Fox Cities News

We are about one month away from launching Career EXCELerate. The first-of-its-kind program has been created to help individuals who've experienced trauma or financial hardship from the pandemic get back into the workforce. 

The partnership program between Fox Valley Technical College, Goodwill and Rawhide Youth Services will welcome its first group in mid-January. Participants will receive training and certifications in eight different career areas where workers are in high demand. This is a comprehensive career-training program that is offered at no cost to eligible individuals. In addition to classes at FVTC, the program includes wrap-around services like childcare and transportation resources plus guaranteed employment with a local employer after graduation.

“FVTC will provide the education, with about a year or less turnaround,” says Andy Rinke, Dean of Transportation and one of the champions of the program. “After this, the students will be well on their way to a career path. We’re expecting to serve almost 500 students through the 2024 calendar year.”

Career pathways range from transportation to healthcare and several other options in between.  For example, those enrolled in the Welding Fundamentals certificate will learn how to read shop drawings, interpret detailed weld symbols and learn how to weld on a variety of metals. The certificate leads to many different career pathways including construction and manufacturing welding.

The Industrial Manufacturing Technician Apprentice program will teach participants how to operate industrial production-related equipment, work with manufacturing-related tools and perform other processes in a manufacturing setting.

While the start date is getting close, those interested in the program still have time to express interest and get started. To learn who is eligible and how to apply, go to the Career EXCELerate website.

Original source can be found here.