In an effort to help combat the skilled worker shortage, Moraine Park Technical College offers Manufacturing Skills Academy Boot Camps–a unique opportunity to gain entry-level skills. The two boot camps–Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and Welding–are tuition-free, 3-month long programs.

In addition to skill development, the boot camps include a 144-hour paid internship to get hands-on experience that ideally turns into a full-time job opportunity. Moraine Park partners with businesses all over their district area to offer paid internships to the students in the program. Wabash National has been a valued partner since the boot camp’s induction in 2012.

“The need for welders at Wabash is constant,” Nate Glancer, HR business partner at Wabash National, said. “We are working against a talent pool that has been shrinking steadily over the past decade. People that have been with us for 40-plus years are retiring, and as they are leaving, we are having a tough time filling those spots. Welders are a main component of what we do here; making up about 70 percent of our workforce, which is why this boot camp program is so vital to us.”

Since 2012, the boot camp programs have had over 400 participants. One of those participants, Elise Winkel, found life-changing success after completing the welding boot camp in 2019.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance and taking several art classes, Winkel, a stay-at-home mom of four girls, thought the welding boot camp would be a good fit for her.

“Welding is very much an art, and you have to be able to work well with both hands a the same time,” Winkel said. “The boot camp was a little out of my comfort zone, and I was the only woman in my class, but I felt comfortable with the gradual pace of the program, and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

Winkel completed her internship at Wabash and stayed on full-time after the boot camp’s completion as an inside seam welder. Because of this career change, Winkel and her husband decided to have another child and bought a home together.

“About 93% of our boot camp graduates found jobs,” Kelli Karpinski, MPTC economic workforce development business development manager, said. “The best part is that these once unskilled manufacturing participants start out making $23/hr or more, and more often than not, they advance very quickly.”

The boot camps are free for participants, thanks to financial support from community resource partners and the Workforce and Training (WAT) grants.

To learn more about Moraine Park’s Manufacturing Skills Academy Boot Camps, contact bootcamps@morainepark.edu.

As an educational institution, Moraine Park understands that learning looks different for everyone, and the College has several resources available to ensure that students have the opportunity to be successful.

For Britney Olsen, the path to success did not come easy. In the first grade, she was diagnosed with auditory processing disorder–a learning disorder affecting the ability to understand speech. From elementary through high school, she struggled to comprehend teacher directions and assignments, and her grades suffered.

“I barely graduated high school and was sent to a program called Diploma Bound during my senior year to receive my diploma in 2013,” Olsen said. “In high school, my math teacher gave me a calculator and a page of multiplication problems, and I was told to finish it. That was the bare minimum required to pass.”

After her graduation, Olsen tried working in factories and applied for various office jobs but was unhappy and lacked the required experience.

In 2019, she enrolled at Moraine Park to earn her technical diploma as a Virtual Assistant. However, going back to school meant facing her learning disability head-on.

“I was nervous I wouldn’t get the support needed to be a successful student,” Olsen said. “My disability accommodations allowed me to work with the disability specialist for up to two hours a week. I would complete the homework I felt comfortable doing by myself and would receive help with the homework I struggled with.”

Each semester, Olsen introduced herself to her instructors and confirmed her accommodations; becoming a strong advocate for herself and ensuring her success. In addition to her disability accommodations, Olsen utilized Moraine Park’s student success center and campus tutors to receive extra help.

“The overall experience of working with disability resources was easy, and I felt comfortable,” Olsen said. “I remember they had an orientation with students who had accommodations before the semester started. That meeting helped me understand the resources available to me. I always felt that my accommodations and disability were confidential, which made me feel respected. I would not have passed some of my classes without the support and accommodations I had.”

Halfway through finishing her technical diploma, Olsen found a new passion for learning and decided to pursue her associate degree. In May 2021, she earned her technical diploma, and in May 2022 she earned her associate degree in the Administrative Coordinator program and an additional degree in Meeting and Event Planning.

After graduating, Olsen moved to Prescott, AZ, and accepted a job at Yavapai College as a Learning Center Assistant. Three months later, she was promoted to Learning Center Specialist. She will begin pursuing her bachelor’s degree this fall.

“For a long time, I let excuses prevent me from living my life,” Olsen said. “I told myself that since I had a disability, I was not good enough or intelligent enough to go to college, become a supervisor or move across the country. I do not live by that lie anymore.”

Learn more about Disability Resources at Moraine Park https://www.morainepark.edu/experience-mptc/student-resources/disability-resources/.

In honor of Black History Month this February, Moraine Park Diversity Relations has partnered with MPTC alumna and business owner, Christal Shipp, in an initiative supporting black-owned businesses.

