Moraine Park Technical College has named Kevin Piotrowski, of Kewaskum, as their 2020 Student of the Year. 

Piotrowski, a student in the CNC/Tool and Die Technologies program, came to the College looking for job stability and the possibility of a future career. 

“I initially came to Moraine Park to earn my GED,” Piotrowski said. “I spent years working jobs that didn’t require much training and offered no stability. As a result, I had little motivation to excel in my career.”

He earned his GED in April 2018 and decided to enroll in the CNC/ Tool and Die Technologies program. 

“A majority of my classmates are much younger than me,” he said. “After the first few days, the age differences didn’t seem to matter. We all work together and want to see each other succeed. It’s a very positive atmosphere.”

Piotrowski took this opportunity to redefine his life and excelled with it. He has gleaned knowledge from his peers and teachers, involved himself in clubs and activities, and been a Dean’s List student with an impressive 3.9 GPA throughout his college journey. 

“It hasn’t been easy,” he said. “I was fortunate to find a job that offered me weekends and holidays, so I could attend school during the week. I look forward to transitioning to a more steady schedule.”

It is because of his dedication, academic achievements, and involvement at the College that Piotrowski earned a nomination for the Student of the Year award.  

Criteria for Student of the Year nominations include demonstrating excellence in and out of the classroom while modeling Moraine Park’s core abilities to communicate clearly, act responsibly, work productively, think critically and creatively, adapt to change, demonstrate integrity, and work cooperatively. There were five candidates this year, all of whom excel both academically and in their service-learning. There are very few student honors that exceed this award at Moraine Park, and to even be nominated is a tremendous accomplishment. Other nominees include EnLeigh Dobyns-Schuetter of Fond du Lac, Allyson Engel of Beaver Dam, Gretchen Rauls of Fond du Lac, and Alex Tischendorf of Kewaskum.

“I was surprised to learn that I had been selected for this award,” he said. “I’m sure that the other nominees were highly qualified, which makes the selection an extreme honor.” 

Piotrowski will receive his award at the Student Awards Banquet on May 8.

 “I appreciate the real-world approach to education that Moraine Park has provided me,” he said. “My instructors had their own way of teaching and motivating me, and I benefited from each one of them.” 

Piotrowski will graduate on May 16. His goal is to find a stable career in the CNC/Tool and Die industry.

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

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. 

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.

Do you remember when manufacturing jobs were known as dark and dangerous? Moraine Park’s CNC/Tool and Die instructor, Jim Hokenson, has been working to eliminate that myth. He has a mission not only to train workers for this career field but also to re-educate the community on the realities of the industry.

“The truth is, our local manufacturers have clean factories with state-of-the-art equipment, “Jim said. “They provide a steady career with great benefits and an even better income.”

There’s no denying the importance of manufacturing in our world today, and for those that are gravitating towards this industry, it is all in the numbers.

“There will always be a need for a good tool and die specialist,” Jim said. “Once you have the manufacturing skill sets, you will find that there are jobs available all over Wisconsin.”

Jim has been with the College for 20-years and is also a Moraine Park alumni. During his time, he has worked hard to become established in the community, specifically with educating our youth on the manufacturing career options.

“The earlier we can introduce options, the better,” Jim said. “I think it’s important that we identify and build upon skills.”

His 2019 class has 17 second-year students, all of whom will be graduating with their two-year technical diploma. Most were hired in the industry before graduating and there are many more jobs to fill.

“It seems that we can’t teach them fast enough,” Jim said. “The employers we work with know the value of educating students with the essential real-world skills. We try to work alongside both the companies and students to find a good fit all around. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to teach and influence our local workforce.”

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Congratulations to Moraine Park’s CNC and Electricity students on their accomplishments at the SkillsUSA national competition in Louisville, Kentucky.

• The Automated Manufacturing Technology Team took 4th place.

• The Industrial Electric took 4th place.

• The Constructional Electric took 13th place.

The state of Wisconsin as a whole did exceptionally well. Of the 35 students who competed, 29 of them placed in the top ten and 19 of those were in the top five!

Another successful year, and congrats to Moraine Park’s competing students Zachary Rabideau of Jackson, Jarred Welnak of Germantown, Will Kraus of Jackson, Michael Schaefer of Juneau, and Noah Johannes of Fredonia.

Moraine Park Technical College held its spring Manufacturing Skills Academy graduation on Wednesday, June 12. The College had 21 students graduate from the program; eight from the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinist boot camp and 13 from the welding boot camp.

This program was designed to combat the skilled worker shortage by offering a variety of boot camp sessions. The boot camp sessions are free to participants, teach skills that are unique to a particular pathway, and connect students with area employers. The program also combines a 144-hour paid internship with coursework, including Occupational Math, Print Reading, Team Building, Problem Solving, and program-specific courses. Participating internship sites for this session were Amerequip Corporation, Apache Stainless, Generac Power Systems, Mayville Engineering Company, Miba, Mid States Aluminum, Signicast, Tobin Machining, Wabash National, Weasler Engineering, and X-Cel Tooling.

