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Events throughout the month will recognize importance of manufacturing sector to Wisconsin’s economy
MADISON – Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker today announced he is proclaiming the month of October as Manufacturing Month to highlight the importance of Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector to Wisconsin’s economy, and to encourage students and workers to consider manufacturing as a pathway to a successful career.
“Wisconsin manufacturing plays an historic and invaluable role in our state’s economic growth, and Wisconsin employers in this sector remain at the forefront of innovation with cutting-edge technology that also offers challenging and rewarding career opportunities,” Governor Walker said. “During the month of October, we will recognize Wisconsin’s manufacturers and the many ways in which schools, technical colleges and other state and local government and workforce partners are collaborating to attract and prepare the best and brightest workers today and in the years to come to fill jobs that manufacturing employers have available.”
Manufacturing Month will occur in concert with Manufacturing Day on October 4th, a nationally recognized day sponsored by the national Manufacturing Extension Partnership, National Association of Manufacturers, and Fabricators & Manufacturers Association. The theme for the month will be “Manufacturing in Wisconsin: A Bright Future.”
Scheduled events will highlight best practices in workforce training, showcase programs that are available to employers and workers, and advance dialogue to address current workforce challenges. Examples include:
* The Department of Workforce Development will collaborate with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Department of Revenue, Wisconsin Technical College System, Department of Public Instruction, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, and the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership on events to highlight initiatives that support manufacturing employers and workers.
* Other state Cabinet agencies will participate in events to showcase different aspects of Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector.
* Manufacturing employers and local technical colleges will open their doors to students and members of the public to show the sophistication and high level of skills required in today’s manufacturing plants.
Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector employs nearly 450,000 workers and contributes $50 billion to the state’s economic output. Manufacturing workers in Wisconsin earn an average pay of approximately $52,400 per year, or more than $10,000 per year higher than the average pay for all Wisconsin private-sector workers.
Employers or school districts that are interested in participating in an open house in October can visit the following sites for more information, including guidance on how to successfully host an event.
* http://www.wimanufacturingmonth.org<http://www.wimanufacturingmonth.org>, which includes Wisconsin-specific information on Manufacturing Month.
* http://www.mfgday.com<http://www.mfgday.com>, which includes events around the country.
Governor Walker’s proclamation: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/newsreleases/2013/130917_manufacturing_month.pdf