The initiative–A Taste of Black Excellence–allows MPTC employees and community members to purchase boxes filled with products and services from several Wisconsin black-owned businesses located inside the Sherman Phoenix Marketplace (https://www.shermanphoenix.com/vision) in Milwaukee.

The Sherman Phoenix is a hub for small businesses of color offering wellness services, cultural activities, business services and diverse foods. One of those businesses is CTRL+C, a copy and print service company owned by Moraine Park graduate Christal Shipp.

Recently, Shipp presented on Moraine Park’s Fond du Lac campus to speak about the Taste of Black Excellence boxes and share her story.

“Once you purchase a box, you will get the products with a story about the businesses and a QR code information to rebuy any of the products,” Aryana Barudin, Moraine Park multicultural student support and programming specialist, said. “The big push behind these boxes is that we want the products and services to go to people with spending power. We want you to share these products and talk about them with each other and with the community so people will keep buying. As great as awareness is, this is an awesome opportunity for people to put their money where their heart is.”

To purchase your Taste of Black Excellence box, visit https://forms.office.com/r/T7qFrgMN2X. Boxes can be purchased through Feb. 27.

Spread the Word: Inclusion

When was the last time you went All In(clusive)–totally committed to something, took a chance and bet everything, or stood up for something you believed in? People with a variety of disabilities still face exclusion, social abuse, and social isolation in schools, workplaces and communities; preventing us from building truly inclusive societal structures where we can grow and learn from one another.

So…what can you do to be more inclusive?

• Be respectful of others’ unique abilities
• Stand up for yourself and others
• Create opportunities for inclusive activities in your school or community
• Be brave, take action and lead a change
• Give others a voice
• Celebrate differences

Show your support on Moraine Park’s campuses from 12-2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1 by signing the “I Pledge to Spread Inclusion” banner and make a personal commitment to “go all in” by being more inclusive and receive an “I PLEDGED” sticker.

MPTC banner locations:

Fond du Lac/West Bend Campuses – Cafeteria entrance

Beaver Dam Campus – Front Entrance

Together, let’s show our support for inclusion.

Do you have a great idea for a new product, service, or innovative startup? Show off your entrepreneurial skills at Moraine Park Technical College. Current MPTC students are invited to “Pitch at the Park”.  This competition is open to Moraine Park students enrolled in any program, apprenticeship, or an individual course. The course may be a dual enrollment course or offering through the college’s Economic Workforce Development department.

Individuals or group entries are eligible. To enter, complete the entry form and submit a summary of your project in 250 words along with a video. The video may be up to 90 seconds. A slide deck may be included with your submission. Entries must be received by April 2^nd. Entries will be evaluated on content, delivery, visual aids, creativity, and overall persuasion.

Two individuals or teams will be selected and notified by April 7^th. The winning entries will go on to represent Moraine Park Technical College at a regional Pitch event. Small Business/Entrepreneurship Instructor Jeff Stueber will provide coaching sessions to those selected to go on to The NEW (Northeast Wisconsin) Pitch Event. The NEW Pitch Event will be held at Moraine Park Technical College, 235 N National Avenue on April 27^th, from 4-7pm. Participants will compete for cash prizes.

Entry materials are available through the online entry form link or by scanning the QR code below:

MPTC Pitch at the Park Application

For more information please contact jstueber1@morainepark.edu.

In 2017, in a Moraine Park ethics course, students Mike and April sparked a connection and found much more than just an education.

Mike was enrolled in Moraine Park’s HVAC program and April was enrolled in the Medical Assistant program.

The pair began officially dating in January 2018. Their first date was at Texas Roadhouse in West Bend. In July 2020, they bought their first home together and were married in their backyard a month later. They welcomed their son in September of 2021.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Moraine Park carpentry apprentices swept the podium at the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Apprenticeship Skill Competition on Jan. 27 in West Bend.

In total, 33 apprentices representing five technical colleges competed in four trades: carpentry, HVAC, electrical and plumbing. The Skills Competition was a day-long event with a four-hour practical competition and written exam.

Moraine Park apprentices placed top three in the carpentry category. Alison Gordee from Northcentral placed first, Ryan Sankey from Bob Anderson Builders placed second and Noah Kusserow from Bob Anderson Builders placed third.

Gordee, placing first in her trade, qualifies for the National Craft Championships (NCC) in Orlando, FL. She will represent the state and compete against other trainees from across the country in March.

“I am thankful for the people that have gone out of their way to congratulate me,” Gordee said. “Being there again as a 4th year, I was more determined to win. You know what mistakes to avoid, to stay focused on yourself, and to put your best work into it because you never know who might be watching.”

Learn more about apprenticeship opportunities at Moraine Park at morainepark.edu/academics/clusters/apprenticeship-programs/.