Moraine Park has had 377 participants in the welding and CNC boot camp programs since their induction in 2012.

The spring 2019 CNC graduates are Michael Adam Abitz of North Fond du Lac, Cory Fleischfresser of Fond du Lac, Dustin Marx of Fond du Lac, Troy Riehl of Fond du Lac, Deavin Schaub of Waupun, Nancy Sery of Hartford, Demetrius Smith of West Bend, and Kou Vang of Fond du Lac.

The spring 2019 welding graduates are Christian Bailey-Steenport of West bend, Peter Demmerle of Fond du Lac, Austin Fingar of Redgranite, Nathan Hankins of Chilton, Xavier Kitchens of Fond du Lac, Dimitri Lloyd of Fond du Lac, Ontarius McFerren of West Bend, Joshua Mikula of Plymouth, Armando Murillo of Fond du Lac, Taylor Nett of Fond du Lac, Shane Rau of Fond du Lac, Dani Schommer of Fond du Lac, and Bobby Wiercioch of Fond du Lac.

This year’s graduation speakers were Smith and Hankins.

Smith, a CNC graduate, is grateful for the experience Moraine Park gave him through the boot camp program.

“This program has opened many doors,” he said. “MPTC has given us opportunities that we otherwise would not have. This program was free, and it came with 16 college credits, so some would even say it’s better than free. Some of us will add on to what we’ve learned so far. I know I will.” 

Smith served his internship at Weasler in West Bend and is now a full-time employee.

Hankins, a welding graduate, shared the story of how he thought the opportunity was too good to be true.

“I thought it was a scam,” Hankins said. “It’s so unique and unheard of that it’s nearly unbelievable.”

Hankins’s hesitations quickly faded, and he embraced the entire experience, noting that he made some lasting connections in the process. He completed his internship at Amerequip in Kiel and is a current employee.

“Be confident in your abilities, but don’t ever think you can just coast,” he said. “You don’t get to stop learning and trying just because you got a certificate or a job.”

Moraine Park’s Skills Academy boot camps are free to participating students, thanks to financial support from area businesses including Amerequip Corporation, Apache Stainless, Generac Power Systems, Mayville Engineering Company, Miba, Mid States Aluminum, Signicast, Tobin Machining, Wabash National, Weasler Engineering, and X-Cel Tooling.

Additionally, the welding training was partially funded through a GPR grant that incorporates both Adult Basic Education and welding. The purpose of this training is to allow students to complete both their High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) and the welding boot camp.

Individuals interested in learning more about the CNC and welding boot camp opportunities are encouraged to attend a Boot Camp Test Drive event scheduled at Moraine Park’s Fond du Lac campus on July 16 and 18, and the Beaver Dam campus on July 23. For more information, visit morainepark.edu/bootcamps.

The full photo gallery of photos can be found here.

Moraine Park Technical College’s Electricity and
CNC Tool and Die students and staff are celebrating some major achievements at the 2019 Wisconsin SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference in Madison, WI.

ELECTRICITY

The electricity students participated in two categories; Electrical Construction Wiring and Industrial Motor Controls. The College earned a complete sweep of the top three spots in the Industrial Motor Controls category. Participants were Michael Schaefer of Juneau, first place; Daniel Sowin of Sheboygan Falls, second place; Anastasia Szczesny of Iron Ridge, third place. Also, Moraine Park student, Noah Johannes of Fredonia, earned the College another first place award in the Electrical Construction Wiring category.

“I’m very proud of their accomplishments,” Mark Wamsley, electricity instructor at Moraine Park said. “I have watched them grown and excel in their field. I look forward to watching them compete at Nationals.”

Schaefer and Johannes will represent Moraine Park Technical College at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, KY this June.

CNC

The CNC Tool and Die club representatives competed in two separate categories; Automated Manufacturing Technology and CNC Milling Specialist. Earning first place in the team Automated Manufacturing Technology category are William Kraus of Jackson, Zachary Rabideau of Jackson, and Jarred Welnak of Germantown. Isaac Schrage of West Bend competed in the CNC Milling Specialist category and achieved fifth place. Kraus, Rabideau, and Welnake will represent Moraine Park Technical College at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) in Louisville, KY this June.

SkillsUSA is the showcase for the best career and technical students in the nation. The philosophy of the event is to reward students for excellence, involve industry in directly evaluating student performance and keep training relevant to employers’ needs. More than 16,000 people are expected to participate in the NLSC weeklong event.

For more information about Moraine Park Technical College programs, like Electricity and CNC, visit morainepark.edu.

High School students from West Bend East recently visited Moraine Park’s West Bend campus for some hands-on learning. The students are enrolled in dual credit classes, which qualify for Moraine Park college credits.

West Bend East technology education instructor, Jacob Gitter, brings the dual credit students four times a year to the CNC/ Tool and Die lab to learn from Moraine Park instructors on equipment found in the industry.

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