Program designed to help unemployed and underemployed reach their potential
Gateway Technical College Foundation is pleased to announce a $1.5 million grant from SC Johnson to underwrite the continuation of the Gateway to Careers Boot Camp program over the next three years.
In 2012, SC Johnson made an initial investment of $1.7 million to advance the existing Boot Camp training program and fund Gateway’s expanded, state-of-the-art SC Johnson integrated Manufacturing and Engineering Technology Center, 2320 Renaissance Blvd., Sturtevant.
“We are incredibly grateful to SC Johnson: A Family Company for their continued support of Gateway’s Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Boot Camp training program. The Boot Camp program enables participants to obtain valuable life and career skills and to connect with employers, closing the skills gap in Southeast Wisconsin,” said Bryan Albrecht, Gateway Technical College president and CEO. “With a 95 percent job placement rate, graduates who were previously unemployed or underemployed being hired by local employers and engaging in family-supporting jobs.”
Gateway has relied on area companies to help identify the skills critical for entry-level positions. Using this information, Gateway has created Boot Camps that teach the skills people need to get good jobs in the community.
“We continue to be impressed with the great work Gateway Technical College is doing to prepare graduates to join the local workforce,” said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO, SC Johnson. “In addition to providing the job skills that today’s employers are seeking, the Boot Camp program is also helping companies find individuals who can think critically and are agile in a changing manufacturing environment.”
Each Gateway Boot Camp offers an intensive, hands-on training environment that lasts between 14 to 20 weeks – depending on the training topic. Session topics change periodically to meet the evolving needs of local employers and industry trends. Past training sessions have included: computer numerical control, logistics, telecommunications, certified nursing assistant and English Language Learner/basic education skills training, among others.
Gateway is also working to meet the needs of younger audiences while filling the pipeline with skilled manufacturing employees in the future. An initial pilot Youth Boot Camp program, funded by SC Johnson, built the foundation for Gateway to pursue and secure grants for future youth sessions.