Written by Crystal Guell, a fellow parent and Moraine Park student

Feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Struggling to balance family life and furthering your education?  You’re not alone. According to a study by the National Center for Education, approximately four million college students are parents (Williams, 2022). You took the first step and committed to going to college, now what? Embarking on this new journey it is essential to feel prepared and confident. As a working parent going to college, you might face some obstacles along the way. To ensure that you are successful in all aspects of your life, here are some tips and tricks.

Time Management

One of the challenges that most college students face is time management. For most parents their children are their number one priority.  Time is valuable.  Managing time can get a little tricky but is not impossible.  The first thing you need to do is:

• Set a routine. As a family, decide what your routine will look like. Will schoolwork be worked on at the same time as your children? Or, do you work on homework when they’re in bed? Whatever you decide for your routine, make sure you have one and that you stick with it.
• Limit the number of distractions and interruptions. Designate an area to do your schooling. Make sure this area is quiet and provides enough space to work. During this time, turn off your phone to give your full attention to your studies.

Organization

Life can sometimes be complete chaos. Laundry that’s overflowing onto the floor and a to-do list that never ends. Don’t get discouraged and remember to do the following:

• Plan ahead. To be organized is to be prepared. Look through your class content. Get an idea of how much time assignments will take to complete. Do not wait till the last minute to complete. Keep track of those assignments in a planner. Write out all your commitments and reminders there. If you are a parent, you probably already use a cell phone calendar or application to keep track of all the extracurricular activities that your children are involved in. The takeaway here is to use whatever works best for you. In doing so, it will help you stay organized and decrease stress.
• Breaking up assignments into smaller manageable chunks. After going through the expectations for your classes you can break down those assignments into smaller sections.  This will result in lifting the burden of feeling overwhelmed and completing homework a lot easier.
• Organizing your notes.  It is good practice to take good notes. Your notes should be written clearly so that you can use them to help in future assignments. Each class should have its own section for notes. Properly labeling the topic, the class, and the date will help keep your notes organized and easy to find when you study.

Stress Management

As humans, we all experience stress at some point in our lives. It’s how we handle ourselves in those situations that either has a positive or negative impact on our life. To limit the stress in your life as a parent going to college:

• Stay positive. First and foremost, you are a parent, and you need to set a good example for your children. I don’t need to remind you that your children are always watching. Control of your emotions is vital. Recognize stress when it comes on, calm yourself, and figure out a solution to overcome it.
• Allow for breaks. When you feel like you’re getting overwhelmed, tired or stressed–take a break.  You won’t be able to accomplish anything feeling this way. Giving yourself time to clear your mind will give you a chance to relax.  I like to take a break from my schoolwork by walking to pick up my children from school. When you go back to your studies you may discover the solution to the problem you faced from the beginning.
• Set goals and reward yourself. You are working, supporting the family, and still finding time to do your schoolwork. It is okay to reward yourself for doing a good job. Set up weekly, monthly, or semester rewards for a job well done. The reward should be something that you enjoy doing.  Include the whole family in this celebration if you prefer. Who doesn’t like ice cream?

Support is Available

• Ask for help. Never feel hesitant to ask for help no matter how you’re feeling. Know that you’re not alone and that there are people in your life that can help. Reach out to family members, your spouse and friends. Find other college parents going through the same struggles.
• Have a plan.  As a parent, you are juggling many tasks daily. Set up a plan of action in case something comes up and you need to be in two places at once. Have a plan in place for someone to watch your children while you do schoolwork or to give you a break.
• Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) Resources- Get in contact with your school or academic advisor and ask for help with the areas that you are struggling in. Here is a list of some of the services offered at MPTC (www.morainepark.edu/experience-mptc/student-resources/)
  • Counseling
  • Career services
  • Tutoring

There is no cookie-cutter mold for how to be a successful parent in college. Some tips that work for some college students may not work for others. I can assure you that by following these tips on time management, organization, stress management, and knowing the support that is available for you will result in decreasing the amount of stress in your life and as a college student. Sacrifices might need to be made in managing your time. Your family might have to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches sometimes because you don’t have time to cook a meal. You need to make those choices and decide what is important to you. Progress doesn’t happen overnight. It’s all about staying positive and taking things one step at a time.

Written by Crystal Guell, a fellow parent and Moraine Park student

Moraine Park Technical College named nearly 1,100 students to the Dean’s List for the fall 2022 semester. To qualify for this distinction, a student must be enrolled in at least six undergraduate-level course credits, earn a minimum grade point average of 3.5, not have a failing or incomplete grade for the semester, and be in good academic standing. 

View the Dean’s List at morainepark.edu/about-mptc/deans-list/.

Congratulations to all of our recognized students!