MATC and Community Partners Expanding Technical Training Program to Grow Diverse Talent Pipeline

Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), We Energies and the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee (RACM), and other agencies and businesses are collaborating to increase training and career opportunities for Milwaukee-area citizens in the field of electrical utilities, line mechanics and electricians.

MATC currently offers an Electrical Power Distribution (EPD)/Line Mechanic technical diploma program at its Mequon Campus through its Manufacturing, Construction & Transportation Pathway. The 30-credit program covers the basics on electrical power distribution, line mechanics rescue and safety, and general workplace communication to prepare students for entry-level electrical line worker positions. Graduates also can use the training as a step toward apprenticeship. Participating students may be eligible for a full ride scholarship through the Ellen and Joe Checota MATC Scholarship Program, which provides students the chance to accelerate careers by providing short-term technical diploma and certificate programs.

Currently, the EPD program accommodates one section, thus limiting enrollment. Today’s announcement expands the EPD training program into Milwaukee, specifically into the revitalized Metcalfe Park area. This second location is expected to provide students greater access to classes and training and draw a more diverse student population.

Funding to make the expansion possible is being provided by MMSD’s Fresh Coast Protection Partnership, the Environmental Protection Agency, We Energies, and MP Systems.

“This is collaboration at its best. Partners came together to expand training opportunities tied directly  to high-demand, high-paying jobs,” said Laura Bray, MATC’s Vice President – College Advancement and External Communications and Executive Director of the MATC Foundation Inc. “This will bring a new asset to the great Metcalfe Park neighborhood.”

The site expansion combines land owned by We Energies and RACM. We Energies will dedicate a portion of its Metro North facility located at approximately North 31^st-32^nd streets and West North Avenue. They are donating yard space and a trailer for classroom instruction and a small pole yard for field instruction.

RACM will commit vacant land located around North 30th Street from West Meinecke Avenue to West North Avenue. This area will be used for field instruction allowing students to practice training where greater distance between poles is needed.

A Community Pop Up will be held Tuesday, April 18, 4-6 p.m., offices of Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, Inc., 3624 West North Avenue, Second Floor where community members can learn more about line mechanic careers and scholarships available for this and other MATC programs.

“The training program can quickly qualify participants for jobs that start at $63,000 a year and with the potential to go higher and higher,” Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, said. “I strongly encourage anyone interested in this exciting and good-paying field and the proposed facility to attend this informational meeting.”

Alderman Stamper and representatives from community partners, including Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, RACM, MATC, We Energies and others will host an informational meeting to describe the project.

Students participating in MATC’s Electrical Power Distribution/Line Mechanic program may be eligible for the college’s first-ever full-ride scholarship program. The Ellen and Joe Checota MATC Scholarship Program provides students the chance to accelerate careers by providing short-term technical diploma and certificate programs. The MATC Promise for New High School Graduates and the MATC Promise for Adults will also be presented as offering free tuition for eligible students.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.