In a shared effort to strengthen small and mid-sized manufacturing businesses in Wisconsin, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) has partnered with Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (SWTC) on a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The grant aims to reduce energy costs, introduce innovative technologies, and bolster workforce training to ensure Wisconsin manufacturers remain competitive and resilient.
“This opportunity builds on NWTC’s long history of supporting manufacturers through innovation and workforce development,” said Kathryn Rogalski, NWTC’s Vice President of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development. “Manufacturing is the backbone of Wisconsin’s economy, providing high wages and essential goods. When our manufacturers succeed, our entire region thrives. We look forward to working with our partners on this important initiative.”
SWTC will lead the grant in partnership with NWTC, Madison Area Technical College (MATC), and the UW-Stevens Point K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP). This project, known as the Wisconsin Energy Partnership (WEP), is funded by the DOE's Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) through their Industrial Training and Assessment Center grant (ITAC).
Transforming manufacturing with the Wisconsin Energy Partnership
The WEP project focuses on three key initiatives:
- Innovate Industry. Through hands-on, work-based learning, students will bring the latest innovations and best practices right to the manufacturing floor. Free, course-based energy site assessments will jump-start conversations about energy reduction, electrification, and decarbonization. Over three years, the consortium plans to conduct 30 energy assessments and engage at least 90 students in high-impact learning.
- Empower the Workforce. Energy considerations are increasingly complex as the world electrifies and digitizes. Through upskilling programs, manufacturers and industries along the supply chain will equip employees with tools to make informed energy decisions. Topics will range from sensors and cybersecurity to energy analytics and HVAC controls. At least 200 incumbent workers will be upskilled with tailored training to fit industry needs
- Advance Pathways. The biggest concern among Wisconsin employers is the lack of qualified and available workforce with energy expertise. The group will address this by promoting energy career pathways to increase enrollment, with a focus on women and underrepresented populations. They will launch the “Clean Energy Careers” campaign and hold recruitment events to engage these communities.
Driving Cost Savings and Clean Energy Goals
The WEP aims to identify $4.88 million in energy savings, reduce energy use by at least 19.5 million kilowatt hours, and help manufacturers adopt cleaner energy practices. With Wisconsin’s manufacturers responsible for 31% of the state’s energy use, the industry is poised to play a significant role in achieving the state’s net-zero energy goals.
“By helping manufacturers make the most of their resources and adopt new technologies, we’re not just addressing immediate needs—we’re ensuring the long-term success of our local workforce and industry,” said Ann Franz, Executive Director of Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance (NEWMA). “NEWMA is looking forward to working with NWTC on helping its members access the energy assessments and upskilling the manufacturing workforce to make better energy solutions for their companies.”
A Historic First for Technical Colleges
This is the first time the DOE program has been extended to technical and community colleges. NWTC, SWTC, and MATC will be part of the first cohort of two-year colleges in the country working with the DOE Industry Assessment Center program.
To ensure effective implementation of grant initiatives, NWTC has named Alex Lange as the project manager. Wisconsin businesses can begin applying for energy assessment services through the Wisconsin Energy Partnership in early 2025. For more information, contact Alex Lange at 920-498-7126 or alexander.lange@NWTC.edu
