Kathleen Hohl 
Communications and Events Director
(414) 297-6208, hohlk@matc.edu

MILWAUKEE (Sept. 25, 2009) - A new training and certification program for area high school teachers and students is being made possible through a collaborative effort of the Milwaukee Area Technical College Foundation, Harley-Davidson Foundation and Johnson Controls Foundation and Snap-on Incorporated.

“Tooling up for Future Careers” will provide national Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) training to eight Milwaukee Public Schools high school teachers. The teachers, who will earn MSSC Instructor Certification, will deliver MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) courses to approximately 100 MPS students over a two-year period. Upon completion, the students will receive high school and MATC credits and will be prepared to pursue careers in manufacturing.

Assessment results from the CPT courses will help local manufacturing companies develop future training priorities.

“This program exemplifies MATC’s commitment to working with local industry to educate and train students who will comprise the workforce of tomorrow,” said MATC Interim President Dr. Vicki J. Martin. “There are so many benefits of this effort, including the opportunity to have it replicated by high schools, colleges and manufacturers across the country.”

“This innovative grant is the first time MSSC training has been targeted to urban youth,” commented Leo Reddy, MSSC Chairman and CEO. “The initiative will help high school students secure manufacturing jobs and encourage them to pursue further education.”

MSSC training is a nationally-recognized certification system focused on the core skills and knowledge needed by production workers, and provides production, quality and workforce-related benefits. The training offers industry a set of tools to ensure that both entering and experienced workers are motivated, flexible and agile in the workforce.

MATC is one of 19 certified MSSC Assessment Centers in Wisconsin and the only Milwaukee site. Since January 2007, the MATC Assessment Center has provided training for 350 individuals, proctored 600 certification assessments, issued 400 certifications, and produced 40 Certified Production Technicians. 

The Harley-Davidson Foundation supports the communities in which it has facilities with funding and employee volunteerism. The foundation reaches out to build healthy, thriving communities by placing an emphasis on education, community revitalization, arts & culture, health and the environment. The Harley-Davidson Foundation targets areas of greatest need among under-served populations to enhance the quality of life in those communities. The foundation also supports selected national causes, including Veterans’ initiatives.

The Johnson Controls Foundation provides financial gifts to select U.S.-based organizations that support the arts, education, social services and the environment and are located in the communities in which the company has a presence. Each year, the foundation distributes grants of more than $6 million, on average, to a variety of organizations throughout the U.S.

Founded in 1920, Snap-on Incorporated is a $2.9 billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wis. Snap-on is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics, equipment, software and service solutions for professional users. Snap-on Incorporated is proud to be a responsible corporate citizen and supports community programs, initiatives and institutions to ensure strong communities where our associates live, work and raise their families.

Founded in 1979, the MATC Foundation, Inc., raises revenues, secures gifts from private-sector sources, administers the disbursement of those funds to enhance educational programs and services, and supports institutional advancement activities.