Erica Case, new MATC board member and director of human resources for Harley- Davidson's Wisconsin Operations; MATC President Dr. Vicki J. Martin, chair of the Bradley Tech Commission; and MPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Keith Posley (left to right, back row); joined the youth apprentices in celebrating on signing day.
Four students from Lynde and Harry Bradley Technology and Trade School signed on the dotted line today on the first step in their career journeys. Jamaris Flowers, Kiya Mooney, Debora Oquendo, and Ethan Sanchez accepted youth apprenticeships that will drive their future careers. Students will work at Harley-Davidson during the 2018–19 school year as toolmaking and electrician apprentices. MPS, Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), and Harley-Davidson are partnering in this effort.
This connection from education to employer represents a major step forward as Bradley Tech, through partnerships with MATC and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, has introduced an Early College Iniiative that allows more opportunities for students to take college-level courses while still in high school, earning both college and high school credits while exploring career opportunities.
Attending the event were Dr. Vicki Martin, president of Milwaukee Area Technical College and chairperson of the Bradley Tech Commission; Dr. Keith Posley, interim superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools; and Tchernavia Rocker, vice president and chief human resources officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Career development is important for students as well as the greater Milwaukee area. Eighty percent of employers in Wisconsin report difficulty finding employees, according to Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, up from 53 percent in 2014. At the same time, too few workers have the credentials necessary for skilled jobs. By 2020, more than 60 percent of jobs in Wisconsin will require a postsecondary education, but fewer than half of Wisconsin and Milwaukee County residents have earned a postsecondary degree. Partnerships that create a pathway from K–12 education to college to employment can positively impact workforce challenges and help students explore career opportunities, earn college credit, gain on-the-job experience and be prepared to succeed after graduation.
See coverage from The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel here.
Media inquiries can be directed to:
Ginny Gnadt
MATC Coordinator, Public Relations
(414) 297-6770, gnadv@matc.edu
Andy Nelson
MPS Media Manager
(414) 475-8675, nelsonai@milwaukee.k12.wi.us