to connect with through Skype do not allow for the download and install of software due to security or bandwidth. There is a free version and app that can be downloaded for up to 50 people group video calls.

3. Facebook Messenger

Facebook messenger is mostly used for one-on-one or group messaging, but it can be used to send images, emoji and video chat. Messenger is a great application for friends, family and any co-workers that you have added as “friends” on Facebook.  This works for quick chats but I have not used this application for scheduled conference calls or meetings. There are concerns regarding privacy issues as with most Facebook applications and that it can drain your phone battery.

4. GoToMeeting

GoToMeeting was developed for hosting business meetings online and works well if you have global clients. It has screen sharing with the ability to take over another person’s machine if they are struggling with information or a presentation. The only thing that is required is the meeting link and access the GoToMeeting software. There are options to host up to 250 attendees so you could host an all-company event or large training/webinar. There is a free plan that allows up to 3 participants to meet for 40 minutes maximum. There are different levels of monthly paid plans available that offer a suite of resources.

5. Google Hangouts

I tried to set up a video conferencing hangout with a teacher to get instruction for an assignment and was unsuccessful. Google Hangouts has a desktop and mobile application that can also be used in a web browser. The Hangouts chat function can be used for up to 150 people but video chat is limited to 10 participants. This is typically good for smaller groups and participants that have Gmail accounts already set up. It is currently free but requires an invitation from someone that is using a Google+. There have been concerns with security and privacy.

6. Microsoft Teams

If your organization has Office 365, then Teams might be a great option.  Teams gives you the option to set up phone calls or video conferences with two to many people.  I’ve used it very successfully this week for individual meetings and group sessions.  The benefits of Teams is that all of your contacts are already there, it’s pretty intuitive to use by clicking on the Calls section and putting in the email address of the person you want to reach.  The downside, they won’t get the call if they aren’t also on Teams.  My suggestion is to send the meeting invitation in Outlook, with the location of the Teams site you want them to go to.  If you have multiple people, you have to invite them all.  If you contact the same people often they will show up in your favorites or frequently contacted list, making those invitations easy. 

Moraine Park’s Six Sigma Green Belt training is a comprehensive and flexible system for achieving and sustaining results. Organizations that deploy Six Sigma methodology within their business are able to improve processes, eliminate defects and enhance satisfaction to drive bottom-line results. Participating companies who recently completed Six Sigma Green Belt projects reduced errors within their operations, yielding an immediate return on their organization’s training dollar. On Thursday, January 23, 2020 the Six Sigma Green Belt Fall 2019 class presented their final project results which is estimated to have a combined saving of over $1 million in revenue to their companies through waste reduction, improved process and increased production.

Five participants from the manufacturing and health care industry received their certifications upon successfully completing the program. The program participants included Josh Smith a Quality Resources Analyst at Grande Cheese Company, Kimberly Collins an Operations Support Specialist at Regalware, Ann-Liese Ellis a Nursing Supervisor at Marshfield Clinic, Angela Heinbuch a RN in the Quality Department at Marshfield Clinic, and Joshua Eastman a Quality Engineer at Gateway Plastics. The ceremony took place on the Moraine Park Technical College Fond du Lac Campus with business representatives, sponsors and project champions present.

The participants completed 88 hours of class time and additional time working on their independent projects which included developing a project team, collecting and analyzing data in an effort to reduce waste, eliminate re-work and improve customer satisfaction through product improvements. The return on the investment from these project resulted in over $1 million dollars in hard savings which averaged with projected opportunity to continue the saving as the projects are fully implemented and scaled.

The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) – Green Belt Certification takes employees to the next level of training in the Six Sigma philosophy. Six Sigma is a comprehensive and flexible system for achieving and sustaining bottom-line results in your organization. The fall course will begin in August 2020 and you can register by emailing training@morainepark.edu or calling 920-924-3449.

Small, growing businesses need help. The reality of entrepreneurship is that you can’t do it all on your own.  With thousands of new businesses starting each year, any advantage you can get the better.

For this reason, Moraine Park Technical College, in partnership with the Beaver Dam Chamber and Downtown Beaver Dam Inc., will hold it’s popular, “Start Your Own Business” series of workshops this month at the Beaver Dam Campus . The workshops are scheduled for Thursday nights beginning on January 23^rd from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. The fee is $175 for the series of five workshops. Workshops can also be taken individually for $40 each. MPTC’s Beaver Dam Campus is located at 700 Gould Street, Beaver Dam, WI 53916. 

Students will learn how to develop a business plan while exploring business management skills and resources necessary to succeed in today’s competitive business environment. Concepts related to marketing and promotion as well as budgeting and finances will be explored. In addition, students will gain access to a network of national, State and local resources. “Entrepreneurship is a key component to revitalizing any community.” said Moraine Park’s Economic and Workforce Development Community Coordinator Laurie Barz. “With the efforts being made by local officials in Beaver Dam, we felt supporting entrepreneurship at the Beaver Dam Campus was the perfect location to hold the popular ‘Start Your Own Business’ series of workshops.”

