Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/484021
w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m March 2015 • /INSIGHT ON MANUFACTURING | 11 running two sections of 40 students. Referendum plans also include a major overhaul of the Marinette campus and significant work on the Sturgeon Bay campus. "Marinette-Menominee-Peshtigo is a significant area of manufacturing focus," Rafn says. "We will continue to expand and develop our offerings for the marine industry and the five major shipbuilders in the area, but beyond that we also will be expanding the nursing program and wellness program up in that area." e community seems to sense the importance of the college in supporting the area economy. e college gauged public interest last fall through a survey conducted in conjunction with St. Norbert College. It learned that 72 percent of voters would vote "yes" on the referendum and more than 90 percent understood the importance of the college to the community. "at gave us enough confidence, frankly to say, 'OK, it appears that there is a willingness to do this,'" Rafn says. e college also is hoping to take advantage of interest rates while they're low. A similar referendum at Fox Valley Technical College, which passed in April 2012 for virtually the same amount, focused more on public safety and health technology but also enhanced programs such as diesel mechanics, which NWTC also is planning. While there is crossover between the student populations of FVTC and NWTC, they're sufficiently different, and the two colleges have compared notes on similar programs such as diesel mechanics to determine whether there's capacity, Rafn says. Above; students in IT hardware and Health Care. Below; student in the Machining department Of area residents surveyed, 94 percent agreed that a technical college education is one of the most important forms of education available. c o n t i n u e d > COURTESY NWTC COURTESY NWTC COURTESY NWTC