Moraine Park Technical College is offering a unique opportunity to “Test Drive” and learn about the welding and computerized numerical control (CNC) machining careers.

The Test Drive event will offer the opportunity to explore these respective careers, meet potential employers, and receive valuable real-world opportunities. A two-day event will be at the Fond du Lac campus on Tuesday, July 16 and Thursday, July 18, and there will be a one-day event at the Beaver Dam campus on Tuesday, July 23. Both events will include a free, hands-on workshop.

Participants who attend the Test Drive event will also learn about Moraine Park’s Manufacturing Skills Academy boot camp program. These expedited 13- to 15-week sessions are offered for free, and they allow individuals the opportunity to learn a skilled trade. The boot camp program was created to help address the manufacturing industry need for skilled workers.

CNC machining and welding boot camps are scheduled to begin in September 2019, with applications currently being accepted.

“Past participants have really appreciated these events,” JoAnn Hall, dean of economic and workforce development at Moraine Park said. “They offer a glimpse directly into the career path and allow individuals the opportunity to see if it will be a good fit.”

Individuals interested in participating in one of the boot camp programs are required to attend either a Test Drive event or an Information and Testing session as a first step in the application process.

Information and Testing sessions will be in Fond du Lac on Tuesday, July 2 and Thursday, July 25; Beaver Dam on Thursday, July 11; West Bend on Monday, July 22.

The boot camp programs are free to participating students thanks to employment opportunities and financial support provided by area businesses including Amerequip, Apache Stainless, Integrity Saw & Tool, Inc., Miba, Midstates Aluminum Corporation, Signicast, and Wabash National. Individuals interested in applying for the program are required to pay the $30 program registration fee.

Space is limited for the Test Drive events, and pre-registration is required. For more details or to register, visit morainepark.edu/bootcamp, or call Nikki Dahlke at (920) 924-3334.

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).
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“Start now and be in a new career by Christmas.” That was a goal and a promise made by Moraine Park Technical College Boot Camp students in September.

On December 8 the Fall 2017 Manufacturing Skills Academies completers came together with friends, family and employers to celebrate their accomplishments. Through an acceptance process that began in the summer, classes that meet every day starting in September, and an internship that ran throughout the camp – culminating with 9 consecutive days on the job.

The College uses grant funds to provide specific training necessary for students to secure job opportunities at partnering businesses. The grants make the program free for students, as well as providing a cost-of-living stipend and a 144-hour internship making $12/hour.

For an up-close chance to learn more about boot camps, Moraine Park is hosting a CNC Machining and Welding Test Drive event Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, including a resume review workshop, a free networking lunch with internship employers, and a hands-on opportunity to make something in the lab with our instructors and take it home with you!

Space is limited for the Test Drive workshops, and pre-registration is required. Deadline to register for the January workshops is January 17, 2018.

For more details on the Test Drive or boot camps, visit morainepark.edu/bootcamp, or call Todd Hayes at 920-924-3334.

So instead of struggling with unemployment, underemployment or temporary work, find out if attending a Welding or CNC Boot Camp is a good fit.

This could be YOU!

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).
Continue reading

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).
Continue reading

Welding is fun for Alex Rocha, so fun, in fact, that when the end of class is called, Rocha, a Welding Boot Camp student, wants more. “When I’m done with class, I want to say, ‘Wait! I’m done already?’” and amazingly, that love of welding is only one part of what motivates him to succeed in the boot camps.

Rocha’s young daughter motivates him. The opportunity to meet new people that can teach him new skills and share life experiences motivates him. And most of all, his past motivates him: This includes a two-year incarceration that led him to our boot camps.

“I don’t mind talking about it because it’s the past. I’m here now and my future has endless possibilities because I’m here right now. That’s my motivation.”
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Sometimes the thought of diving into a new career path can seem a bit daunting.

So it’s too bad there isn’t a way you could try out a career and get a feel for the skills needed first, right?

Spoiler alert: There is.

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Reasons to come to Test Drive:

1. I don’t know anything about being a CNC machinist.
2. I am a trained welder.
3. I’ve welded some pieces together before, but I don’t have formal training.
4. I don’t think I have a interest in manufacturing careers.
5. I’ve never worked in manufacturing and want to get a taste for it.
6. I don’t know what I want to do next.
7. I have no plans on Wednesday, and I would just like to make something in the workshops.
8. I want to meet the employers that are part of the boot camps.
9. I think the boot camps might be for me.

Reasons not to come to Test Drive:

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