Wisconsin Technical College System

Transcription

Wisconsin’s technical college system. It’s been helping students shape their futures for 100 years. It’s a system we’re proud of, not only as the first in the country, but because we remain a national leader. With 47 campuses in 16 districts serving nearly 400,000 students per year, we’re changing lives every day. What’s made the difference? Innovative teaching methods, and cutting edge technology; strong relationships with business and industry; relevant offerings that adapt with changing times; affordability and flexibility. It’s a system like no other. Together, we’re helping our students to reach their potential and pursue their their passions - to enjoy a lifetime of success. For one hundred years, we’ve been making history … by making futures. It all started with an idea. The industrial revolution spurred spurred massive growth in the paper, shipbuilding and steel industries in Wisconsin. But more complex jobs required more education. Businesses demanded skilled workers, trained to operate new equipment. So education pioneer Charles McCarthy had an innovative idea for Wisconsin: to create a model of learning by doing. He recognized the need for a workforce with technical skills to match changing industries. He believed that everyone deserved the chance for education and job training. And so it began. In 1911, Wisconsin became the first state to establish a system of support for vocational, technical and adult education. Our graduates were at the forefront of their industries right from the very start. As America entered World War I, vocational education put new training methods to good use. Telegraphers, drafters, drillers and bakers from around Wisconsin received important training that helped propel our country to victory. During The Great Depression, urban areas like Milwaukee, like Milwaukee were especially hard hit as employment fell by seventy five percent. Vocational education enrollment increased dramatically, as these programs offered hope for people seeking opportunity. America’s entrance into World War II spurred a new level of responsiveness. About 4.6 billion dollars of government contracts were awarded to businesses in our state. Federal funding was given to Wisconsin’s vocational schools for programs like aircraft manufacturing and electrical work. Our students built submarines and other warships -- in Manitowoc, Sturgeon Bay, and Superior. In the 1960’s, our vocational education system increased access all across Wisconsin. The State Legislature recognized the unique contributions and value of our colleges; and mandated that vocational districts cover the state by 1970. The Civil Rights movement, along with the changing needs of a fast-growing economy, raised public interest in expanding access to higher education even further. Federal student financial aid programs were established, opening college doors to thousands of new students, and changing the demographics of college campuses forever. With local taxpayer support, colleges re-tooled their facilities, as career programs became more technology focused. Innovations in medicine and electronics created new career opportunities. Once again, other states followed Wisconsin’s lead in vocational and technical education advancements. We had come a long way. In 1994, our name was officially changed to the Wisconsin Technical College System. Throughout the `90’s, our colleges were at the forefront of a technology revolution, this time in IT and healthcare. Our graduates landed new jobs in engineering, communications, marketing, manufacturing, computer design and health sciences. One hundred years later, Wisconsin’s technical colleges are continuing the successful traditions of the past. Our campus energy conservation efforts have evolved into sustainable energy programs; like wind technology. Our first responder programs prepare police and fire personnel to handle any emergency. And programs like nanoscience and nuclear technology are putting people to work in exciting industries that will shape Wisconsin’s future. We continue to create and redesign programs that assure relevance and strong job placement for students, and meet the skill needs of business and industry. Today’s technical colleges are more relevant than ever, providing real-world instruction for a rapidly changing economy. The economic downturn has increased demand for technical college training, as individuals update their skills and fulfill their potential. Enrollment has gone up 40% over the past 10 years. Our colleges offer more than 300 career programs serving roughly 400,000 students per year. But what we’re most proud of is our students’ success. Historically, more than 90% of our graduates are employed within 6 months of graduation, with 90 percent of them working in Wisconsin, contributing to our local economy. In this, our centennial year, we proudly recognize our past, while building upon the strong foundation that’s made our system an international model. This foundation will continue to help people build successful careers; it will continue to provide the skilled employees that Wisconsin businesses need to grow and expand; and it will continue to help reshape and revitalize Wisconsin's economy.  Since 1911, the Wisconsin Technical College System has been making history … by making futures.