Snap-on Inc., College, State Team for Workforce Training
A $25,000 grant will train 100 additional Gateway Technical College students as the world's first auto technicians certified in the use of Snap-on Inc. high-end diagnostic tools, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman announced Feb. 18 in Kenosha. The money is part of Gov. Jim Doyle's Grow Wisconsin -- The Next Steps plan.
"Wisconsin needs workers trained as certified diagnostic automotive technicians, and we are meeting the challenge at Gateway's Horizon Center, a new state-of-the-art training site that is a model to the nation," Gassman said. "Thanks to the governor's latest Grow Wisconsin plan and our strong partners, we are able to invest $100,000 in new money to expand an innovative training program. As many as 100 new students will now receive training to become certified diagnostic automotive technicians. This is good news for the Kenosha area and the state, and it is another example of what we are doing to ensure a first-rate workforce."
Gassman said the $25,000 will leverage $75,000: $25,000 each from the college, Kenosha County, and Snap-on. She and the college's president, Bryan Albrecht, announced the scbool's Horizon Center soon will expand its program to train students as certified diagnostic diesel technicians with a special focus on alternative fuels. He said a new 17,000-square-foot addition to the center will be the home for the training as soon as the addition is completed.
In his next budget, Doyle will propose a $1.5 million grant program to help low-wage workers who are high school graduates gain additional education and training at technical colleges and another program to help adults lacking a high school diploma complete their basic education and get job training. He also wants to increase the state's minimum wage.