To learn more visit the Entrepreneurship section in our course schedule. To register, call 920.924.3207.

Success isn’t given, it’s earned, and Christian Bailey-Steenport of Fond du Lac is using his drive and motivation to pave his path. He had a difficult upbringing with a traumatic home-life. As a result, he left home before finishing high school. The choices he made from there weren’t always the best, but it ultimately led him to where he is today.

“I had a horrible home life,” Christian said. “When I left, I ended up with the wrong crowd and eventually became a product of my environment.”

He needed a change in his life, but at the time didn’t have access to opportunities that could help turn his life around. It wasn’t long before Christian was in trouble with the law. 

“I wasn’t making good choices,” he said. “However, my time behind bars is ultimately what gave me the clarity and fresh start I needed.”

While Christian was in jail, he made solid goals and a plan to obtain them. When he was released on January 8, 2019, his first stop was Moraine Park Technical College’s Economic and Workforce Development Boot Camp program test drive.

The College’s test drive offers the opportunity to explore the welding and computerized numerical control (CNC) machining careers, meet potential employers, and receive valuable real-world opportunities. Christian immediately signed up for the welding boot camp. 

“Both my Grandpa and Dad were welders,” he said. “I had some background knowledge of the field and decided to learn more.”

Christian began his college career in February of 2019 and hasn’t stopped since.

“When I first came to Moraine Park, I was only interested in completing the welding boot camp,” he said. “I wasn’t interested in making friends. I wanted to focus only on my goals. It didn’t take long for my mindset to change, and I’m glad it did. I’m learning a lot, enjoying college, and I have made some great friends along the way.”

Christian completed the welding boot camp in May of 2019 and immediately enrolled in the welding technical diploma program. He is scheduled to graduate in December of 2020. He also has plans to earn his metal fabrication and automotive technician technical diplomas and has an interest in serving an industrial maintenance apprenticeship. His overall goal is to own a custom metal fabrication shop with his brother, who begins his boot camp journey in January 2020. 

“I am motivated to succeed,” Christian said. “I’ve overcome a lot in my life, and my college journey hasn’t always been easy, but I keep showing up. I’ve never missed a day of class-ever.”

Currently, Christian works full time at MEC, where he served his boot camp internship and was hired before graduation. He also attends school full time. He is busy but motivated, and that is the driving force that makes it all work for him. 

“I’ve had a lot of support from Moraine Park,” he said. “They helped me to succeed and ultimately have guided me through this new path. I’m proud of myself and look forward to accomplishing more.”

For more information about a career in CNC or Welding, visit morainepark.edu/bootcamp and sign up for one of the information and testing sessions in January 2020. These sessions are a required step to participating in the free boot camp program. 

Moraine Park Technical College has graduated its ninth cohort of participants from the STRAT (Strategy, Alignment, Talent) program on December 13, 2019 with a completion ceremony that included project presentation at the Moraine Park Technical College Fond du Lac campus.

The STRAT 2019 participants included Chloe Komorowski, Director of Nursing at Hillside Manor; John Nehls, Consumer Compliance Analyst at Horicon Bank; Patrick Rentmeester, Corporate Controller at Sadoff Iron & Metal Company; Mary Davies, Associate Dean at Moraine Park Technical College; Joe Truesdale, Marketing Account Manager at Wisnet; Cecilia Harry, Former CEO of Envision Greater Fond du Lac; Lynn Abraham, Organizational Resources Director at Lakeland Care; and Emily Hayes, General Education Reading/Writing Instructor at Moraine Park Technical College.

As a key part of the program, participants identified and implemented projects that would improve their workplace with objectives that were quite diverse from financial to cultural goals. Some of the projects included: new training programs, testing a flexible work model, new budgeting process, software implementations, and reducing turnover. The project focused on employee engagement and retention is already seeing a return on investment through a decrease in sign on bonuses and turnover costs.

The STRAT 2.0 program was developed by Moraine Park’s Economic and Workforce Development division and goes beyond the typical training – integrating a 360 assessment as well as other leadership profile indicators, feedback, stretch assignments, experiential learning and one-on-one coaching to accelerate individual performance. Individuals are sponsored by their employers and organizations to participate in cross-functional development linking strategy and execution to achieve measureable results within their organizations.  Through the program, students participate in workshops, networking events, professional coaching and STRAT alumni to build their professional network and support participants on their project and leadership journey.

Registration is currently in process for the 2020 STRAT session. To register, call 1-800-472-4554 ext. 3449. For more information on the STRAT program visit morainepark.edu/strat.

