Wisconsin Students, Educators Experience Operating Engineer Career Path at Externship Day
03 April 2019 - 5:00PM
Business Wire
Day of hands-on learning helps prepare students to enter one of
the state's fastest-growing industries
The Wisconsin Operating Engineers (IUOE Local 139) today hosted
an Externship Day at the OE 139 Joseph Goetz Training Center in
Coloma, WI, where high school students, parents, educators,
administrators and counselors gained insight into one of
Wisconsin’s most in-demand industries.
During the hands-on event, attendees had the opportunity to work
with heavy equipment simulators, tour the 400-acre facility and
hear firsthand from apprentices and contractors during a panel
discussion.
“Opening students’ eyes to career pathways that might not
immediately involve college is becoming increasingly important,
given the high cost of postsecondary education and a growing demand
for skilled workers,” said Nicholaus Sutherland, head of school at
Destinations Career Academy of Wisconsin (WIDCA). “Especially for
students who don’t see themselves pursuing a four-year degree right
out of high school, Externship Day is an excellent way to get an
in-depth look at a promising alternative.”
Interested students can start completing coursework required by
Wisconsin Operating Engineers while still enrolled in high school
through a partnership with WIDCA. By completing required courses
through WIDCA, participating students can get a significant
jumpstart on their life after high school.
In addition to seeing what an operating engineer’s day-to-day
might look like, attendees also learned what technical skills are
required – and how they can get them through the Destinations
Career Academy’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program, Local 139 and Fox
Valley Technical College.
“The Wisconsin Operating Engineers are committed to meeting the
industry’s need for a skilled workforce. Our partnership with WIDCA
to provide online pre-apprenticeship courses, and the bi-annual
Externship Day are two examples of this commitment to workforce
development,” says Terry McGowan, President/Business Manager of the
IUOE Local 139. “Our members take great pride in the investment
they have made in the Coloma Training Center, and many volunteered
today, side-by-side with our signatory contractors, to share this
exciting career pathway with high school students.”
Technology is now a large part of our everyday lives, and its
popularity has led to a substantial increase in the number of
high-paying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) jobs
like those featured at Externship Day. Ninety-three out of 100 STEM
jobs pay more than the national average, according to the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, and federal and state politicians are
giving these positions particular attention as they look for new
ways to activate their local economies.
As policymakers point out, as our local and national needs
continue to change, so must our approach to education.
“From my first day in
the State Assembly nine years ago, one of
my top priorities has been finding ways to connect students to the
academic and employment resources they need,” said Rep. Scott Krug
(R-Nekoosa). “I am proud to be an advocate
for WIDCA, the Local 139 Training Center, and other
organizations that strive to improve employability for Wisconsin
residents.”
“Programs like these have been quintessential in helping to
close the employment gap we have in Wisconsin,” said State Senator
and Education Chair, Luther Olsen (R-Ripon). “It’s great to see
groups like WIDCA and Local 139 invest in the state’s future
workforce and provide the kind of hands-on
experience our students deserve.”
About Destinations Career Academy of Wisconsin
Destinations Career Academy of Wisconsin (WIDCA) is the state’s
first online career and technical education-focused school. The
Operating Engineers’ Pre-Apprenticeship Program offered through
WIDCA is a collaborative effort of Wisconsin Operating Engineers
(IUOE Local 139) that is supported by the International Union of
Operating Engineers National Training Fund. To learn more about the
program and how your community can offer this exciting opportunity,
visit www.buildingwisconsintogether.com. To learn more about WIDCA,
visit widca.k12.com or connect with the school on Facebook.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190403005577/en/
Media Contact:Nicole
Tidei703.717.8097tidei@pinkstongroup.com
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