For many high school graduates, it’s four-year university or bust. This was the mindset that Moraine Park Technical College nursing student Jonathan Szczesny had as he considered his college career. He had his sights set on a UW System school, but after realizing the opportunities and financial practicality of Moraine Park, his mind was changed.

Enrolling at a technical college meant that he could not only earn his degree faster, but immediately enter the workforce and even work toward other degrees and certifications while working in the field he loves: Nursing.

“I chose to pursue an education in nursing because I believe it is a rewarding career in that I can help maintain a patient’s dignity in their time of need, as well as provide them with the highest quality of care,” Szczesny said. “I also considered that this career choice is in high demand with immense opportunities to grow and explore related disciplines.”

Szczesny recently completed his first core semester on the Dean’s List and is accepted into the nursing program at Moraine Park’s Beaver Dam campus. Following graduation, Szczesny plans to work in the field as an RN, immediately return to school and earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and possibly pursue a career with the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps.

Like so many high school students, a trade school education was not on Szczesny’s radar. However, between the cost savings, small class sizes and dedicated staff, he encourages students to consider a technical college.

“A technical college is a great choice for both new high school graduates and working individuals looking to advance themselves in the workforce,” Szczesny said.

With acceptance into the core nursing program under his belt, Szczesny is ready to take on the remainder of his educational career at Moraine Park by storm and urges high school students preparing for college to not immediately discredit a small technical school.

“It is important to give schools like Moraine Park their fair shake and maintain an open mind about the benefits that they have to offer,” he said. “Think of the big picture when choosing a school for post-secondary education… Your schooling is what you make of it. What you put in is what you will get out.”

For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu.

In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day coming up on March 8, here’s 10 interesting (and, sometimes frustrating) facts about women in today’s workforce. Take a look!

Also, if you’re a female curious about career options outside of “the norm” … smile.  We’ve got an event coming up just for you! Our unique Jane of All Trades event is March 7! You can come in and explore 10 higher-paying careers traditionally seen as fields for men. Click here for all the details.  We hope to see you there!
Continue reading

What does it take to fix a leaky dog kennel?  Seven Fond du Lac area ladies found out recently during Moraine Park Technical College’s Project Impact.  The Humane Society of Fond du Lac had small, broken dog kennels with rotted and leaky drain troughs. These had become so bad that staff couldn’t use them for anything other than storing blankets and supplies. Four manufacturing programs at Moraine Park got together to show several area women how to plan, design, build, and install new troughs in this collaboration of community and instruction.

Moraine Park’s Project Impact was also recently featured on one of WBAY’s news broadcast, showcasing the work our instructor Larry Clark and the students put into the project.

Continue reading

Every year people make a list of resolutions for the new year of things they want to accomplish. This year, I will eat better; this year, I will hit the gym more; this year, I will become a better person, etc.  Well, here at Moraine Park, one of our goals is to help better the community.  How you ask?  Well, with your help of course!

“This is a judgment free way to try out several possible careers in manufacturing, and get the perspective of women who went through the programs and/or work in the field.” – Jennifer James, Process Engineering Student

Continue reading

Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) is doing our part to help increase the number of females in IT with our Girls Make IT Happen, #ITgirls event on June 26 through June 29. The event will feature one day in each of the following IT disciplines: IT Tech Support and IT Network, Graphic Communications, IT Web Developer, and IT Mobile Apps and will run from 1-4 pm each day. The event is geared towards young women entering grades 9-12 this fall interested in exploring IT careers.
Continue reading

Today is Equal Pay Day, a day that is still on the calendar because despite the 148 years of fighting for equal pay and despite a 54 year old law, women are still paid on average 20% less than men doing the same position. Why mark this occasion in April?  Because that is how long it would take a woman to earn what a man earned the year prior. What’s worse, if you are a woman AND a minority it would take you even longer (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015).
Continue reading

Ladies, have you ever thought about a career in IT but don’t know a LAN from a WAN, a server from a switch, a router from a hub?  You’re not alone! If you are interested in testing the waters to see if a career in IT Networking is for you, we invite you to participate in our introductory course to help ease your fears and make that leap. 
Continue reading