Reading and hearing about new career opportunities is helpful. But what if you actually could try them out as well? Moraine Park Technical College is offering a unique opportunity to do just that with its “Test Drive” workshops for welding and computerized numerical control (CNC).

Our CNC machining and welding Test Drive event is being offered at Moraine Park Fond du Lac campuses on December 17, 2019. 

This Test Drive event includes hands-on, two-hour workshops for both welding and CNC.  Both the welding and CNC Test Drive workshop will give attendees insight into these respective careers and provide valuable, hands-on opportunities to try out these career areas.

Participants who attend Test Drive will also be able to learn about Moraine Park’s short-term training boot camp opportunities. These boot camps offer a unique training opportunity to potential candidates by providing entry-level skills as well as job experience from these 13- to 15-week sessions. CNC Machining and Welding Boot Camps begin in March 2020.

“Test drive is a great opportunity to get a hands-on experience in these high-demand careers and learn about free training opportunities,” said JoAnn Hall, Dean of Economic and Workforce Development. “Past participants have really appreciated these short, intensive opportunities to get a real-world glimpse into these careers”

Space is limited for the Test Drive workshops, and pre-registration is required.

For more details or to register, visit http://mptcbootcamps.eventbrite.com/, email bootcamps@morainepark.edu or call Nikki at 920-924-3334.

Computer Numerical Control. CNC machining.

Are you asking yourself, what does that mean?

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is a portion of manufacturing in which you control precision automated machine tools using a programmable computer. Due to this level of automation, machines can be operated with supervision of an accredited operator, increasing productivity and minimizing the possibility for human errors on a project.

Intrigued yet?  Did we mention that Moraine Park as an opportunity for you to attend our CNC boot camp for free?  Yes, free. This unique 15-week training opportunity provides individuals with entry-level skills and job experience.

If you’re looking for a new career, CNC might be for you and here’s why.

Manufacturing in Wisconsin is currently on the upswing. Combine this with how badly companies need CNC workers, and you should be able to confidently enter a college or trade school, knowing a job will be waiting for you when you get out. In fact, manufacturing currently offers more potential in this regard than just about any other field.

Are you saying, okay that’s great but what types of jobs can I get? According to our CNC instructor, Josh Geschke, there are numerous opportunities available.

“This is what I love most about the trade.  There is a lot of overlap of skills between jobs so you can take your career in a number of different directions. With CNC skills and knowledge you may become any of the following:

CNC operator, set-up technician, conventional machinist, CNC machinist, programmer, die maker, mold maker, toolmaker, and supervisory positions

With additional schooling and experience you can enter the following careers that are related and support CNC.

Mechanical designer, engineering positions (mechanical engineer, manufacturing engineer, engineering technician), machine tool service technician; quality control technician/inspector; industrial salesperson.”

Do you want to learn more? Visit morainepark.edu/bootcamp  or call Nikki at (920) 924-3334, she’ll tell you everything you need to know about this free, 15-week training opportunity.

Don’t wait! Registrations are currently being accepted for our next boot camp Test Drive on December 17, 2019.

A brand is worthless if it does not connect with the right audience in a responsive and relevant way was one takeaway at the Moraine Park Technical College Economic and Workforce Development’s Business Forum help on Friday, October 18, 2019 at the Fond du Lac campus.

A panel of business professionals shared their expertise on “Digital Recruitment” bringing experience from a diverse range of industries including construction, trucking and manufacturing. Sarah Pantol, HR Director at FLASH, shared her experience with using various platforms to develop relations, stay relevant and be responsive to candidates. She uses a variety of platforms, website landing pages and videos to engage her target audience to stay relevant and speed up the recruitment process.

Mercedes Tucker, Digital Marketing Coordinator at C.D. Smith Construction, Inc., spoke to the importance of spending more time focused on your culture then strategy. She utilizes employee brand ambassadors to promote open positions to their networks.

Jeff Kennedy, Labor Relations Manager at John Deere – Horicon Works spoke to his 3 step approach of researching perceptions, utilizing agency support to manage digital marketing and then restructuring roles to best serve their employees.  Jeff wanted to reduce the number of touch points and interviews a candidate had to do as part of the process so he consolidated skills assessments and automated communication.

There were over 30 attendees representing a broad range of industries from non-profit to manufacturing that are all faced with challenges finding workforce to fill open positions and no longer finding as much success with traditional recruitment practices. During the event, the participants shared best practices during table breakout sessions and had the opportunity to ask questions during the panel presentations.

“MPTC business forums are a great way for a busy professional to get a compact and high value dose of useful information and professional connecting” shared one attendee.

Mark your calendars to save the date for the next Business Networking Forum scheduled on Friday, May 1, 2020 from 8:00 – 10:30 am on the Moraine Park Fond du Lac campus.

Questions can be directed to training@morainepark.edu or 920-924-3449