Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/104912
employees up to minimum standards for the jobs,��� Tabat says. ���These are technically demanding manufacturing jobs, not merely assembly.��� Generac has been a leader in employee training for years. ���In 1996, I saw that we didn���t have enough workers in the pipeline to grow our business,��� Tabat says. ���That led me to start the Second Chance Partners for Education program in order to engage the young people who had the qualities and talent we needed but weren���t thriving in a traditional academic environment.��� Tabat brought together community and education leaders to develop an alternative work-based learning program that meets state education standards while providing relevant work experience within a manufacturing setting. Today, that program has 12 education centers around the state with more than 135 students. (See Education & Training, page 14). This is a time of exceptional opportunity for people to explore a career in manufacturing. Many manufacturers provide thorough training to people new to manufacturing, along with a full range of benefits. While many businesses are increasing workloads, decreasing benefits and cutting hours, manufacturers are sweetening the pot and reaching out to people who have the right qualities to succeed in a demanding, fast-paced and rewarding environment. Manufacturing is becoming known as the new career of choice for those with the ���right stuff.��� Rich Rovito is an industry reporter for the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Prior to joining the WMEP, Rich was a reporter for more than 12 years with The Business Journal of Greater Milwaukee, covering the manufacturing, airlines, labor unions, employment services, logistics and education beats. His 20 years of reporting experience also includes sports coverage for the Associated Press and reporting for a local Wisconsin newspaper. F w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m Our people KNOW BUSINESS. That���s why they���re our people. www.firstbusiness.com Member FDIC DESIGN TO IMPRESS... BUILD TO LAST... Commercial Industrial Design/Build www.alliancebuilds.com | 920-336-3400 Call today for a FREE estimate! 800-582-2847 4725 Gray Wolf Drive Oshkosh, WI 54904 920-426-2704 800-582-2847 January 2013 ��� Insight on Manufacturing | 23